| Gregory Peck | Atticus Finch |
| Mary Badham | Jean Louise "Scout" Finch |
| Philip Alford | Jem Finch |
| Robert Duvall | Boo Radley |
| Frank Overton | Sheriff Heck Tate |
| Brock Peters | Tom Robinson |
| Rosemary Murphy | Miss Maudie Atkinson |
| John Megna | Dill Harris |
| Ruth White | Mrs. Dubose |
| Estelle Evans | Calpurnia |
| Paul Fix | Judge Taylor |
| Alice Ghostley | Stephanie Crawford |
| William Windom | Gilmer |
| Richard Hale | Mr. Radley |
| James Anderson | Bob Ewell |
| Tex Armstrong | Man |
| Steve Condit | Walter Cunningham |
| David Crawford | Tom Robinson, Jr. |
| Graham Denton | Walter Cunningham |
| Charles Fredericks | Court Clerk |
| Jester Hairston | Spence Robinson |
| Kim Hamilton | Helen Robinson |
| Nancy Marshall | Schoolteacher |
| Paulene Myers | Jessie |
| Collin Wilcox Paxton | Mayella Ewell |
| Hugh Sanders | Dr. Reynolds |
| Kim Stanley | Voice Only |
| Kelly Thordsen | Burly Man |
| Bill Walker | Rev. Sykes |
| Dan White | |
| Collin Wilcox | |
| Guy Wilkerson | Jury Foreman |
| Robert Mulligan | Director |
| Alexander Golitzen | Art Director |
| Henry Bumstead | Production Designer |
| Elmer Bernstein | Score Composer, Musical Direction/Supervision |
| Oliver Emert | Set Decoration/Design |
| Horton Foote | Screenwriter |
| Russell Harlan | Cinematographer |
| Jack Hayes | Musical Arrangement |
| Rosemary Odell | Costumes/Costume Designer |
| Alan J. Pakula | Producer |
| Aaron Stell | Editor |
| Bud Westmore | Makeup |
Maya3
Posted February 29, 2012
Atticus Finch is a lawyer in Maycomb County, Alabama. Mr. Finch is defending a black man charged with rape of a white girl. Atticus has two children, Jean Louise “Scout” and her older brother Jeremy “Jem”. In the beginning, it shows Jem and Scouts routine of everyday life, all year. Their town is full of different types of people that they meet and learn about. And how the white people treated the blacks. Everything started at the beginning of the summer when Dill came to Maycomb and he gave the idea to make their neighbor, Boo Radley come out. Very few people have seen Mr. Radley and the three of them make up stories of why he doesn’t come out and they try to get him to show himself.
I really enjoyed this book and how Harper Lee put it in the perspective from Scout, because it makes it interesting and sometimes easy to read. The book showed you how people treated the blacks even after the time of slavery. I heard a lot of great things about this book. The only disliking thing I had about it was how hard it was to get involved/keep reading the book at the beginning. The way the beginning starts is a little confusing. But I recommend to keep reading, because by the end, you will want to go back to the first page and start reading it all over again. You should definitely go out and buy the book, because it’s a book you’ll want to have. This book deserves a rating of 10 out of 10.
Imazon
Posted September 18, 2011
While attending a a film class at a San Diego community college back in the 80's, the instructor told is how badly Hitchcock's classic horror film, PSYCHO, was structured. His chief complaint is how the film spends twenty to twenty-five minutes on a character which we never see again and how everything is wrapped up so neatly by another character, the psychologist, who appears only in the last two or three minutes! Well. if the screenplay of PSYCHO has a bad structure--TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD takes the cake! I haven't read the prize-winning Harper Lee semiautobiographical novel, but if my nephew had written a similarly-structured script for his Walter screenwriting class at UCLA, it would have been thrown out! First of all, the film is divided in two parts. Sorry, but this is a film--not a two act play. The first half concentrates on Scout and really builds up her character. The second half is sedentary court-room drama. So, Mr. Foote, Ms Lee, WHO'S STORY IS IT??? Boo Radley's father is a peripheral character and could have easily been omitted. If I recall, and I just watched the film the other day after over twenty-five years, he doesn't even have a line of dialogue! Worse still, and equal to the first point I mention above, is the visual introduction of the Boo charcter after two hours of light on a screen! It's almost like a thankless role, and yet he is the symbolic "mockingbird" of the tale. He's not just Simon Oakland wrapping things up and making all ends meet as he does in the final minutes of PSYCHO. I saw it on VHS and I can't remember if it was the late producer Alan Pakula or not, who says in a short interview segment following the film, that no film had ever been made at that time which was from a child's POV. Err, excuse me, Mr. Pakula, ever heard of Rene' Clement's JEUX INTERDITS (Forbidden Games, 1952)? Also, the original trailer is shown at the beginning before the movie. One of the the film critic quotes says to "take the whole family." LOL A film that deals partially with a man unjustly accused of rape!!!??? LOL
0 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted April 21, 2011
