First Love (1939)
A sparkling Cinderella musical from Hollywood's golden year, showcasing Deanna Durbin's enchanting voice and irresistible screen presence.
First Love - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1939
- Directed by: Henry Koster
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Romance, Music
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 1h 24m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 10, 1939 (United States - NR)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
First Love - Plot
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.
Where to Watch First Love
Looking for where to watch First Love?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
First Love - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Henry Koster
Main Cast
- Deanna Durbin
- Robert Stack
- Eugene Pallette
- Helen Parrish
- Lewis Howard
- Leatrice Joy
- Marcia Mae Jones
- June Storey
- Frank Jenks
- Kathleen Howard
Writers
- Henry Myers
- Gertrude Purcell
- Bruce Manning
- Lionel Houser
Producers
- Henry Koster
- Joe Pasternak
First Love - FAQs
Is First Love based on a true story?
No, First Love is not based on a true story. It's a loose, playful retelling of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, transplanted into a glamorous 1930s American social setting. Screenwriters Henry Myers, Gertrude Purcell, Bruce Manning, and Lionel Houser crafted the original screenplay around Deanna Durbin's musical talents.
Was First Love Deanna Durbin's first on-screen kiss?
Yes! First Love is famously remembered as the film in which Deanna Durbin received her first on-screen kiss, delivered by co-star Robert Stack. The moment generated considerable publicity at the time and became one of the film's most talked-about highlights, adding real-life romantic intrigue to the Cinderella storyline.
Who are the main actors in First Love?
Deanna Durbin leads the cast as Connie Harding, with Robert Stack playing her romantic interest Ted Drake. Eugene Pallette brings warmth as the kindly uncle, while Helen Parrish plays the scheming cousin Barbara. The supporting cast also includes Lewis Howard, Leatrice Joy, Marcia Mae Jones, and June Storey.
What is First Love about?
First Love is a musical Cinderella story following orphaned Connie Harding, who moves in with wealthy relatives after boarding school. Excluded from a grand social ball by her jealous cousin, she gets a second chance thanks to her kind uncle. At the ball, she meets and falls for Ted Drake, her cousin's own boyfriend.
When was First Love released?
First Love opened in theaters on November 10, 1939, in the United States. It arrived during one of Hollywood's most celebrated years, sharing the calendar with legendary releases like Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz, yet it carved out its own devoted audience thanks to Deanna Durbin's irresistible charm.
Who directed First Love and who produced it?
Henry Koster directed First Love, continuing his successful creative partnership with Deanna Durbin that had already produced several popular films. Joe Pasternak co-produced alongside Koster, with Universal Pictures distributing. Koster had a real gift for light, musical comedies, and his touch gives the film its warm, breezy energy.
What songs does Deanna Durbin sing in First Love?
Deanna Durbin showcases her celebrated soprano voice in First Love with several musical numbers, including a memorable performance of 'Spring in My Heart' and the operatic 'Amapola.' Her singing was central to the film's appeal and a key reason Universal Pictures built so many of her vehicles around musical set pieces.
What is the age rating for First Love?
First Love carries a Not Rated (NR) classification, which is typical for films produced before the modern MPAA rating system was established. As a gentle, family-friendly musical comedy from 1939, the film contains no content that would concern viewers of any age, making it perfectly suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
More About First Love
Explore further details about First Love on these trusted resources.