Tuesday, September 03, 2024
To Kill a Mockingbird - 60th Anniversary Edition
- Commentary: Under construction.
Why in the world has it taken me so long to add this world famous and beloved movie to my collection? Truth is, I don't really like it. In fact, as I recall (which may be in error) I've never watched the entire film. There are a few standout scenes and sections of dialogue that I like. And, frankly, I love Mary Badham's portrayal of Scout, but never enough to purchase the film. Until now, that is. What caused my change of, if not heart, then thought? Roger Ebert's pointed, two and a half star review, which I'd not read until today, by accident. I was surprised and pleased that he and I were pretty much in agreement about this film. Truth is, I rarely add a movie to my collection that I don't like, unless I dislike it so much that I can't get it out of my head and find myself mentally analyzing why I don't like it, which is usually an indication that I can see how it could have been improved, a lot. Sometimes my opinion resonates with other film makers who then attempt to create a better version and succeed. That is not the case with this film. Roger Ebert certainly disliked this movie at least as much as I did. As well, his analyzation of his dislike lent me a cogent understanding of what bothered me about the film. Turns out, it's easy to find a cheap copy of this film, no doubt because so many people disagree with Roger and me. So, it's winging it's way to my home and will likely arrive within the week.
More, later, when I receive a copy and finally watch it all the way through.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gregory Peck Atticus Finch Mary Badham Scout Phillip Alford Jem John Megna Charles Baker "Dill" Harris Frank Overton Sheriff Heck Tate Rosemary Murphy Maudie Atkinson Ruth White Mrs. Dubose Brock Peters Tom Robinson Estelle Evans Calpurnia Paul Fix Judge John Taylor Collin Wilcox Mayella Violet Ewell James Anderson as Robert E. Lee Ewell Alice Ghostley Stephanie Crawford Robert Duvall Arthur "Boo" Radley William Windom DA Horace Gilmer Crahan Denton Walter Cunningham
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1962
Directed by Robert Mulligan.
Labels: gregory-peck, mary-badham, robert-duvall
