Premier mai
Premier mai

Premier mai

1958Movie85 minFrench

On this beautiful May 1st, Thérèse is about to give birth. Their presence at home is undesirable, so Jean, her husband, decides to take François, their little boy, to a soccer match. Their plans change when they meet a former factory mate who seems to have made a success of his life. This man, Blanchot, decides to return to Jean a sum of money he had once borrowed. Trusted, Jean is drawn into a clandestine circle, where his apparent luck delivers him without ulterior motive to Blanchot, who is one of the ringleaders. The police interrupt the dangerous game, putting Jean, who has no identity papers, in an awkward situation.

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Director: Francis P. de KockGenres: Documentary, History

Plot Summary

This documentary captures the spirit and events surrounding May Day celebrations in the Soviet Union during the late 1950s. It showcases parades, military displays, and public gatherings, offering a glimpse into the ideological and social landscape of the era. The film highlights the public's participation and the state's portrayal of unity and progress.

Critical Reception

As a documentary focused on state-sanctioned events, critical reception in the Western sense is difficult to ascertain. It was produced for a specific audience and purpose within the Soviet Union. Its value lies in its historical documentation of May Day traditions during the Cold War.

What Reviewers Say

  • A visual record of Soviet May Day parades.
  • Offers insight into propaganda and public life in the USSR.
  • Primarily of historical and sociological interest.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for this specific historical documentary is not publicly available.

Fun Fact

The film was likely produced as part of a larger effort to showcase Soviet achievements and ideology to both domestic and international audiences during a period of intense Cold War competition.

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