Une amie pour la vie

I first saw The First of May a few years ago with my family and we all were thoroughly pleased. Julie Harris gives a wonderful performance as the lovable Carlotta and Dan Byrd is fantastic in his first film!

Mickey Rooney may not be the greatest actor in the world (and I hear he smelled like tuna fish on set) but he certainly seemed to deliver in this film.

This film also features the final screen appearance of Joe DiMaggio, a true baseball legend.

The story is fun and touching, the cast is fantastic, and I have a feeling that kid who played the catcher will go on to do great things in the future!

I really hope this film comes to DVD soon! I'll be the first in line to buy it and share it with others!

My husband and I just happened upon this fine movie while channel surfing. Julie Harris was outstanding, as were the other main characters. Loved the "pitch" at the end encouraging adoption. Though predictable, the story was enjoyable.

I will be writing a paper on The First of May. I am a student of Professor Rogers and consider it an honor to experience the insights he has provided in many aspects. The First of May hit home with me and I believe that this movie has a message to deliver to others as well. I believe in the efforts put forth in this movie and the dedication has paid off in sharing family values and encouraging love, support, and understanding towards one another. The First of May contains all the elements of emotion allowing the viewer to the escape with the circus on the roller-coaster of life. It also shares a reality with these ups and downs; however, through life's journey comes hope and belief! This is a movie worthwhile to watch. I am sure it will give appreciation to those you hold dearly.

Cory (Dan Byrd) is an 11 year-old who has been bounced around in the foster care system for years. Not surprisingly, he has some behavior problems (who wouldn't in a case like this) and he's going to yet another foster home. Cory isn't easy to love and when he learns that the foster family is having a child of their own, he assumes they don't want him and he runs away with a most unusual old lady he's met...Carlotta (Julie Harris). Carlotta hates the old folks' home she's in...and loves to find an excuse to leave.

Eventually the pair find a circus...which is great since Carlotta worked most of her life in circuses. The pair get jobs with the circus and things seem to be going pretty well...though you know sooner or later, they are bound to be caught.

The film was made somewhat on the cheap. Despite this, it did have some familiar faces. Aside from Ms. Harris, Mickey Rooney and Charles Nelson Reilly are in the film. Overall, it's a bit schmaltzy and predictable...but it's also a family film that adults won't hate...which is a big plus!

By the way, you might want to have some Kleenex ready...just in case.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a screening followed by a Q&A session conducted by the producer-director and found the film to be wonderful - there wasn't a dry eye in the house - and the Q&A session to be very enlightening. Don't miss this one if you have a chance to see it. Julie Harris gives an Oscar-quality performance as an elderly lady shunted off to an old folks home. Dan Byrd is perfect as the foster child abandoned by his mother. Joe DiMaggio played hurt once again and you wouldn't know it. The director shared with us that The Yankee Clipper, who was forced by the union to accept the princely sum of $248 for his work in this film, cracked two ribs the week before filming his scenes. Although he was in obvious pain between takes, on-screen he was the Joe DiMaggio we all remember. This G-rated film has powerful messages about adoption and should be seen by families. This movie deserves wide release.