Amazon.com: Not even the minor distraction of an imminent world war could keep this pleasing Cinderella tale from making international headlines in 1939, thanks to its much-anticipated delivery of Deanna Durbin's first screen kiss. It's planted by lanky Robert Stack, making his movie debut; along with the tune 'Amapola,' the film is noteworthy for a typically gruff-charming performance from stocky Eugene Pallette, as the uncle who befriends orphaned Deanna. (Offscreen, Durbin would soon find first love of her own, marrying Universal assistant director Vaughn Paul in the first of three trips down the aisle.) --Steven Smith
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Rating: - Deanna Durbin, all grown up and ready for romance!
In 1939, singing sweetheart Deanna Durbin was eighteen years old, all grown up and ready for her very first screen romance. She found it in FIRST LOVE, a delightful spin on the "Cinderella" story, in which she co-stars with a young Robert Stack.
Orphaned Connie Harding (Deanna Durbin) has just graduated college and moved in with her rich uncle's family. The servants welcome her with open arms, but her snooty cousin Barbara (Helen Parrish) is another story. However, kind-hearted Connie always goes out of her way to be of help, even assisting Barbara's none-too-subtle plans to land handsome bachelor Ted Drake (Robert Stack). After she's stopped from attending a large party at Ted's mansion, heartsick Connie is given a helping hand by the kind servants who provide a beautiful new dress, white fur coat and a police escort to the party! But what will happen when Connie accidentally stays past midnight ... Read More
Rating: - A sweet-natured re-telling of the Cinderella story, and a charming vehicle for 18-year-old Deanna Durbin
I'll take my Cinderella with Prokovief, but after watching First Love, a first-rate film with a quease-inducing title, I'll place this Deanna Durbin vehicle second.
"You go up there to New York," says Miss Wiggins, a crotchety, spinster music teacher, to Connie Harding, who has just graduated from a fancy private school. "Make those people love you just as much as we do." Connie is an orphan, and Miss Wiggins is referring to her uncle and his family, wealthy New Yorkers who have paid all her bills but were just too busy to drive down for her graduation. They sent one of the family's limousines for her. "And then," Miss Wiggins says, "maybe, someday, you will meet a prince, and you'll live happily ever after."
"Those fairy stories haven't come true for over 100 years, Miss Wiggins," Connie says.
Miss Wiggins thumps the floor with her cane. "Fiddlesticks! We just have to dust them ... Read More
Rating: - First Kiss
This movie is so sweet. Deanna Durbin shines in a role that could've been sweetly sick but instead often has spunk. Helen Parrish is awesome as her evil cousin and this movie has some great songs and some great scenes. Deanna's performance in this movie is so good that it makes one wonder what Deanna may have done with Wizard of Oz.
Rating: - Sweet Interpretation of Cinderella
Deanna Durbin stars in First Love, her own version of Cinderella. She plays a sweet, innocent, and friendly orphan named Connie who goes to live with her spoiled socialite cousin Barbara (Helen Parrish) when she graduates from an all girl's school. She wins over the staff with her well-trained singing voice and energy who encourage her to break her cousin's rigid rules and have a little fun. However, Barbara constantly tries to guilt Connie into doing things for her, such as feigning sick to stall her friends so she can sleep in. On this escapade, Connie runs into the guy everyone seems to love (Robert Stack) who becomes fascinated with the mysterious Connie. Later, they meet again when the staff helps Connie go to a party despite Barbara's efforts to detain her. There, Connie is a sensation, singing and dancing all night with a love-struck Ted. However, after being advised to leave by midnight to avoid running into Barbara ... Read More
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- Deanna Durbin, all grown up and ready for romance!
- A sweet-natured re-telling of the Cinderella story, and a charming vehicle for 18-year-old Deanna Durbin
