To Kill a Mockingbird | Atticus Finch's Closing Argument

[@boringbill88]

He basically fights in a fight he knows he cannot win, because the rules are rigged. The jury will never understand regardless of what he presents and does. He goes through hell even though, he knows he will lose due to the rigged system. A hero is this man.

[@MichaelBrown-rg8oi]

Its a win for him as he can face his conscious with no regret.

[@andrewvelonis5940]

Oh, they understand all right. And they probably believe the Defendant. But due to the society they live in , they cannot bring themselves to do what they know is right.

[@stephaniegittinger7980]

If you read the book that's why he talks to Jem about the definition of "courage"; it's knowing you won't succeed but going ahead anyway and carrying through to the end.

[@revealzed1853]

Atticus becomes a racist in the sequel Go Set A Watchman.

[@c0rmis]

@@revealzed1853 I believe Go Set A Watchman was made as a draft of TKAM - not a sequel

[@MichellePrice0422]

When Harper Lee was on set, she saw Gregory Peck as Atticus for the first time and cried because he was exactly what she had pictured. She had based Atticus on her own father, and when he came out of costume for filming, she cried and he told her it was his honor to play Atticus, and he only hoped he could do the character justice.

[@joshuabrooks4907]

Boy, did he ever do Atticus some justice. I just wish Gregory was still here, to enjoy the 60th anniversary of this classic movie next year.

[@garysandiego]

She also said, according to Peck, “He has a little pot belly, just like my daddy!” To Peck’s chagrin, of course.

[@thabstar2040]

Many many years ago, when I 1st saw Atticus - played by Gregory - I also thought omg he's EXACTLY how i imagined Atticus to be, physically, and in character, tone of voice, just... everything. This is my absolute favourite book and movie.

[@НатальяСамсунг-п4и]

А мне Грегори Пек казался слишком молодым и красивым для роли Аттикуса Финча, который в книге описан совсем не таким. Но Грегори Пек сыграл прекрасно!

[@wendycrawford1792]

How wonerful

[@mcs-bl6sg]

This entire speech was done in a single take. That's unbelievable.

[@SzazaM077]

How do you know?😊

[@swarthhy]

@@SzazaM077 there isnt any cuts

[@AlonsoRules]

this was the first take

[@andrewvelonis5940]

Why does that not surprise me?

[@nile1790]

Anthony Kernich now that’s even more impressive

[@roguestar8]

The camera watches him and never cuts to the jury for almost the entire scene. We are the jury.

[@nadine338]

that’s brilliant

[@galesayers]

Excellent observation.

[@christina.lynn97]

That’s a really good point!

[@peterrodriguez6794]

Genius!

[@stephengrigg5988]

Also, this was all a one-take, and Gregory peck did it on the first try. Amazing connection to the character he was playing

[@deaver631]

My dad, who was a lawyer, always said Atticus Finch was his favorite character. My mom is a high school english teacher and reads this book with her class every year. My dad died when I was 13 so I never got to ask him why this was his favorite, but hearing my mom talk about this scene and seeing this video helps me understand what my dad was striving to be.

[@marilyndargis6758]

Your father would be proud of you m

[@Anonymous-ng4wc]

You Dad sounds like a great guy. I’m sorry he’s no longer with us.

[@glitteringstars86]

❤️

[@michaelandmagic]

I’m so sorry for your loss, I lost my mom when I was 13 :/

[@Explorist719]

@@Anonymous-ng4wc your his dad too?

[@jadentrez]

"Courage is not a man with a gun in his hand. Courage is knowing you are beaten to begin with, but you begin anyway, and you see it through no matter what." -- Atticus Finch

[@wendycrawford1792]

James Tressler. I’ve watched the movie probably a dozen times and didn’t know this quote. Thankyou!!!

[@josephtrice82]

This great. Brilliant. I now have the perfect quote for the beginning of the book i'm writing...thanks!

