First Monday In October

SUPREMELY Left of Center ~ ~
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...

Great dialogue & subtle physical comedy
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!

A Treat for Smart People
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.

Click to Editorial Reviews