REGENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 July 1939, Page 2

REGENT THEATRE

•‘THREE SMART GIRLS GROW UP,

Lifted from previous humble or middle-elass surroundings into society opulence, Deanna Durbin, in her new singing comedy, “Three Smart Girls Grow Up,’' which will be shown tonight at the Regent Theatre, preserves that youthful charm and sunny personality which have made the Durbin pictures attractive to people of both sexes and all ages. Deanna could not dress much as the child of a poor musician, but now she is a multi-mil-lionaire’s daughter. Therefore she can dress—and does —but in her new and less simple surroundings she preserves the demure comedy and the romping gaiety revealed in her four earlier pictures. A remarkable performance is given by Deanna Durbin. This film is a happy reminder of “Three Smart Girls,” in which Deanna Durbin made her first appearance. It presents apI proximately the same cast, Deanna Durbin, Charles Winninger, Nella Walker, Nan Grey, and Ernest Cossart, with the addition of Helen Parrish, Bob Cummings and William Lundigan. The plot is much more of a comedy than I any of the 16-year-old singing star’s previous films, but Deanna Durbin shows herself equally capable in the lighter part as she has in her other appearances'. There can be no question but that Deanna Durbin's acting stands out from that of every other member of the cast. However, her performance is very closely rivalled by that of Charles Winninger, who takes the part of her father. He is a loveable old man with a very poor memory. His constant forgetfulness provides much of the humour of the film. There are few actors who could take the part as naturally as he does. The scenes in which he appears provide an excellent relief for the heavier parts of the film. Nan Grey and Helen Parrish, give polished performances. They are very: natural actresses. Their love affairs provide the plot of the film. Nella Walker does not have a very difficult role to play but she acquits herself well. Robert Cummings and William Lundigan, who play the romantic leads, are well suited to their parts. The quiet humour of Ernest Cossart, who has probably played the part of a butler more than. any other actor, is excellent,