Une amie pour la vie

The story was well written, the acting was well done, the cinematography was well done. Charles Nelson Reily was great as an old clown, and Mickey Rooney was in his usual top form, even at this age.

Heck, I'm not one for family films, but this one was pretty good. My wife caught it on the Hallmark channel, and we just ended up watching it.

Sure, it has a happy ending...it's supposed to. Anything else would have been a disappointment.

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 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!

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.

I watched this movie because of my eternal love of Charles Nelson Reilly. I love this story. The entire cast was superb. Although I didn't enjoy the family scenes too much, I enjoyed every minute of the circus. This is definitely on my list of favorite movies!