[@jessicaalvarado4590]

@@wendycrawford1792 i think it's from the book

[@TeguhNugrahaPratama]

Yeah that part of the story was skipped in the movie version. One of the most memorable quote lesson from Atticus.

[@wyandgi]

he was talking about how mrs dubois decided to quit her morphine addiction and how she was the bravest person he knew ❤

[@illbuyourniknak]

People in the South were trying to ban this book because “it made people uncomfortable.” If this book makes you uncomfortable, I say good, that’s the point of the book.

[@theexcaliburone5933]

@@FormulaVase-kp3dc mhm

[@stansman5461]

@@FormulaVase-kp3dc Geez. Sins of the father much?

[@aamaravel2493]

@@FormulaVase-kp3dc not all of them though, people here in enterprise are super kind

[@joeses4162]

People are also trying to ban this book because it is offensive to black people and uses racial slurs, both sides of the spectrum I guess 🤦

[@theexcaliburone5933]

@@joeses4162 mhm

[@scottyarbour2570]

Not only is Gregory Pecks performance phenomenal, note how Robert Mulligan put the camera where the jury is sitting. Atticus isn’t only making his case to the jury, but he’s speaking to us, the audience.

[@adeepseafish1238]

exactly! makes it so powerful, considering the time where it was made

[@stephengrigg5988]

He also did this long one take on the first try

[@Grande79]

Great movie but I disagree about Peck being phenomenal. I think he is a plank of wood, not just in this movie but his entire career. I just don’t get it.

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

@@Grande79 He certainly wouldn't be suitable as James Bond; but where the dialogue is paramount he's brilliant. Have you seen his Mengele? Chilling!

[@Grande79]

@@tooleyheadbang4239 I don’t think I have seen it, I will check it out. I like the 1978 The Omen with Peck but feel like he has no emotional range at all.

[@johnratican3824]

The actor who played Tom Robinson did the eulogy at Peck's funeral. I can imagine him doing that.

[@WWAHP]

Brock Peters

[@johnratican3824]

@@WWAHP Thank you.

[@acdragonrider]

Is there video footage or document evidence of what he said?

[@Lyndanet]

How sweet and kind

[@garysandiego]

From the June 18, 2003 edition of the LA Times, “Delivering the eulogy at the afternoon service, actor Brock Peters quoted Harper Lee, author of the book on which the movie was based, as saying, ‘Atticus Finch gave him an opportunity to play himself.’ “ Over 1,000 people attended the funeral. In the mid 90’s I met Mr. Peck at the La Jolla Playhouse, of which he was a founder in the early 1950’s. Walked with him and his wife, Veronique, from a reception to the loading dock of the theater at which “Children of the Gods” was performed. Classy man. Also impossibly tall!

[@_robin_5858]

also, Atticus's voice in this is just, amazing

[@dillonohlemiller9027]

_robin_ you feel safe when you hear him talk

[@veramon5696]

Gregory Peck had one of the lost amazing voices ever. Next to James Earl Jones and Jeremy Irons.

[@lesliegmn3927]

When he accepted his Oscar, Peck had Harper Lee’s late father’s pocket watch in his own pocket.

[@ghostlyaudios7935]

I want him to make an audio book!

[@Line...]

@@ghostlyaudios7935 he's dead, so it might be a little late for that. If you're religious he did record the entire bible once

[@atticusmcfly]

The scene that made me fall in love with cinema. Atticus Finch and Gregory Peck are one and the same to me. A film that must never ever not be shown in middle school.

[@adhip4893]

I watched this in middle school.

[@lizzy-zg7gh]

I’m in middle school and we’re almost done w/ the book. Starting the movie soon ! 🥰

[@summerplayzforfun7130]

im watching this rn in middle school

[@janesheehan8511]

Gregory Peck was so great in this part, such a handsome man!

[@hannejeppesen2887]

@Peter Evans He was a good actor, and the movie had several important messages, that is why it should be watched.

