The Redford Theatre presents
To Kill A Mockingbird (Mulligan, 1962), in 35mm
with a special appearance
by actress Mary Badham (“Scout”)
Monday, March 11 at 7:00 PM
Tickets: $15

Nominated for eight Academy Awards and winning three Oscars® in 1962, including Best Actor for Gregory Peck, this film has been since included in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, the American Film Institute and the British Film Institute.

This was powerful stuff for 1962 and still is; we are still talking about rape, race, injustice and poverty. I will say that the film hasn’t aged well in certain aspects. The world has advanced (baby steps?) since 1962, the language and certain scenes are uncomfortable in today’s setting, and the film is somewhat superficial in its handling of the story’s events and some characters. There’s even a white saviour aspect about it that oddly enough comes out moreso in the film than in the book but that could just be the medium; the mind’s eye is always more subtle and labile than the movie camera lens. It also at times has a strong, unexplainable television quality about it, as opposed to being cinematic.

Nevertheless, I insist the film, like the book is mandatory reading, is to be seen. The performances, especially Gregory Peck’s and special guest Mary Badham, are not to be missed.

Mary Badham (“Scout”) will appear in person for this screening. Oscar nominated for her role of Scout Finch in the film, Badham will be in town in the play version of To Kill a Mockingbird at the Fisher Theatre—now cast as Ms. Dubose. She will introduce the film and answer audience questions at intermission.

Did you know…

• Mary Badham was the youngest actress (10 years old at the time) ever nominated in the Best Supporting Actress category for the Academy Awards?
• this film was the screen debut of Robert Duvall (The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Tender Mercies, etc.)?