This is a film, and book, that should be on everyone's 'must see" and "must read" lists. Gregory Peck's performance of Atticus Finch was certainly deserving of the Oscar he received. Atticus is a quiet, honorable and loving man who is placed in the unwinnable position of the attorney defending the accused black man, Tom Robinson. My two favorite scenes are: 1. At the end of the trial the black miinister says to Atticus' daughter "stand up, Miss Mary Ellen, your father is passing" and 2. After Mr. Ewell spits in his face, Atticus suppresses his own rage, wipes the spittle from his cheek, then casts his soiled handkerchief aside as if to say he won't put that man's residue back into his pocket.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 25, 2011
2.) Summary: Scout Finch describes a story of profane human behavior through her childhood years by discerning prejudice actions and the judgments of character in the novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee. The story takes place in Maycomb, Alabama revolving around the Finch family; Atticus being the widowed father of Jem (son) and Scout (daughter). The children's fascination with the Radley Place and the resident Boo Radley occurs after hearing the gossip of the town and the chilled vibe coming from the house. Later on, Atticus defends an African American named Tom Robinson who gets falsely accused of raping a Caucasian woman named Mayella Ewell. Atticus being Robinson's lawyer gives evidence that Robinson is not guilty, though still the all white jury is swayed and ended the trial accusing Robinson of rap. Bob Ewell, Mayellas' father, felt very threatened by Atticus throughout the case, so one afternoon he harasses Scout and Jem. Though Boo Radley steps in and ends the persecution by stabbing Ewell ending in death. The towns perception on Bob Ewell's death was that it was just an accident, proclaiming that their will be no charges on Radley after he saved the children. Scouts experiences by the end of the book make her realize that even though she may judge others she judges them by there integrity and loyalty, that she can not create a distance to people that are different from her as do most in her community.
Major themes: What defines and creates social structure? Answers and arguments to this question were emphasized throughout the novel, creating social inequality and racism as two major themes. Scouts opinion is that everyone should be treated equally though people's background and ethnicity might not be alike; this created an internal battle for Scout and definitely a battle for the people around her during this era. Good vs. evil was also relevant especially with Atticus' case, hoping that goodness will trump the evilness of racism including that racial equality will be prevailed.
Likes/ Dislikes: I enjoyed the novel and the way Harper Lee incorporated the innocence of childhood constructing with the controversy of the novel and the controversy of the time. I initially liked the book as a whole but when Lee was contributing to the children's innocence she described it in too much detail and I lost interest at times.
Someone should read this because. It is a great illustration of the era in the midst of the depression, showing the elements of social class and the prejudice actions some take for control. The perception of Scout and her take on the environment while she grows and becomes wiser changes the way readers will personally look at the world. Also noting that it is a must read classic.
Overall Rating: 9 points out of 10.
By Brooke Horsting
Kelli_P_WV
Posted October 1, 2010
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, describes the ignorance of racial intolerance. The author's purpose of the book was to show that no matter what your skin color, you're no different than anybody else. My evaluation of this book was that it teaches a lesson to kids. The purpose of this review is to recommend this book to others who have not read it.
To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the summer of 1935, in the town of Maycomb, Alabama. There are five main characters in this book. A seven year old named Scout, a twelve year old, Jem, a seven year old, Dill, Atticus, Jem and Scout's father, and Calpurnia, their maid. This story is told by Scout's point of view. Harper Lee uses very descriptive language to make you feel as though you were there.
In this book, Atticus Finch defends an innocent black man, Tom Robinson, accused of a terrible crime. The trial accused Tom, because he was reported by a girl named Mayella. Everybody was against this, but Scout and Jem knew their father could do it. Scout wanted to prove that her father was a very good man, even though not a lot of people thought so. Another element was Boo Radley. Boo always stayed in his haunted looking house. He made the story interesting, because you never know what he would do. "All men were created equal, and men signed a paper for it," quoted Atticus. I knew this was very true, because it still happens today, and it's just because of their skin color. This book was unlike any other mystery book I've read. It's a real page turner, because the characters are very real and unpredictable.
Therefore, To Kill a Mockingbird was a lesson-teaching book. It teaches that no matter what you're skin color, you are just like anyone else and you should not be judged for it. It's ok to stand up for what you believe in, even if it's you against the world. To find out the fate of this small town, grab the book and start you're adventure.