[@alyssao517]

I’ll never forget watching this in class with my classmates, when Tom was found guilty, the whole class got angry & started yelling at the smartboard screen

[@lilpapalstate628]

yall didnt know what happened already? yall watched the movie before reading the book???

[@noahf8752]

@@lilpapalstate628 Tbf, hearing it and watching it happen is probably even more impacting.

[@wrybreadspread]

@@lilpapalstate628 It's a tribute to the director, the cinematographer, the scriptwriter, the actors, the author of the book herself, that the movie can so thoroughly pull the viewers into the story.

[@caspermudge6067]

omg so trueeee

[@kentclark6420]

And today, 10 people, (most, if not all, were blacks) were shot and killed by a white supremacist in New York. Nothing has changed.

[@joeylatino510]

“In the name of God, do your duty. In the name of God, believe Tom Robinson.” I got chills

[@lovemaybeitslove]

Same, thats what I was saying

[@CharroArgentino]

Sadly, the same people that went to Church every sunday, didn't give a f*** about God the moment it didn't suit them.

[@caspermudge6067]

really!?

[@jordanjoestar-turniptruck]

And that cut to the unmoved jury and then the defeated Atticus turning back to his seat. What a punch in the gut.

[@malteseheart]

As a child, reading the book, the worst part was from Scout's pov, when she says a jury never looks into the eye of the one they have just judged. Gregory Peck was a genius.

[@koolaiddudeawesome9850]

Yeah, I read the book too.

[@stephengrigg5988]

​@@koolaiddudeawesome9850congratulations

[@sosidecop64]

For all you fans of superhero movies, look no further than Atticus Finch. The hero’s hero.

[@danmenard6917]

Except during the sequel book where it turns out he really was just as racist as the rest, but put his prejudices aside for the trial.

[@timespace7737]

Dan Menard no that was only the first draft of TKAM it’s not actually Cannon

[@davidlzhou]

Time Space You do know what ‘canon’ means... right?

[@timespace7737]

David Zhou oh woah sorry for not getting to this sooner. Yeah wrong choice of words haha you get my point, what I meant is that the author said that the sequel was actually just a rough draft of The first book of TKAM. She later then decided to write a whole book about it, however it’s not based on the true storyline, it does use characters from the first book but it’s not really based off of what really happens.

[@rafaeltoranzo7072]

sosidecop64 He looks like Clark Kent

[@russellcampbell9198]

When you know you can't win but you give it your best shot = courage.

[@davewanamaker3690]

Well said. I am going to remember your words and credit you. I love your quote!

[@FoxflameGoddess]

@@davewanamaker3690 it’s a paraphrase of something atticus said in the book

[@padraicglynn2988]

Very stoic

[@chrisfinch8637]

I love the fact that Gregory Peck did this whole argument in one take. The way he acts on screen, in pretty much all of his roles, really make his films enjoyable to watch. Hollywood misses a classic legend like him.

[@stephengrigg5988]

One take, and the first take. He became the character

[@mikebasil4832]

Hearing the jury find Tom Robinson guilty, even after Atticus' most realistic defense, made me sadly realize the travesties of justice that can happen because of prejudice. Every falsely accused defendant deserves a lawyer like Atticus Finch.

[@Athenswinslava]

It would be called abuse if Hollywood did to any actor who played like Atticus in 2023

[@LPJack02]

RIP Gregory Peck (April 5, 1916 - June 12, 2003), aged 87 And RIP Harper Lee (April 28, 1926 - February 19, 2016), aged 89 You both will always be remembered as legends.

[@chipsthedog1]

My son always refused to watch "old films" and movies that were in black and white were not even considered. During the lock down last year I finally persuaded him to sit through one with me. I chose 12 angry men and he absolutely loved it, a couple of days later he came downstairs from his room all hyped up about another film he had just watched it was of course to kill a mocking bird. He now has a list of old films he wants to see some recommendations from me and others he got off lists of top movies ever.

