TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD poses the injustice of race relations in the 1930's as a front for the events happening in the 1960's. Racism is a hard-boiled subject and it is depicted and dealt with through grace and patience. The filmmakers have such a passion for the material, they seem to handle it with gentleness. Act three produces a tragic death, an unlikely hero, and the bringing together of a family. The scene when Peck leaves the courtroom is now legendary as well. Peters' breakdown on the stand is one of the most realistic, emotionally saddening moments you'll ever see, especially in Hollywood films of the 1960's. An all-male, all-white jury in the 1930's were tough listeners. He sees this in his client as well, and in a closing argument that must have roused the civil rights movement, implores the jury to vote justice. We know Atticus is a good man, a decent human being with a soul. This man has a face chiseled with suffering and deep, deep sorrow. Brock Peters lends the film its best moments as the accused "negro" on trial. After threats galore, an unshaken Peck takes to the courtroom jungle in, without a doubt, one of the top 5 court scenes in motion picture history. Atticus must defend an African-American man for the alleged rape of a white woman. Who is the monstrous, "6 and a half feet big" legend living in the end house? Some light suspense ensues, while the buildup to a stirring act two is happening. The big mystery lies in the house down the street in this small Georgia town. Director Robert Mulligan was able to get such realistic performances from non-professional kids. Act one puts Atticus in the background and allows the kids to flourish. It is something you can compare to America's trust in TV anchorman Walter Cronkite. Peck is such a strong presence, you believe everything about him. The great Gregory Peck plays Atticus Finch, a pillar of nobility, social conscience, and, rare for 1930's Americana, a single parent. We also see a delightful coming of age drama as the young kids realize that there is no Boogeyman down the street and their father is capable of doing a lot more than they think. Through the kids, we find that racism is a learned attitude or feeling. It is also from the children's perspective. TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is presented like a play in three acts.
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