On August 26th Librarian Cindy Costales welcomed the audience to the Monterey Park Bruggemeyer Library for a Classic Film Program  “To Kill A Mockingbird”.

Theo Siegel introduced the guests to Harper Lee, the author, who write this book based on her childhood experiences in Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s. “To Kill A Mockingbird” was published in 1960 and became a classic book and later a movie in 1962.

The screenplay was created by Horton Foote based on the book and directed by Robert Mulligan. ‎Alan J. Pakula was the producer.

Monroeville is a city in Monroe County, Alabama. The town was recreated at Universal Studios based on the original town and the original Courthouse in Monroe County.

This was Harper Lee’s first book. The book and the movie had a perfect balance

between them. This was her childhood perspective in the 1930s.

Harper Lee stated that her book could not be used to make any other film per the details of her will.

He said that Gregory Peck was casted as Atticus Finch, who visited Harper Lee’s father Amasa Coleman Lee to help him better develop his character. Mr. Lee was an attorney in the south.

Mr. Siegel stated that Mr. Lee presented Gregory Peck with his famous pocket watch to use the movie. Mr. Lee died before filming was completed.

Jean Louise “Scout” Finch was based on Harper Lee and played by Mary Badham.

Phillip Alford was casted as Jem Finch, her older brother.

John Megna was cast as Charles Baker “Dill” Harris, a childhood friend based on her friend, Truman Capote.

The director kept the children spontaneous by taking their shot in one or two takes.

The young actors did not like to work together but you would never know by how well they played off each other.

Brock Peters or Brock G. Peters was best known for playing the role of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman.

Robert Duvall was casted as Boo Radley. Mr. Duval had no speaking lines in this movie. He used his mannerisms to express his part. He also stayed out of the sunlight before the movie to portray a man who was not exposed to daylight.

James Anderson played the role as Robert E. Lee “Bob” Ewell. It was said that he was not friendly with any other people on the set.

Elmer Bernstein wrote the musical score for this powerful movie.

Kim Stanley read the voice over during the movie.

Mr. Siegel said the cast has kept in touch over the years.

“To Kill A Mockingbird” is considered an American Classic.

The audience enjoyed the screening of this wonderful film.

Theo Siegel schedules Classic Film Programs in both Orange and Los Angeles Counties.

He thanked the audience for their attention.