[@MHCryptics]

12 angry men is brilliant, good choice!

[@niklasdahlgren7641]

12 angry men is awesome. While not black and white i would suggest "In the heat of the night" if he has not seen it yet.

[@chipsthedog1]

@@niklasdahlgren7641 better than that, I'm going to watch it as I've never seen it. Strange your comment came today as I've just finished watching Boardwalk Empire and I was wondering what to watch tonight. Thank you

[@sonicfreak04]

12 angry men is an excellent choice, and Im glad your kid chose to watch mockingbird, you must be proud that your son is developing good taste.

[@chipsthedog1]

@@sonicfreak04 absolutely in fact it's actually gone full circle and now he gives me movie recommendations.

[@terranceknull9644]

I remember reading this and watching the movie in high school my sophomore year.

[@Gojiex99]

i did this in freshman.

[@joesephheckman1802]

I did this in freshman year

[@brandongamingtv7545]

me too.

[@beanbagbum9184]

I’m doing this in my freshman year right now

[@zayyflicks4007]

BeanBagBum I already did this eighth grade this year

[@AnvilPro100]

The thing that makes Atticus one of the greatest characters ever written is that you can tell he both fully believes in what he's saying, and knows this is a helpless battle. He knows there's no chance this racist town will give a damn about all the evidence and testimony, but he needs them to have seen it. He *needs* them to know what they're doing is wrong even if he can't stop them. When Ewell attacks Scout and Jem at the end, it's like a child throwing a tantrum because he knows he's lost a game, while Atticus knows that this isn't a game it's a man's life.

[@Mimi-cg2cw]

Ewell was trash he raped his daughter. He lied on Tom..he hate iggas..He attacked Atticus kids ...glad Boo was there

[@stephengrigg5988]

I cant remember if it's in the movie, but I remember how in the book Atticus comments on how it took the jury a few hours to deliberate. In the horror of this injustice, he was still able to notice the progress being made. He wasn't just kind, he was wise

[@vgg31]

The whole courtroom scene is my top favorite part of the whole movie, especially Atticus' closing argument. I loved it in the book, It was very well done from the start. Gregory Peck is truly a legend. RIP Gregory Peck and Harper Lee

[@galesayers]

@Peter Evans And what would those holes consist of?

[@galesayers]

@Peter Evans You presume either, 1) Too much about yourself, or 2) Too little about me. You made the statement, flesh it out. What holes?

[@adeepseafish1238]

@Peter Evans consider us fools who are desperate to learn. Would you please explain to us what those "holes" are? I would be more than willing to hear

[@galesayers]

@Peter Evans What's self evident is you're a copout.

[@kingamoeboid3887]

I remember that it was a little longer in the book.

[@King_Colombia_Inc]

“In the name of *GOD* ... Do your duty!” Universal has blessed me. :)

[@vgg31]

"In the name of God, believe Tom Robinson" Book, end of chapter 21: Scout: What did he say?" Jem: I think he said, believe him.

[@mikebasil4832]

The fact that those great words didn't deter the jury from making the wrong decision is a most heartbreaking example of how prejudice can pollute the justice system.

[@lesliegmn3927]

I love the way Reverend Sykes said later, “Stand up, Miss Jean Louise. Your father’s passin’.”

[@79derik]

That moment makes me cry every time. Resonates to my soul.

[@timothyernest6429]

Heroes deserve such respect.

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

That line makes me cry, too. Every time. So incredibly powerful.

[@jonathanlee5314]

@@79derik You can't buy ordinary people's respect and love, it can only be earned.

[@gimmelmom]

That’s what’s missing nowadays. Respect.

[@breezingby2611]

Quite possibly the greatest speech ever written, played perfectly in every sense of the word by Gregory Peck

[@manweller1]

I’ve read the book two times, Gregor Peck nailed the character to perfection. Flawless acting and direction for this scene.

