First Monday in October
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First Monday in October is a play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee.
The title refers to the day on which the United States Supreme Court traditionally convenes following its summer recess. Ruth Loomis, a staunch conservative, has become the first woman appointed to the august body, and she immediately finds opposition in the person of Daniel Snow, the resident liberal. Although they never concur on any of the issues before the Court, they learn to develop a respect and affection for one another with the passing of time.
After seventeen previews, the Broadway production, directed by Edwin Sherin, opened on October 3, 1978 at the Majestic Theatre. The following month it transferred to the ANTA Playhouse, where it closed on December 9, for a total of 79 performances. Jane Alexander and Henry Fonda headed the cast. Alexander was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play.
A 1981 film version, adapted by Lawrence and Lee and directed by Ronald Neame, starred Jill Clayburgh and Walter Matthau, both of whom were nominated for Golden Globe awards for their performances.
Hollywood was delighted upon the real-life nomination in August of Sandra Day O'Connor -- who, like Loomis, was said to be conservative, a sports fan, and younger than others on the Court. O'Connor's nomination prompted Paramount to change the release date from October to August.[1]
[edit] References
- ^ David Sterritt, "America's first woman justice -- the Hollywood version," Christian Science Monitor, Aug. 6, 1981.
