Tina O’Rourke – DVD Review

To Kill a Mocking Bird

Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mocking Bird” was first published in 1960, and shortly afterwards (1962) was made into a movie of the same name staring Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch.

Rarely does a movie do real justice to a book, but in this adaptation by Horton Foote the sensitivity and strength of the characters shine through. This is an extremely moving film that deals with childhood naivety, whilst presenting an adult world full of prejudice.

This film is a masterpiece that captures the time and mood of a dusty Southern town during the depression in America. Atticus Finch, a respected lawyer in this small town, steps forward to defend truth and justice, while hatred and prejudice run riot.

The film Won three Oscars for Horton Foote’s script adaptation, Gregory Peck performance as Atticus Finch, and best art direction and set decoration. Harper Lee also won the prestigious Pulitzer Prize for her novel.

“To Kill a Mocking Bird”, remains to this day the only published novel by Harper Lee.

The film is available online at www.amazon.com

This article was first published in News and Views Sept. 2006