[@lisasimmons5362]

What an eternal performance!!! There'll never be another Gregory Peck.

[@sergegirard864]

And that, my young friends, is why it is not SUFFICIENT to say that you BELIEVE victims. There is a world of difference between an accuser and a victim. EVIDENCE, is what matters. That is the only sure thing that living people can use to try to bring justice. It is one thing to support people who claim that they were the victims of a sexual offense. It is quite another to condemn the accused only on the word of his accuser. There is no substitute for due process.

[@Rikku147]

This is blatantly simplified and an incredibly stupid take. I can tell you didn't read the book and likely didn't watch the movie.. You missed the fact that this is specifically about a white woman accusing a black man. Not to mention, most of the time, you are not a jury. You missed the fact that the girl WAS beaten, WAS likely raped. By her FATHER. When you support victims you are not supporting them falsely accusing just anyone. You're giving them the resources and support to go after the people who hurt them. You cannot strip nuance from this scene or from any case involving assault. So don't even try.

[@sergegirard864]

@@Rikku147 Talking about nuance, your answer seems to be in dire need of some. You seem to infer that I am against supporting victims. You are mistaken. I am all for it. But it cannot be to simply put aside due process. As you say yourself, a complaint can be made under threat. It can also be made under another ulterior motive. It can also be due to an honest misconstruction of the facts. Due process aims at eliminating all those before one is declared guilty of a criminal offense. Nuance is important. It can also be a burden. It is way easier to take sides before trying to understand what actually happened. Nuance is especially difficult in the case of an accusation of a sexual aggression. But nuance is seldom more important than in such cases. The judicial system need to be reworked to ensure a greater sense of justice in the case of sexual offenses. The louder lobby voice seems to favour to put aside the presumption of innocence in criminal justice. I think this is a bad idea. However, there are cases where the evidence, although not enough to reach the beyond-reasonable-doubt threshold, would be enough to pronounce a judgement against the accused based on the balance of probabilities. The answer then might be in combining the criminal prosecution process with a civil action in damages. Though difficult (new sets of procedure and evidence rules would be needed, and the role of the judges and jurors would need to be reconsidered), this may allow a victim to be compensated by its aggressor, even in cases that would not warrant a criminal condemnation. - No doubt, there is a lot to criticize about this idea, but it is a start. See, it is not about refusing to address the need for justice for victims of sexual offenses. It is about trying to fix a problem without creating a new one by attacking due process and the presumption of innocence in criminal justice. It is all about nuances.

[@syd91]

@David Tran - LEH Student While Becca's argument was fairly simplistic, I think you're the one missing their point - Serge used this scene to make a sweeping statement about the MeToo movement while giving no consideration to the actual systemic influences at play in it, mainly race. Like… the source material is literally meant to highlight racial discrimination, I don’t think it’s a reach to say he should've taken that into account. "A white woman who falsely accuses a black man of a heinous crime... is a situation that exemplifies his point" ONLY when you ignore this the dynamics at play - the jury doesn’t care about serving actual justice for a rape victim, so much as they want to put another black man behind bars. This is evident by how it’s implied Mayella was really abused by her father, something Tom even points out (“She says what her papa do to her don’t count”), but both the Court & Atticus turn a blind eye towards her actual rapist. For a real-world case comparison, Harvey Weinstein’s allegations only reached public outcry when the number of accusers, mostly wealthy, well-connected, and white actresses, reached a breaking point - unlike Atticus’s case, with just two faulty witnesses. In contrast, the accusers in the Koch Foods plant case risked much more coming out as undocumented immigrants, as many were later detained by ICE. And while MeToo isn't above criticism, both of you seem to be operating on a strawman idea of MeToo activists, as well as an idealized view of rape proceedings in court. "Evidence matters more than testimony" - hrm, okay, well what about those 25 law enforcement agencies in 14 states that didn’t test 80% of their rape cases 🤨? And while studies have found that the reporting of sex crimes have increased post-MeToo, the rate at which the police clear those crimes hasn’t, much less bring them to court. And even though you give a dictionary definition of "due process," you still seem to operate on a fairly colloquial mindset of what it means - “In a society where we heavily rely on other opinions, in a way we are the jury” might hold some truth outside of court, I guess. But due process isn't something private individuals owe each other, it's solely a GOVERNMENT process. As law professor Michael Meltsner commented, “Even the most flexible construct of due process focuses us on a struggle for fairness in the face of our human tendency to rush toward moral judgment. But just as importantly, due process isn’t deaf, dumb, and blind. It is essentially evidence-based, so where the facts have emerged - and we have a plethora of such examples now before us - no one need hesitate to pass judgment.” Popular opinion condemning Tom isn’t what made him lose his case - the system itself was already faulty, being deeply embedded in racism.

