The First of May 4 Stars (Out of 4) Reviewed by Mac VerStandig critic@moviereviews.org http://www.moviereviews.org
***Note: Given the excellence of this film, I have added it to the Moviereviews.org top 100 list at the #82 position.***
***Note: As of June 20, 1999 no studio had purchased the film for distribution and therefor no release date has been set.***
Paul Sirmons' directorial debut is entitled "The First of May", a term that the film explains is given to youngsters in circus life who have unlimited potential before them. With beautiful sentiment, all the traits of a great family film, loveable acting, and a story able to bring nearly anyone to tears, The First of May is a film as rich and capable as the youngster its name describes, as well as being one of the most heartwarming movies in recent memory.
Cory (Dan Byrd) is an 11 year old foster child who has been in numerous homes and shelters. Cory's latest set of parents are Dan (Tom Nowicki) and Michelle (Robin O'Dell), a happily married young couple with a bright future in front of them.
Early in the film Cory becomes friends with Carlotta (Julie Harris), an elderly lady who constantly complains about the prison like atmosphere that her nursing home provides. A former world traveler, she is both knowledgeable and sweet to the young child.
When Cory learns of plans that will place him in yet another home, he and Carlotta choose to runaway from the lives that constantly distress them. During this nearly magical journey that they take, Corey matures. He not only masters the ordinary grade school material that kids his age are mandated to learn, but he encounters lessons in business, love, and survival as well.
Most important during Cory and Carlotta's journey is the young boy's discovery of various forms of affection and love. Not only does Carlotta become the stable caretaker that he has dreamed of, but he becomes the grandchild that she has always wanted. Additionally, he forms bonds with a turtle named Mr. T, a beautiful and talented young girl, and the numerous people that he encounters, who soon become the family he has always desired. But by far, the most touching and heartwarming moment of Cory's journey is when he receives batting advice from a certain baseball legend named DiMaggio. This spectacular scene is most memorable because unlike typical cameo appearances by stars playing themselves, Cory's lack of knowledge regarding DiMaggio's identity transforms the greatest baseball player ever into an ordinary guy.
Furthering its heartwarming quality is The First of May's ability to call itself a family film. This production is absolute proof that any and all ages can be entertained without violence, sex, or even naughty language. Older generations will be grinning at the numerous references to the great New York Yankees dynasty, and the aforementioned scene with DiMaggio. Younger crowds should be well amused by some circus atmosphere stunts that can only be described as "neat." And just about everyone should enjoy the film's ability to move swiftly through the nearly two hours, and always have an interesting focus on screen.
If the plot, themes, and entertaining qualities of The First of May make it a tasty film, then the acting is a cherry on top. Newcomer Dan Byrd is presented with one of the toughest roles that an actor could be given. Not only is he the protagonist of a film, but he must play opposite Hollywood great Julie Harris in nearly every scene. Byrd and Harris both turn in performances that make their characters so sweet that audiences will lovingly "awe" and cry at times. The pinnacle of this occurs early in the film when the two are sitting in a tree together, and form a bond literally as strong as that of a loving family.
Holden Caulfield had what he considered to be a "lousy childhood." Oliver was an orphan. Over time writing and filmmaking have introduced the world to some of the most intriguing, entertaining, and occasionally adorable children with blemished histories. Cory is certainly one of these great characters. Through a loveable script, memorable moments, and touching acting, The First of May is a heartwarming family film.
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