Victoria_B_WV
Posted October 1, 2010
To Kill a Mockingbird is a novel that is told from a young girl named Scout Finch. Scout lives with her father, a lawyer Atticus, her brother Jem and in the summers in Maycomb, Alabama. Scout, Jem and Dill are just three innocent kids who spend most of their time playing made-up games in their yard. This all changes when Atticus is faced with the most difficult trial of his career. During the time To Kill a Mockingbird takes place racism is still extremely present. When Atticus is faced with defending a black man, Tom Robinson, for raping a white girl he is forced to go against the town and defend what's right
However there is a subplot involving their neighbor who lives across the street, Boo Radley. There have been rumors throughout the novel that Boo is a psychopath and he stabbed his dad in the leg with a pair of scissors. Throughout the novel the three have many adventures and attempts to get Boo to come out of his house. At one point in the novel Atticus says to Scout not to judge people because "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." I interpret this to be similar to other quotes such as don't judge a book by it's cover. Scout figures out in the novel that on many occasions this quote applies.
In my opinion this is a very good book based on good judgment, character, honesty, and trust. This book can be a very important life lesson.
This is a must have for classic movie lovers. They just don't make movies this moving any more.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.My wife and I love this movie so much that it was on tv one night and I ended up purchasing it the next morning!! It is a great movie. We recommend this movie to everyone!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.sfe84105
Posted October 1, 2010
Gregory Peck is absolutely amazing in this movie classic. This is one of the movies that you must see before you die. Harper Lee has written fabulous story and it transfers well to film. The films has its funny moments, it is a backed with racial tension, and a great gothic tale. I urge anyone who has never seen this movie to watch it at least twice. I also encourage you to read the book too.
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Posted October 1, 2010
Watching this DVD takes me back to my childhood. The actors are outstanding, the plot riviting, and it plays on the emotions. There were parts that were funny, sad, scary and worrisome, which kept me enthralled. With it taking place in the racist south, shows the depth and breadth of the injustice of racism. To Kill a Mockingbird is an all time favorite of mine, and I have watched it with my children and grandchildren, to carry on the tradition.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Bigbossy
Posted October 1, 2010
It was a wonderful movie. I do recommend that you read the book first as
the movie could not put every event in it due to time. I had seen this movie when I was young and it was wonderful to see it again. I reread the
book during an illness and just had to see the movie again. I higly recommend it. I also purchased one for my grandchildren and a daughter.
I love Gregory Peck. His voice is so amazing.
This book is a classic and I highly recommend everyone read it. You can
read it more than once and still enjoy it.
A retired teacher. My husbands calls me Bigbossy.
I must admit that I was initially wary of watching this movie. TKAM is my favorite book and I have seen too many book adaptations that deviate far, far from the original story. I wouldn't like to see TKAM filmed that way but curiousity got the better of me and I went to the video store to purchase a DVD. I was very happy and contented with my decision. I must say that from the very start, this movie struck a deep chord of approval and sprung some very precious emotions from me. The opening sequence and the music was just so perfect. I take my hat off to the great Elmer Bernstein and his genius. The opening sequence focused on a child's world which in my mind, is the very essence of the novel.
The excellence of this movie was the whole congruity and the coming together of all the film's elements; the cinematography was right, the music doesn't override or overpower the scenes, instead it blends perfectly; the actors all did a very fine job and the screenplay was generally faithful to the novel. I know that Harper Lee herself supervised some of the movie's scenes.
I do believe that Gregory Peck rightfully deserves the best actor Oscar. The kids were also great; they all looked their part and were very natural.Mary Badham, Philip Alford and John Megna were casted perfectly for their roles. Mary was even nominated for the Oscar Best actress at that time. She was one of the youngest ever to be nominated for the award. I must also commend the supporting cast especially Rober Duvall who played the role of Boo Radley. It was in this movie that he made his screen debut and albeit his very brief part, he was immensely effective. I have read that to look the part of a photophobic recluse, he had to stay indoors for weeks and dye his hair blond!
I recommend this movie for everyone, especially the whole family. Robert Mulligan did a fine job of directing and Horton Foote made the perfect screenplay. This film, like the book, will arouse in its viewers a feeling of fun, excitement and ultimately, a sense of indescribable sadness. It makes you want to be a child again and it reminds you of what grown-ups must do to preserve the innocence of childhood.
Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
I Also Recommend:
I teach a Special Day Class for diploma bound students on a public high school campus. Although I would prefer that all my students read the book, I receive and lose students constantly during the semester, so I use the video for students who arrive during our reading or after the class has read the book and is discussing it.
I also leave a copy in the class library for any student who may have missed reading the book or for any student who wishes to share the story with his/her family.
ElizabethDarcy
Posted October 1, 2010
I just love this movie. My mother had me read the book and the movie is as good as the book. Gregory Peck was wonderful in this move and Bo was forever etched into my mind.
