Question 1

Which real-life Supreme Court justice inspired Walter Matthau's character in First Monday in October?

Accepted Answer

The Justice Dan Snow character played by Walter Matthau is based on real-life Justice William O. Douglas, who was appointed to the Supreme Court at age 40 and was a strong believer in First Amendment free speech protections.

Question 2

Why did Paramount rush the release of First Monday in October to August 1981?

Accepted Answer

After President Reagan announced Sandra Day O'Connor as the first woman on the Supreme Court on July 7, 1981, Paramount rushed the film's release from February 1982 to late August 1981 to capitalize on the publicity and avoid looking dated.

Question 3

Which actress turned down the lead role in First Monday in October, and why?

Accepted Answer

Jane Fonda turned down the lead role (played by Jill Clayburgh) because of the part's conservative nature, preferring to do On Golden Pond (1981) with her father Henry Fonda, which earned her an Oscar nomination.

Question 4

What plot device in the movie relates to Justice William O. Douglas's real-life belief?

Accepted Answer

Justice William O. Douglas believed that films could not be censored under the U.S. Constitution, so he did not attend screenings of pornographic films—a plot device in the movie—as he would automatically vote against censoring them.

Question 5

Who originated Walter Matthau's role in the Broadway production of First Monday in October?

Accepted Answer

Henry Fonda originated the role of Associate Justice Dan Snow in the original 1978 Broadway production, which also starred Jane Alexander, who was nominated for a Tony Award for Actress in a Drama.

First Monday in October

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