The First of May (film)

The First of May (also known as Two for the Show^[3]) is a 1998 independent film by Paul Sirmons and Gary Rogers, starring Dan Byrd, Julie Harris, Charles Nelson Reilly, Robin O'Dell, Tom Nowicki, Joe DiMaggio, and Mickey Rooney. It premiered on 12th October, 1998, in Buena Vista, Florida, at the FMPTA Annual Party. The film is based on the 1991 novel The Golden Days by Gail Radley. The circus people call Cory "the first of May" as it's their term for a newcomer.

The First of May
Directed by	Paul Sirmons
Written by	Gary Rogers Gail Radley (novel)
Produced by	Gary Rogers Paul Sirmons
Starring	Julie Harris Charles Nelson Reilly Robin O'Dell Tom Nowicki Joe DiMaggio Dan Byrd Mickey Rooney
Cinematography	Stephen Campbell
Music by	Tom Backus
Distributed by	CMD Distribution[1][2]
Release date	1988 (1988)
Running time	111 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

It is notable for being the last film in which Joe DiMaggio appeared.

Plot

Cory is a foster child who has come and gone from a series of foster homes and foster parents. He is sent to Dan and Michelle who wish to adopt him, but Cory is warned that he'll go to a home for delinquents if he has any more problems with his foster family.

Soon after his unenthusiastic arrival, Cory is forced to join a group of children to sing at an aged care facility. He meets Carlotta, a former circus worker and performer who is one of the residents. She is as indifferent as Cory; the two form a friendship that grows.

When Cory overhears that Michelle has at last fallen pregnant, he fears he will be sent to a delinquent home. Cory runs away and goes to Carlotta's facility to say goodbye. Carlotta insists Cory helps her escape; the pair run away to join the circus.

Cast

• Dan Byrd as Cory
• Julie Harris as Carlotta
• Mickey Rooney as Boss Ed
• Charles Nelson Reilly as Dinghy
• Tom Nowicki as Dan
• Robin O'Dell as Michelle
• Gerard Christopher as Zack
• Mikki Scanlon as Loralie
• Joe DiMaggio as Joe

Awards

• Dove Award (issued by The Dove Foundation )^[4]
• Kidsfirst! Best of the Fest Award ^[5]
• Best of Fest Award (issued by the Chicago International Children's Film Festival ) ^[6][5]
• Best Film Award Feature Drama (issued by Burbank Film Festival )
• Best Film Awards Child Actor Performance (issued by Burbank Film Festival )
• Marcinek - Children's Jury Special Mention for a Movie and Special Mention by Professional Jury for Julie Harris as Foreign Actor at 18th Ale Kino! International Young Audience Film Festival^[7]