Customer Reviews

First Monday in October

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Give me a break! a HEALING break with plenty of laughs, that is.

Hurrah for the comic relief brought to us in "The First Monday in October" - - This movie should be watched by all who have serious business with the Supreme Court: justices, law clerks, picketers among others. Even if this movie were meant to be an art film - or one that snobby critics could cleverly rip apart - Why not decide right now that it is a romantic comedy & perfectly appropriate to watch this "First (Week) of October" for some much-needed healing that laughter will bring?

It is hard to imagine more stressful days in 'our times.' Our sides need to ache from laughter instead of disgust over all the bungling of bureaucrats. The play on which this 1981 movie was based pre-dates the appointment of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor to the court, by the way. Who cares that Jill Clayburgh is younger than the current justice-candidate? She is a worthy foil for Walter Matthau who 'nails' the situation when he grumps: "When a man moves into the White House you never know what will happen to his mind." Matthau is Oh! so comfortable in his curmudgeonly role as an outspoken liberal-minded justice.

Among other lines that endear him to me: "The telephone has NO constitutional right to be answered." The opening close-ups -- exterior shots of the Supreme Court building -- are more striking than any shown on newscasts the first Monday of (this 2005) October session. Marble and granite do enhance any serious debates that may follow . . . & I did enjoy the HANDEL, Bernie!

mcHAIKU says "Allow yourself some laughs - - Toast your good health -- and write your senators!"

It's always a pleasure to see a movie that presents both sides of a complex issue (in this case, liberals vs. conservatives) in an even-handed and enjoyable way. The characterization of First Monday is superb, particularly the antagonism between Matthau and Clayburgh. I chuckled numerous times over the dialog. Example: after hearing that the chief justice had flowers sent to the new female Supreme Court justice, Matthau muttered, "How come you don't send ME flowers anymore, CJ"? I hope this movie is released sometime in DVD, in letterbox, along with commentary.

This is one film where Matthau doesn't go completely "over the top". He and Clayburgh make a great team; I'm surprised they weren't coupled in other projects later.Add Barnard Hughes as "Mr. Chief Justice" into the mix, and you have banter and badinage at its best!

The First Monday in October refers to the first day the Supreme Court is in session each year. On Broadway it starred Henry Fonda and Martha Scott. Ms. Scott produced the film version.

This is about the appointment of the first woman on the Supreme Court.

Associate Justice Daniel Snow (Walter Matthau) is a liberal judge. When an associate justice dies, the President appoints a woman. When AJ Snow finds out that it's a woman, he gets excited. That is until he finds out that it is Ruth Loomis "the Mother Superior of Orange County."

Like the play, this is a movie about ideas from the extremes. Very controversial subjects of the time, pornography and big business, were chosen. The questions are simple but the answers are complex. This is a film to listen to and enjoy. You may not agree with what is being said but it will make you think.

This is not a perfect film. At times it's preachy and at the end it makes a wrong turn but it is still worthwhile. What is most important is this film makes you understand that there are two sides to each question and both need to be heard to understand the question.

DVD EXTRAS: None

'"Bet you anything" that Sandra D. Oconner thoroughly appreciated this "right on the mark" movie.

First Monday in October is a delight to view. It is accurate in picturing the inside of the Supreme Court and it is true to life in many of it's characters and issues. Matthau's character uses strong language which is a little off-putting but it is consistent with the character he portrays. In a world which is experiencing the vanishing of an ability to appreciate true "characters" this film is a refreshing reminder that characters are the spice of our society and play a valuable role. Very funny as well as entertaining.

Long before Sandra Day O'Conner (In 1981 President Reagan appointed her to the U.S. Supreme Court) there was a play about the first woman on the Supreme Court.

This movie "First Monday in October" (1981) chronicles the potential problems of allowing such a radical act to happen. It involves momentum engines and cabals. This is a great supporting cast; try to remember where you saw them before.

Justice Dan Snow (Walter Matthau) and Justice Ruth Hagadorn Loomis (Jill Clayburgh) play off each other as they are politically polarized (not necessarily left vs. right) over several subjects. While banding around they come to realize that they have more in common personally than differences. The story shows how they learn from each other and cope with adversity. We have fun in the meantime watching the interaction.
Be sure to look for blue birds and cherry blossoms.

You may notice that we are also introduced to a large dose of Handle's Water Music. Most Walter Matthau chooses many classical pieces of music for his movies. This music was also played in the Charles and Camilla at the religious blessing.

Who Killed the Electric Car?

Had seen the movie on television, enjoyed it, wanted to have a copy to watch.

I love this movie and we only had it taped off the TV, so we had to upgrade! We received the movie quickly and it was in perfect condition. Great service from the seller!

Fantastic movie! Sound track was outstanding. Walter Matthau and Jill Clayburgh had some nice chemistry going throughout the movie! Loved it!