Gregory Peck won an Academy Award for his portrayal of attorney Atticus Finch, a man with a strong sense of morality in a time of deep divisions in the film To Kill a Mockingbird. The Depression era film is the story of humanity. While tackling the subject of race, it also deals with the innocence of children and the love one man has for his two kids.
Atticus Finch
Atticus Finch is a very sensitive man. A widower, he has two young children to care for, with the help of a housekeeper. Scout and Jem are typical kids. Their curiosity is strong and they are both strong-willed. Yet, even so, they are good kids who dearly love their father, whom they call by his first name, “Atticus.”
After Tom Robinson, a black man, is accused of raping a white girl, Atticus takes the man's case, which pits him against some of the townsfolk. It is the 1930s and the gap between black and white is wide. Yet Atticus feels the man deserves the best legal counsel possible, even though he feels they will lose the case. During the trial it is clear Tom Robinson did not commit the crime, yet the jury could not acquit a black man whose word contradicts a white girl.
Although this story revolves around the trial and the issue of race in the South, there are other substories taking place. There is the story of the curiosity of the children and a story of acceptance of not only people of different races, but also the mentally challenged. In short, it is a story about humanity, sensitivity, and acceptance.
2012 marks the 50th anniversary of this legendary film. The acting is top notch and Peck justly deserved the Oscar for his performance.
Blu-ray Bonus Features on To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition
There are plenty of interesting bonus features on this edition including a full-length documentary of the making of the film. Another feature focuses on Mary Badham who played Scout in the movie. Badham describes her experience creating this classic film and her time with Peck, whom she says was similar to Atticus Finch with his “gentle guidance.” She was such a young girl at the time she made the film, yet her memories are clear, and she discloses that she and Peck remained in contact through the years. This was her first acting job and she really inhabited the character of the young tomboy, confused by the times, innocent and welcoming toward others. Scout had a kind soul.
Another full-length documentary provides a close look at Gregory Peck, the man and the actor. Also included is Peck’s Best Actor acceptance speech, which is one of the classiest I have ever heard, and his comments when he received the AFI Life Achievement Award are touching and humorous.
Not only is this the 50th anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird, it is the 100th anniversary of Universal, a studio with a large volume of classic films. Time takes a toll on old films, and there is a close look at restoring classic movies.
Review of To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Edition
Putting it bluntly, this is about as dramatic a story as you could get. It tugs at your heartstrings. It is a poignant look at tolerance and humanity.
Atticus Finch is an iconic character and I am hard-pressed to think of anyone else who could have done this better. I especially enjoyed watching the bonus features and getting a better idea of Gregory Peck, his persona, and his life.
- To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy Edition
- Studio: Universal Home Entertainment
- Running time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Release date: January 31, 2012
