This film is was the big screen adaptation of Harper Lee's prize-winning novel. Some people may have already seen the film as it's on the GCSE English syllabus. The story is believed to be based on events that happened in Lee's childhood.
The story, set in the American recession, is told in retrospect by Scout, who was only a young child at the time. and focuses on the deep routed racism that was present in the south of America at the time. This is portrayed by the accusation of a black man, Tom Robinson, of the rape of a white girl. Lawyer Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) is assigned the case, and is expected by many to only give a token defence. However Finch has other ideas and sets about trying to prove Robinson's innocence. Along the way, he encounters much adversity, with even close friends turning on the lawyer. This culminates in a scene where a group of locals, attempt to kidnap Robinson and lynch him, only to be confronted by Atticus and his children.
The film also highlights how people of that era got by without the money to which they had become accustomed. At the beginning of the film, we see Atticus receive payment in crops, as he understands that his client can't afford to pay cash. It's especially difficult for Atticus who is a single parent, who must try to look after his children and do his job as well.
Atticus's children, Jem, Scout, and there next door neighbour Dill are also involved in adventure, trying to unravel the mystery of their own. They are searching for the truth about Boo Radley, a neighbour who is shrouded in mystery, although there are many stories about him. The kids have taken most of the stories on board, and while Boo provides something for them to fantasise about, ultimately they are afraid of him. The truth is that Boo is a mentally ill recluse, and only appears at the end of the film. Watch out for Hollywood star Robert Duvall in his first big screen appearance as Boo.
