To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird: Film, 1962 - Based on the novel by Harper Lee Studio: Universal Pictures Director: Robert Mulligan Run time: 131 minutes.

Plot: The plot is the same as the novel which is also included in this collection: The story centers on a brother and sister, Jem (10 years old) and Scout (6 years old) who live in Maycomb, Alabama where class and race predominate in many residents’ minds, during the depression.   Over several summers the children share time and adventures with a friend named Dill.  Central to these adventures is the children’s sense of mystery and terror associated with a reclusive neighbor named Boo Radley.  The children’s widowed father, Atticus Finch, is a lawyer who agrees to defend an African American man accused of raping a white woman. There is drama that unfolds with the trial that includes a lynch mob and with the children who come under attack from an unknown assailant as they return home after dark.

Review/Personal thoughts: The themes of racism, misperceptions, injustice, integrity, courage and compassion all carry over from the book to the film. The film powerfully portrays the author’s original intentions.  Of course, no film can capture every detail of the novel it is bringing to the screen. Several characters are left out, most significantly Aunt Alexandra. Two scenes which don’t make it into the film, which were both significant to me, are when Jem and Scout attend a black church with Calpurnia and when Jem is required to read to Mrs. Dubose to help her overcome drug addiction.  Tweens will appreciate the story brought to a visual format.  I would recommend that they read the novel first and then enjoy the film version.

Rated: NR

Interest Level: Ages 12 and up

Awards: Academy Awards, Oscar, Best Actor in a Leading Role/Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, Black-and-White/Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, 1963

Golden Globe, Best Film Promoting International Understanding/Best Motion Picture Actor - Drama - Gregory Peck/Best Motion Picture Score, 1963