To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

To Kill a Mockingbird is a 1962 drama film directed by Robert Mulligan, based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the Great Depression, the film explores themes of racial injustice, moral growth, and compassion through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch.

The Story Unfolds

Introduction to the Finch Family

The story is narrated by Scout Finch (Mary Badham), a young girl living with her older brother, Jem (Phillip Alford), and their widowed father, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). Atticus is a well-respected lawyer known for his integrity and strong moral principles. The Finch family lives in a close-knit community where everyone knows each other’s business.

The Mysterious Boo Radley

Scout and Jem are fascinated by their reclusive neighbor, Arthur “Boo” Radley (Robert Duvall), who never leaves his house. The children create various games and stories about Boo, fueled by local myths and rumors.

The Climax and Resolution

The Trial of Tom Robinson

The central plot revolves around Atticus defending Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), an African-American man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell (Collin Wilcox). Despite clear evidence that Tom is innocent and that Mayella’s father, Bob Ewell (James Anderson), is lying, the racial prejudices of the time heavily influence the trial. Atticus provides a compelling defense, emphasizing the lack of evidence and the inconsistencies in the testimonies.

The Verdict and Aftermath

Despite Atticus’s efforts, Tom is found guilty by the all-white jury. The verdict devastates the Finch family and highlights the deep-seated racism in the community. Tom later tries to escape from prison and is shot dead, further underscoring the tragic consequences of injustice.

The Conclusion

The Attack and Boo Radley’s Heroism

In the film’s final act, Bob Ewell seeks revenge on Atticus by attacking Scout and Jem. Boo Radley emerges from his house to save the children, killing Ewell in the process. The local sheriff, Heck Tate (Frank Overton), decides to cover up Boo’s involvement, declaring that Ewell fell on his own knife. This decision protects Boo from public scrutiny and preserves his reclusive lifestyle.

Scout’s Reflection

The film ends with Scout reflecting on the events and her father’s teachings about empathy and understanding. She learns to see the world from others’ perspectives, symbolized by her brief interaction with Boo.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Scout standing on Boo Radley’s porch, imagining the world from his viewpoint. This moment encapsulates the film’s central message about the importance of empathy and moral courage.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Type of Movie

To Kill a Mockingbird is a drama film that combines elements of legal drama, coming-of-age, and social commentary.

Cast

• Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch
• Mary Badham as Scout Finch
• Phillip Alford as Jem Finch
• Brock Peters as Tom Robinson
• Robert Duvall as Arthur “Boo” Radley
• James Anderson as Bob Ewell
• Collin Wilcox as Mayella Ewell

Film Music and Composer

The film’s score was composed by Elmer Bernstein, whose music enhances the emotional depth and atmosphere of the narrative.

Filming Locations

To Kill a Mockingbird was primarily filmed on the Universal Studios lot in Hollywood, California. The production team recreated the town of Maycomb, Alabama, capturing the essence of the 1930s Southern United States.

Awards and Nominations

To Kill a Mockingbird received numerous prestigious awards, including:

• Academy Awards: Won Best Actor (Gregory Peck), Best Adapted Screenplay (Horton Foote), and Best Art Direction (Black-and-White). Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Mary Badham), Best Cinematography (Black-and-White), and Best Music (Score – Substantially Original).
• Golden Globe Awards: Won Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (Gregory Peck). Nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
• BAFTA Awards: Nominated for Best Film from any Source and Best Foreign Actor (Gregory Peck).

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Gregory Peck’s portrayal of Atticus Finch is widely regarded as one of the greatest performances in film history. Peck himself considered it his favorite role.
• Harper Lee, the author of the novel, was reportedly very pleased with the film adaptation and Gregory Peck’s performance. She and Peck became lifelong friends.
• Robert Duvall made his film debut as Boo Radley, despite having no lines in the film. His silent performance left a lasting impression.

Inspirations and References

The film is based on Harper Lee’s novel, which was inspired by her own childhood experiences and observations of racial tensions in the American South. The character of Atticus Finch was modeled after Lee’s father, Amasa Coleman Lee, who was a lawyer.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of the film closely follows Horton Foote’s screenplay adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context to the story.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While the film adaptation remains largely faithful to Harper Lee’s novel, some minor plot points and characters were omitted or altered for cinematic purposes. The core themes and messages of the novel, however, are preserved in the film.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The courtroom scenes where Atticus defends Tom Robinson.
• Scout, Jem, and Dill trying to get a glimpse of Boo Radley.
• Atticus shooting the rabid dog, demonstrating his moral courage.
• Boo Radley saving Scout and Jem from Bob Ewell’s attack.
• Scout standing on Boo Radley’s porch, realizing the importance of seeing the world from another person’s perspective.

Iconic Quotes

• “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.” – Atticus Finch
• “The one thing that doesn’t abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.” – Atticus Finch
• “Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father’s passin’.” – Reverend Sykes

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film’s opening credits feature a montage of childhood items and drawings, symbolizing the innocence and perspective of Scout.
• The use of black-and-white cinematography enhances the film’s historical context and emphasizes the moral contrasts.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $2 million, and it grossed over $13 million worldwide.
• Harper Lee’s novel won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1961, just a year before the film’s release.
• The character of Dill was based on Harper Lee’s childhood friend, Truman Capote.

Why Watch?

To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless classic that offers a poignant exploration of racial injustice, moral courage, and the importance of empathy. Its powerful performances, especially by Gregory Peck, and its faithful adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel make it essential viewing for fans of drama and social commentary.

Director’s Other Movies

Robert Mulligan also directed:

• Summer of ’42 (1971)
• Inside Daisy Clover (1965)
• The Other (1972)
• Same Time, Next Year (1978)
• The Man in the Moon (1991)

Recommended Films for Fans

• 12 Angry Men (1957)
• In the Heat of the Night (1967)
• The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
• A Raisin in the Sun (1961)
• Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967)