GROWN-UP DEANNA

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21558, 22 January 1940, Page 5

GROWN-UP DEANNA

In Deanna Durbin's new Universal picture, “First Love,” for the sixth time, it is said, Deanna has come through with a success, excelling her previous five pictures. “First Love" presents Deanna as a parentless girl, who, treated like a poor relation by the family of her wealthy aunt and uncle, comes through to a triumphant victory over her surroundings. The outstanding feature of the picture is that, for the first time, the producers have injected a good share of romance in the production, something lacking in youthful Miss Durbin's earlier successes. Deanna sings four selections in "First Love’’—"Home Sweet Home.” "Amapola,” "Spring in My Heart." and Puccini’s “One Fine Day,” from the opera “Madame Butterfly.” Her voice is growing in power and feeling, giving added beauty to her excellent singing. In the cast with her are two newcomers, Robert Stack, the love interest of the story, and Lewis Howard. The balance of the cast includes Helen Parrish. Eugene Pallette, Leatrice Joy, June Storey, Marcia Mae Jones, Charles Coleman, and many other gifted players. The picture was directed by Henry Koster and produced by Joe Pasternak.