First Monday in October

1981 Comedy Drama

The election of Sandra Day O'Connor to the Supreme Court rendered the premise of First Monday in October anachronistic before the picture was even released; ignoring this, however, the film is supremely entertaining (no pun intended). Jill Clayburgh stars as Ruth Loomis, the first lady justice ever appointed to the Court. She's a conservative, while her principal foe on the bench, Dan Snow (Walter Matthau), is an old-line liberal. The film glides along on a predictable Tracy-Hepburn course until Snow comes to Loomis' defense when her late industrialist husband is accused of improprieties which might compromise Loomis' effectiveness. First Monday in October was adapted by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee from their own Broadway play, which starred Henry Fonda. Actress Martha Scott co-produced the film, while several other Hollywood veterans, including Herb Vigran and Ann Doran, dot the supporting case. more..

Director: Ronald Neame

Starring: Walter Matthau, Jill Clayburgh, Barnard Hughes, Jan Sterling

Reviews

No reviews

Awards

  • Best Motion Picture Actor - Comedy/Musical

    Golden Globes (1982)

     
  • Best Comedy Adapted from Another Medium

    Writers Guild of America (1982)