A Timeless Treasure with Universal Appeal

Rating: 10/10 (20 June 2010)

With its tight opening study of a tattered collection of cigar box treasures accompanied by the playful sounds of a child quietly at play, "To Kill A Mockingbird" elegantly captures a specific time and place. The Elmer Bernstein score soon introduces not much more than a piano and clarinet, but the effect remains timeless, perfectly describing that innocent age that children once shared universally. Even as Bernstein's orchestrations become more complex or playful, like Copland, the music delivers a delicately nostalgic tone throughout.
The night this film first premiered on network television back in the late 60's, my parents weren't willing to let me stay-up to watch it. They were afraid that Harper Lee's coming-of-age story dealing with racism, rape, social justice, and other issues would be a tad too adult for my early adolescent mind. They didn't know that I had already read the book. As luck would have it, our house was on the market, and my teacher stopped by for a showing that very day. She petitioned my parents on my behalf and persuaded them to allow me to watch it. Which I did, with them. I wish I could remember the name of that wise woman, but I've tried to pay it forward.
I have since taught the book, and reinforced it with the film. Truly, "To Kill A Mockingbird" is one of those rare films whose screenplay adaptation (Horton Foote) beautifully realizes Lee's masterpiece. The performances are unadorned, and respectively courageous or outrageous without ever dissolving into caricature or melodrama. The chiaroscuro effects achieved by the black and white format allows the viewer to imagine a world when color often undermined the best intentions of good people.
This is a film to share with your children, or their children. I am very happy that "To Kill A Mockingbird" is a prime-time feature this Father's Day.