Palate Cleanser: The Jeanette Macdonald - Deanna Durbin Smackdown

As promised. Verdi chosen because the Siren loves Verdi.

Jeanette, La Traviata, "Sempre Libera." From San Francisco (1936), directed by an uncredited W.S. Van Dyke and a movie in which the Siren quite likes the old Iron Butterfly. Apologies for the colorized clip:




Deanna, La Traviata, "Brindisi" (an odd choice for a young girl, but never mind), from One Hundred Men and a Girl (1937), directed by good old Henry Koster:



The Siren is going to go for Deanna, despite all the trouble the woman has inadvertently caused her this year, but she is willing to entertain spirited defenses of Miss Macdonald as well. Also, any opinions on the old story of a long secret love affair with Nelson Eddy? (That would be Macdonald having an affair with Eddy, not Durbin, although if you know something the Siren doesn't, do tell.)

(Palate Cleanser concept courtesy of the ever zen-like Glenn Kenny, who would not begrudge it to the Siren, she feels sure.)