Faithful adaptation of an American classic; Peck's greatest performance

Rating: Null/10 (23 April 2003)

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962) **** Gregory Peck, Mary Badham, Philip Alford, Brock Peters. Top notch adaptation of Harper Lee's novel about an Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch (Peck, Best Actor, in the role of his career and the epitome of integrity) a mild-mannered widower/father facing the case of his life: defending a black man accused of rape. Dramatic in scope but a life-affirming tale of adolescence and life lessons. Robert Duvall, in his film debut, is the misunderstood reclusive neighbor Boo Radley in one of the film's finer moments. Directed smartly by Robert Mulligan in the less is more approach to filmmaking (who was nominated as well as Badham as Scout in a beautifully modulated performance of loss of innocence personified and nominations for Best Picture also). Oscars went to Horton Foote for his screenplay adaptation and art direction.