Atticus Finch, a widowed lawyer in Depression-era Alabama, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge and his children against prejudice.
Gregory Peck portrays lawyer Atticus Finch in this timeless tale of prejudice and racism in the Deep South – though it must be said – applicable to virtually all corners of America. Harper Lee’s book was so successful she never had to work another day in her life – to date, having sold more than 40 million copies worldwide. Lee’s only other novel, entitled ‘Go Set A Watchman,’ published in 2015, was basically an earlier draft of “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
The story is told through the eyes of Scout Finch (Mary Badham), daughter of Atticus, loosely based on Lee’s own childhood experiences. Phillip Alford plays Jem, Scout’s older brother, who dutifully looks after his sister.
Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) is falsely accused of rape in a scenario that still occurs today. Tom’s accuser, Mayella Violet Ewell (Collin Wilcox), provides false testimony, barely credible. Though the all-male, all-white jury uncritically laps up Mayella’s lies, her father, Bob Ewell, played by James Anderson, is nonetheless profoundly embarrassed. He later plots revenge on Atticus by attacking his children as they walk alone in the woods.
When Judge John Taylor (Paul Fix) asks Atticus to take the case and defend Tom, the soft-spoken attorney thoughtfully accedes, no doubt knowing full well that no other lawyer in town would perform any appropriate due diligence in the matter. Atticus does the best he can, but the outcome is essentially predetermined. Even so, watching Atticus leave the courtroom despite the guilty verdict is quite moving. The black spectators on the balcony stand solemnly as Atticus passes.
The impact of “To Kill a Mockingbird” depends on the tragic nature of the situation. A sort of happy ending “not guilty” verdict for Tom would have been implausible and a cheap device for either the novel or the production. Fittingly, only a semblance of justice prevails when the closing credits roll.
In his first screen appearance, Robert Duvall weighs in as the mysterious Boo Radley, who unexpectedly rescues Scout and Jem from a murderous Bob Ewell. Other noteworthy performances include first-time appearances by William Windom and Alice Ghostley as well.
The 1962 drama was expertly adapted to the screen by Oscar-winner Horton Foote, who also won an Academy Award for his original screenplay in 1983’s “Tender Mercies,” which interestingly starred Robert Duvall.
Directed by Robert Mulligan, the black-and-white “To Kill a Mockingbird,” tells this fine story in an understated yet poignant fashion. A narrative for the ages, this immortal film takes its rightful place among the great movie adaptations of all time.
Now available on a 60th Anniversary Limited Edition 4K Ultra HD™
