A singer she caught the attention of MGM when 14.
She made one film for them, Every Sunday [1936]
But it was Universal that took her on board in an effort to avert financial disaster. Pasternak was her mentor here and steered her to a good deal of success.
Missed out on the key role in Wizard of Oz as did Shirley Temple as neither were available.
In 1941 Pasternak left for MGM and Durbin foundered somewhat.
She attempted to make the move into fully adult roles but did not really manage the transition, not the first and last time that has happened. She retired in 1948, partially because of weight concerns