FAN MAIL INCREASES AS DOES WAR TENSION

Evening Star, Issue 23693, 28 September 1940, Page 5

FAN MAIL INCREASES AS DOES WAR TENSION

Fan mail from warring countries of Europe requesting photos and gifts from Deanna Durbin is now being answered free of charge by Universal studios, following the suggestion made recently by the star herself. Deanna’s foreign fan mail has _ increased more than 25 per cent, since the outbreak of hostilities abroad, and now averages 3,500 letters per month, according to Charlotte Taylor, head of the studio fan mail department.

Problems in European currency exchange have almost nullified the possibility of foreign fans sending the usual fees for photos, souvenirs, and gifts from stars. Therefore Deanna Durbin suggested that all foreign mail, apparently increased through efforts of war victims to seek emotional release, he answered without charge, and that any money sent bo returned with her reply. Her suggestion was accepted immediately by studio executives. During the past few months Miss Durbin has become “ godmother ” to more than 100 soldiers on their written request. Special photographs have been taken aud are being autographed by Deanna Durbin for all requests from soldiers.

One letter recently from a captain, written on behalf of 40 of his men, requested souvenirs from Deanna for the men “ to take to the front with them.” The star replied with a package containing 40 souvenirs from her latest picture, ‘ It’s a Date,’ including hair ribbons, handkerchiefs, and other wardrobe items, small “ props,” and other gifts.

Thus one star and one studio are playing at least a small part in relieving tension in warring countries.