Everything you've heard is true

Rating: 9/10 (6 September 1999)

This film is just as powerful and well-performed as you've heard. From the scenes where Scout and Atticus have discussions, to the scene where Scout innocently confronts a member of a lynch mob, to the trial scenes, to the last scene, (featuring Robert Duvall in his film debut, in which he says so much without ever speaking), every moment is masterfully directed and beautifully perfromed. Gregory Peck really deserved his Oscar for th role of Atticus Finch; his dignified portrayal of a single father called upon to "do our unpleseant jobs for us" is remarkable. Not only is he wonderful and eloquent in the courtroom scenes, but his scenes at home are wonderful, too. He seems to be every child's image of the ideal father: stern yet kind, all-knowing, able to explain anything, and yet his kids know he can't do everything, though he can do more than they think. These scenes also give him a chance to interact with the amazing child actors Mary Badham and Philip Alford, both of whom had never done any acting before this and yet are naturals. Badham is espicially good in the scenes where she and Atticus discuss things; she senses so much, and yet is still so innocent. She does a lot of growing up, but so does Alford, as he listens in on his father's talks with the judge and watches his visits to the Robinson home. His maturing is much easier to see. Both actors are just as good as Peck; their adventures are amusing and their performances excellent. Brock Peters is also very good as Tom Robinson, the black man accused of raping a white woman. You are not manipulated into feeling sorry for him; you just naturally are, thanks to his portrayal and the direction of his scenes. This is a wonderful movie. I don't know if the book is better, as I haven't read it, but I know the movie is excellent. Please see it.