Heartwarming Production

Rating: 7/10 (8 March 2010)

Heartwarming production is a loving recreation of Harper Lee's novel concerning wicked racial prejudice in a small southern town in the early 30's. It's easy to see that both director Robert Mulligan and screenwriter Horton Foote were much taken by the original source.
Having said this, the pair do allow the film too much time to get started and so it outstays its welcome just a touch. Most of the time though it's lighthearted good fun and strong human drama.
The children bring us a great deal of laughter in this film, however it was Gregory Peck who was the Oscar winner as the small town lawyer who must defend an African-American against a trumped up charge in a very "white" trial. Peck is assuredly solid as the single father who must explain the ways of the world to his children while trying to ensure justice is served.
The winning combination of Mr. Peck's showing and Mr. Foote's Academy Award winning screenplay make "To Kill a Mockingbird" a most enjoyable picture.
Sunday, November 1, 1998 - Astor Theatre