All summer long I'll be recommending older, classic movies! Now, I realize that most people don't care to be sitting around watching a movie on a nice summer day, but today's recommendation is good to watch on one of those rainy days! In my opinion, "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a great film to kick off this whole classic recommendation theme! It's actually based off of a novel by Harper Lee of the same name. Half of the movie focuses on a mischievous pair of siblings. There's 6 year old, Scout (Mary Badham), and her older brother, Jem (Philip Alford).
The two kids are being raised by their father, Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck). Not only is Atticus a widower, but he is also a lawyer. The movie takes place in Alabama during the Depression-era. If you read a quick summary of this movie it might read: A lawyer living in the south during the 1930s, defends a black man against a rape charge! Okay, whoa! Let's get back to the kids... Both Scout and Jem, along with a neighborhood friend, embark on many adventures in the little fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama. The movie mainly focuses on when they spy on the neighborhood "boogieman," "Boo" Radley. The siblings' care-free life eventually changes when their father defends a black man, Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), who is being falsely accused of raping a white woman. Keep in mind that the movie takes place in a time when racism was accepted and the "N" word was used freely. Though Atticus is practically shunned by many of the white people in the community, he doesn't give up. His children begin to get curious about why they are being treated differently. Atticus simply takes the opportunity to explain to them why racism is wrong. A good bit of the movie takes place during Tom's trial. Actually, the movie holds the title of having the most famous (and best) court scene of all time... I kind of agree! The court scene would probably be the only part
that might bore someone. Of course, I can't give away anything about the outcome of the trial. You'll have to watch the movie if you want to know what happens. As for what really makes this movie special... the kids! It's interesting to see how much fun they have without televisions, video games, computers, etc. So, is this appropriate for kids? Well, younger children won't understand about the trial, but they'll love seeing all the mischief that Scout and Jem get into. Adults who like good, not just enjoyable, but good movies, will like this. I will say that you actually have to pay attention to keep up with what's going on! So when a rainy day comes along this summer, be sure to sit down and watch "To Kill a Mockingbird!" Even if it doesn't rain, watch this movie!
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