Whilst not as irreproachable as memory serves, Hollywood’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel remains an important milestone in socially aware commentary.
As Depression-era south warms itself in the coming summer months, Atticus Finch is appointed to defend Tom Robinson (Brock Peters – Star Trek IV, The Pawnbroker) against a charge of the raping of a white woman. But in the racially divided Alabama town, with the majority having already decided Robinson is guilty, Finch needs to also protect his two children from prejudice.
Gregory Peck won the Oscar for his role as the empathic, popular lawyer, but director Robert Mulligan’s feature is an equally haunting nostalgic portrayal of childhood. Mary Badham, memorable as daughter Scout became, at 10, the youngest nominee for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar award (she lost that position to Tatum O’Neal for Paper Moon 10 years later).
A superior (Oscar-winning) script from Horton Foote (Tender Mercies, Trip to Bountiful) adds to the impact of a perfectly balanced narrative.
Nominated for 8 Oscars in 1963 including best film and director, won 3 – Peck, Foote and black & white art direction.
Rating: 73%
Director: Robert Mulligan (Summer of ’42, Same Time Next Year)
Writer: Horton Foote (Tender Mercies, Trip to Bountiful) – based on the novel by Harper Lee
Main cast: Gregory Peck (Gentleman’s Agreement, Roman Holiday), Mary Badham, Brock Peters (Star Trek IV, The Pawnbroker)
An Opinion or Two 