First Love (1939)

In this reworking of Cinderella, orphaned Connie Harding is sent to live with her rich aunt and uncle after graduating from boarding school. She's hardly received with open arms, especially... See full summary »

Director:

Henry Koster

Writers:

Bruce Manning (screenplay), Lionel Houser (screenplay),

Stars:

Deanna Durbin, Robert Stack, Eugene Pallette

Nominated for 3 Oscars.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Deanna Durbin	...	Constance Harding
Robert Stack	...	Ted Drake
Eugene Pallette	...	James Clinton
Helen Parrish	...	Barbara Clinton
Lewis Howard	...	Walter Clinton
Leatrice Joy	...	Grace Shute Clinton
June Storey	...	Wilma van Everett
Frank Jenks	...	Mike the Cop
Kathleen Howard	...	Miss Wiggins
Thurston Hall	...	Anthony Drake
Marcia Mae Jones	...	Marcia Parker
Samuel S. Hinds	...	Mr. Parker
Doris Lloyd	...	Mrs. Parker
Charles Coleman	...	George, Clinton's Butler
Jack Mulhall	...	Terry

Storyline

In this reworking of Cinderella, orphaned Connie Harding is sent to live with her rich aunt and uncle after graduating from boarding school. She's hardly received with open arms, especially by her snobby cousin Barbara. When the entire family is invited to a major social ball, Barbara sees to it that Connie is forced to stay home. With the aid of her uncle, who acts as her fairy godfather, Connie makes it to the ball and meets her Prince Charming in Ted Drake, her cousin's boyfriend.

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Plot Keywords:

cinderella | new york city | maid | orphan | chauffeur | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 November 1939 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cinderella

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

84 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Deanna Durbin's character gives her birthdate as 4 December - Durbin's own.

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Goofs

The position of Connie's and Miss Wiggins' arms as they hug each other.

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Connections

Featured in Hers to Hold (1943)

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Soundtracks

"Home, Sweet, Home"
Music by H.R. Bishop
Lyrics by John Howard Payne
Sung by Deanna Durbin

User Reviews

Charming spin on the 'Cinderella' tale...

A maturing DEANNA DURBIN and a strikingly handsome young ROBERT STACK are the enjoyable romantic leads in this Cinderella tale that spins along with a few Durbin songs tossed in for good measure.

Deanna plays the orphaned cousin of a rich and snobbish family that tries to get her to stay home from a lavish ball. With the help of servants (instead of mice), Deanna gets to attend the ball, delivers an outstanding solo, meets the handsome "prince" (Stack) and has to fend off the insults of her snobbish cousin (Helen Parrish).

The slight plot moves effortlessly toward a happy ending. Durbin fans should love this one--it's easy to take and easy to love. Eugene Pallette gives a fine comic performance as her gruff uncle and the rest of the cast does a professional job under Henry Koster's direction.