Par sa faute

The fact that credibility is strained to the limits is not unusual in most of the Deanna Durbin films of this period. "Because of Him" is no exception--with a charming performance by Deanna and an excessively hammy one (intentionally so) by Charles Laughton. Both prove they have a way with comedy--as does Franchot Tone as a playwright who does not want Durbin to star in his new show. While the thin plot hinges on whether or not Deanna is successful in seeking the patronage of famous actor (Laughton) and starring in the theater, there is an air of mirth in the proceedings with just the right light touch to keep the story spinning to a happy ending.

Deanna, as usual, is in fine voice and gives a lovely rendition of "Danny Boy" and tosses off an operatic aria under most unusual circumstances. Her voice is showcased here and so is her comic timing. Easy to see why she was such a popular favorite in the '40s.

"The film is only let down by Durban's (sic) terrible singing." . . . Now that's a good one! Deanna Durbin was catapulted to national prominence in her first appearance on the Eddie Cantor radio hour - at the age of 14 - as a singer. That program elicited 4,000 letters of praise, and off she took like a rocket. Her films were enormously popular, and she sang in every one. She changed the course of operatic singing and single-handedly inspired a whole new generation of opera singers. The list of her professional musical admirers is as long as your arm and includes Lily Pons, Maria Callas and Joan Sutherland, who said,"I wish I knew how she did it." Rostropovich, the great Russian cellist, said he was inspired to capture with his cello the same purity and clarity that he found in Durbin's singing. Mel Torme said Durbin was "phenomenal." He said she could sing anything you put in front of her and do it to perfection. I am rarely able to endure operatic singing, but Durbin is so good at everything, I'd rush to listen to her call hogs if given the chance.

Deanna Durbin and Charles Laughton shine in this comedy that has hints of romance and mystery. The setting is a familiar one with many Durbin films - taking place around the stage, theater or a group of young folks putting on a play. And, as with most of those, Durbin has a few songs that are extemporaneous to the plot. It's a nice way to show her exceptional singing talent, without making a regular musical story. Even though some of her films with songs are grouped also as musicals -- besides those that truly fit that bill, most of them stand along as very good comedies

"Because of Him" has a funny plot and a story that really lets Laughton get into wonderful comedy. It's not of dialog and witticisms, but scenes with his very funny physical expressions. His John Sheridan reacts to the shenanigans of a ploy by Durbin's Kim Walker to break into the stage. This is a great film to watch this master actor in some superb hammy comedy. And, in most of this, Dubin plays the straight face or character with Laughton. But, she has her comical moments as well. One of the funniest is with Franchot Tone's Paul Taylor, toward the end as she tries to stick to him while he ties to get away from her. It's very funny in the apartment hallway with Durbin singing from inside his locked door, the neighbors all coming out to see what's going on, and then their carrying it into the elevator with other passengers. Donald Meek, Helen Broderick, and Stanley Ridges round out the supporting cast for comedy.

This isn't a comedy with rollicking laughter, but one of humorous drama and a caper that blows up into a full blown plot. It has obviously hammy scenarios, and an original and just very entertaining plot. The stars apparently had a lot of fun on the set, and this was another box office hit that kept Durbin on the top in Hollywood through the mid-1940s.

Deanna Durbin has perhaps the most beautiful singing voice in the history of this planet. I never leave reviews but had to say something upon reading the review of the ignoramus who spoke of her singing in--to put it politely--disparaging terms. To you, sir, madam, or whatever else you could possibly be, do the human race a favor and please resign from it. That act alone would probably bring peace and sanity to a world sadly in need of it.

There's a reason she alone saved Universal Studios from bankruptcy. Because 60 years ago, people actually had ears, eyes, and brains. God save us all.

As a previous reviewer remarked regarding this fine film obviously has no knowledge of what a legend Deanna Durbin is with her singing voice she literally saved Universal studios from bankruptcy with her very first film at about the age of 14. With that first film Three Smart Girls she went on to have a very successful career till the age of about 27 when she retired and now lives happily in seclusion in France. Because of Him is the story of an ambitious waitress who dreams of being on the stage and with a little trickery on her side achieves her dream with the starring role of her first play much to the chagrin of the plays writer who thinks she is totally wrong for the part, but as with most of her films it comes right at the end.