Classic Movie Pick: ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ is courage and heroism at its finest

In keeping with this week’s “NeWisco Weekend” theme of being your own hero, this week’s classic celebrates one of the most famous characters ever to grace the silver screen.

I’m not talking about Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, or any DC or Marvel character for that matter. I’m talking about a hero whose greatest superpowers are his intellect, compassion, and courage, and that is Atticus Finch. Gregory Peck plays this legal hero in the film “To Kill a Mockingbird.” The film, based on Harper Lee’s novel of the same name, is considered one of the greatest movies of all time. The character of Atticus Finch is wonderfully brought to life by Gregory Peck. Many movie polls list Atticus Finch as the greatest hero in movie history. 

Atticus is a widowed single father of two – his son Jem and his daughter Scout. Atticus is a lawyer in small-town Alabama during the depression. The film was shot in 1962 just before Civil Rights legislation came to be, but it was set in 1932. A grown-up version of the Scout character provides narration for this film, as she recalls her adventures with her brother and their friend Dill, who visits the town every summer.

Scout and Jem have childlike curiosity toward their neighbor – the reclusive Boo Radley – and their father’s work, especially after he causes controversy by choosing to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of sexually assaulting a white girl. Atticus’s defense of Robinson causes much of the town to turn on the Finch family. That does not deter Atticus, however, who is an intensely principled person and lawyer who does what he believes is right. In addition to being loyal to the law, Atticus is measured and thoughtful; when you pair that with Gregory Peck’s voice, you get a very powerful performance.

Atticus and Scout are two of the most watchable characters in the history of American cinema. In one famous scene from the film, we see the courage the Finch children have learned from their father on full display. In the scene, Atticus is guarding his client’s jail cell when an angry mob shows up appearing not to let even the respected Atticus to get in their way as they ask him to turn over Tom Robinson. The intense moment is de-escalated when Jem, Scout and Dill show up to defend Atticus with brave innocence, sending the angry mob on its way. 

Most movie fans are no strangers to watching courtroom dramas, but “To Kill a Mockingbird” was unique in that Gregory Peck’s closing argument was all done in one seven-minute take. The cast of “To Kill a Mockingbird” formed a bond that, in some cases, was lifelong. Mary Badham, who played Scout, ended up having a lifelong friendship with Gregory Peck. Brock Peters, who played Tom Robinson. and Peck remained friends for the rest of their lives. Peters gave the eulogy at Peck’s funeral in 2003. 

Actor Philip Alford, who played Jem, almost did not go to the audition for the film until his mother told him he would be able to miss a half a day of school. So, you see kids, school is not all it’s cracked up to be!

Playing Atticus Finch brought Gregory Peck his first and only Oscar win for Best Actor. When it came to the lead role, Harper Lee needed some convincing that Peck was right for the role, and the convincing happened when she saw him in the suit he wore in the closing argument scene. Lee based the character of Dill on author Truman Capote, her friend who as a child would visit Lee’s town every summer. Another fun fact: Robert Duvall plays the mysterious Boo Radley. It was Duvall’s first role on the big screen. He left quite a mark despite having no lines. Duvall would later win a best Actor Oscar for the film “Tender Mercies” in 1983. 

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is ranked number two on the American Film Institute’s 100 Most Inspiring American Movies and is number one for all-time courtroom dramas. Regardless of trivial rankings, this week’s pic is pretty much an indisputable masterpiece, where every element of filmmaking came together to form a perfect product. Not only is “To Kill a Mockingbird” a riveting story and masterful film, but it also shows how one person’s bravery and heroism can be infectious and passed down through generations.

So, be a couch hero and check out “To Kill a Mockingbird.” It’s this week’s classic pic. 

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6-8 p.m. for “Nite Lite” here on the Civic Media radio network.