REGENT THEATRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20133, 30 December 1939, Page 3

REGENT THEATRE

DEANNA DURBIN IN “FIRST LOVE” Miracles do happen, even in this day and age. The latest miracle to come to.pass is Deanna Durbin’s new Universal picture, "First Love,” which commences a season at the Regent Theatre to-day. .The miracle lies in that, for the sixth time, Deanna has come through with a smashing success, excelling her previous live pictures, each of which was claimed to be unexcellablc at the time of its making, ‘First Love” presents Deanna as a parentless girl, who, treated like a I poor relation by the family of her wealthy aunt and uncle, comes | through to a triumphant victory over j her surroundings. An outstanding j feature of the picture is that, for the | 'first time, the producers have injected! a goodly share of romance in the pro- 1 duction, something lacking in youthful j Miss Durbin’s earlier successes. Deanna sings four beautiful selections.)

“Home Sweet Home,” "Amapola,” “Spring in My Heart” and Puccini’s “One Fine Day,” from the opera, “Madame Buttcrby," Her voice is growing in power and feeling, giving added beauty to her excellent lyric soprano renditions. In the cast with her arc two newcomers, Robert Stack, tlie 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. An excellent supporting programme makes a delightful evening's entertainment.