Mark Twain would have been proud !

Rating: 10/10 (13 June 2006)

Not since Mark Twain have we had such a compelling essay of childhood, superbly brought to the screen by the young members of the cast, with the bonus of the courtroom drama and the eloquence of Gregory Peck in his finest role. This is superbly crafted film which beautifully explores a nostalgic period we would all like to revisit perhaps, the idealized family of our youth. Certainly a fine adaption of Harper Lee's remarkable book, and it is the masterpiece of the 60's, which was a great period in cinema. There is a dark side to life in this sleepy Southern town, moral dilemmas, and racism, as seen through the eyes of the children, with the lightness of touch that endears us to the characters, and a wonderful feeling for the mood of the early 1930's. A great American film and a must see.