RECENT THEATRE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 January 1940, Page 2

RECENT THEATRE

BRILLIANT DEANNA DURBIN. The latest and in many ways the greatest of this wonderful star’s productions, "First Love” will commence a season tonight at the State Theatre. It is of particular interest to all that Deanna Durbin renders "One Fine Day” from Madam Butterfly, thereby challenging comparison with Grace Moore. The picture is now running for a fourth week in both Wellington and Auckland. The management state that a glorious treat awaits all with this delightful production. The plans are now open at Nimmo’s and at the theatre.

Deanna Durbin has won another triumph in her sixth picture, "First Love,” which presents Deanna as an orphan girl who is forced to live with an aunt, an uncle, and two cousins her own age. They are rich and SRobbish and look upon Deanna as a poor relation. It is her personality, consideration and kindness which win over the servants and finally bring about an upheaval in the family. An 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 three other beautiful selections in “First Love”—-“Home Sweet Home,” “Amapola,” "Spring in My Heart.” Her voice is growing in power and feeling, and gives added beauty to her singing. In the cast with her are two newcomers, Robert Stack (the love interest of the story), and Lewis Howard. “First Love” presents a supporting cast which includes, in addition to Deanna, Miss Parrish, and Stack, a roster of fine players. Lewis Howard, from the New York stage, is in the role of Deanna’s lazy cousin; former screen star Beatrice Joy is her astrology-mad aunt; Eugene Pallette is the self-concerned uncle; Charles Coleman as the understanding butler; Frank Jenks as a policeman brother of the cook, Lucile Ward, and Dorothy Vaughin and Mary Treen as other house-servants. Marcia Mae Jones, June Storey and Jack Mulhall will also be seen in prominent roles. There is a strong supporting programme.