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Posted October 1, 2010
This is one of the best movies ever, a must see!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
I have watched To Kill A Mockingbird.. probably more than any other movie that I can remember. Gregory Peck at his very best. A story that touches your heart, your conscientious and your soul. It is story of family love, fairness, values and ugly prejudice. The movie was wonderfully adapted to the screen with a power and warmth that reaches out and touches you. The movie music theme is so hauntingly beautiful and fits perfectly with what is going on on the screen. I recommend this movie to anyone that has a high appreciation for a great movie with excellant performances from all of the actors. It will leave you with a great feel good feeling and you will most likely want to watch it over and over and over again.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
The movie isn't as good as the book, but it still is a pretty good movie. It makes people who were there feel nostalgic and the kids who weren't even born then feel like they are lucky to be born in the later decades. What Scout, Jem, and Dill have gone through as kids is definitely amazing and that they were able to go through all of what they went through. It makes you forget that Scout was talking about the past and that they still remember everything like it was yesterday.
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Posted October 1, 2010
This movie and book are the BEST ever produced and/or written on racial tension and injustice. This will always be at the Top 10 of my BEST movie and BEST books written!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
This is great movie talking about innocent black man charged with raping a white girl at the trail. A white girl lied to the judge about raping. It is very interesting about southern culture. You should watch the best classic drame movie!! You SHOULD watch this!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2010
In it's own quiet way, this is one of the best movies dealing with race relations that the American film industry has ever made., 28 February 2005 Author: filmfactsman (filmfactsman@yahoo.com) from Beverly Hills, CA For "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962), the film version of Harper Lee's 1960 first novel about growing up in Depression Alabama, Universal studio's ad campaign was: "The Pulitzer Prize novel that became a legend in its own time is now a memorable motion picture." McCall's magazine concurred, raving, "What a sheer delight to see a movie that informs, amuses, enchants and makes you think all at the same time." Rock Hudson had discovered Lee's novel based on her childhood reminiscences, but the studio turned down Hudson at the time and only later bought the screen rights for Gregory Peck, hiring Robert Mulligan to direct and Horton Foote to write the screenplay. For novelist Lee, the casting was precisely right. "That film was a work of art," she glowed. Before beginning the film, Peck went to Alabama and met the real Atticus Finch, Lee's aged father Amasa Lee, who died during the filming. Lee herself coached Peck in handling the pocket watch he wore. In gratitude for his performance, she presented him with her father's own watch, a gift that greatly moved the actor. Peck commented at the time: "I can honestly say that in 20 years of making movies, I never had a part that came close to being the real me until Atticus Finch." Readers of the Pulitzer Prize novel--a folk classic with overtones of Mark Twain and William Faulkner--expected Hollywood to ravage its wistful Americana. Instead, it turned out to be a superior motion picture, filmed entirely at Universal studios in Hollywood. Frame houses came from a rundown area of Los Angeles and were reconstructed on the studio lot to represent the backwater town of Maycomb, Alabama. Peck submerged his own natural good looks behind round-lens glasses and a sear-sucker suit and was aided by director Mulligan, two non professional children from Birmingham, Alabama (9 year old Mary Badham and 13 year old Philip Alford) and a supporting cast of unfamiliar faces from Broadway. Robert Duvall made his screen debut here in the brief but pivotal role of Boo Radley. The picture suspended notions that Gregory Peck was just a strong-jawed man of iron and won him the Academy Award on his fifth nomination. In addition to Peck, screenwriter Horton Foote and the set designers also won Academy Awards. Atticus Finch is a wise, gentle small-town Alabama lawyer of 1932, raising his motherless offspring and defending a Negro falsely accused of rape. During the first half of the film, we see the sleepy little Alabama town through the eyes of the children. Then during the second half, we become the active participants and the children the watchers as the tragic drama unfolds. Under his soft-spoken guidance, Atticus' two youngsters emerge from the world of childhood fantasy towards maturity in the courtroom, Southern prejudice threatens to defeat his cause because the man he defends is a Negro. Quietly helping the story and the acting is a superb musical score by Elmer Bernstein. It underscores important points and heightens tense moments without ever intruding upon the flow of the story. The range of action with which composer Bernstein had was wide. It included the scoring of a children's game and the welling of terror surrounding a night reconnoiter of the forbidding house where Boo Radley lives. There is music to underline the nobility of Atticus Finch in his dealing with his children and in his efforts to save the unjustly accused Negro Tom Robinson, superbly played by Brock Peters. The story may seem slightly sentimental today in its portrayal of race relations, but its stature and lasting substance stem from the beautifully observed relationship between father and children and from the youngsters' perceptions of the enduri
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Overview