Superb adaptation of a superb book

Rating: 10/10 (13 May 2010)

Harper Lee's Pulitzer prizewinner is a terrific book (he observed, somewhat unnecessarily) - it tells the story of 1930s liberal Southern lawyer Atticus Finch's defence of a black man accused of raping a white woman, as seen through the eyes of his young daughter Scout.
Robert Mulligan's 1962 film adapts the story well, preserving the dramatic beats of the story, conveying a strong sense of time and place, conveying much of the childlike point of view of the novel, and doing so by way of some superb performances.
Gregory Peck's Atticus is at the heart and, to me, Peck embodies all the qualities of Lee's character - thoughtful, intelligent, dignified, brave, and always very human. We never forget that he is not simply a lawyer, he is also a father.
But all the other players are excellent, too, so much so that it is hardly fair to single out specific performers for mention. But the children are charming and natural, and the film sees an early appearance from Robert Duvall as the mysterious and scary Boo Radley.
This excellent film is as good now as it was 40 years ago, and I recommend it heartily.