[@lawdog1569]

Uh, the "Me Too" movement would crucify you for saying this. They want no consequences for the women (only) who falsely accuse men of rape and are proven wrong. No shame, no backlash. Look at the NC college kids accused of hiring a stripper then raped her. They were proven 100% innocent but were expelled from the college and names ruined by the media. It ruined their lives and she served no time in jail.

[@sergegirard864]

@@lawdog1569 To be clear: rapists are the scum of the Earth and should be hanged. However, the process that leads to condemning anyone accused of a crime, including rape, must be rational, not emotional. Once the accused, having enjoyed all the protections that the law provides, has been proven guilty, he should be hanged. Period.

[@mickberry164]

"I am confidant that you gentlemen will review without passion..." That is what we so sorely need now: People evaluating, listening, thinking, deciding, acting without passion, but with intelligence. So sad, it is so sorely lacking now. It is all too rare in societies. If people would think and act out of careful thinking, and acceptance of truth, regardless of their emotional leanings, our problems with racism would evaporate and leave us with each other and our better behavior.

[@matthewhernandez4504]

Daddicus finch

[@fuckknami]

Bro????

[@user-vq3fe4zi9s]

lmao what the fuck

[@moonlightbae7456]

absolutely

[@isabellawatson1626]

YESSIRR

[@aikomaliako]

I-

[@calebstevens7487]

The fact they want to keep this out of schools is just sickening

[@mikebasil4832]

They didn't keep it out of my school when we were assigned to study the book and I'm certainly grateful for that.

[@joewhitehead3]

In a way the trial was kinda pointless. In those days, a black man could automatically be found guilty of whatever he was accused of, no matter how good of an attorney he had

[@safasujan4058]

Yeah, but the jury actually took ages to decide. It was a small step towards change and it created a big difference. It changed hearts, maybe not immediately but in the long run, it actually made people *think*. I remember reading the trial scene and I was so hooked. :)

[@joewhitehead3]

Safa Sujan That’s a good point

[@safasujan4058]

@@joewhitehead3 Thanks

[@christophermikhail9184]

Scottsboro case though. The nine boys had the best attorney in the world defending them and all of them were freed from death penalty but were sentenced to jail until parole. Only 2 people lived to make it out of prison and only one of them earned a job and started a family.

[@knugenavswarje734]

Gotta keep appearances up for the black community.

[@libertyann439]

We need at least 1000 clones of this man.

[@jeffreyhutton1963]

1000 isn't enough, we need 10'000 or more.

[@michaelterrell5061]

@@jeffreyhutton1963 yeah 10,000 x 10^100,000,000

[@jeffreyhutton1963]

@@michaelterrell5061 exactly

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

@@jeffreyhutton1963 Better ask Mengele...

[@tylerbrown4190]

With a million more well on the way

[@benhouston7179]

One of my family's favorite movies and characters in literature and cinema. Need more people like Atticus in this world!

[@EdRushing-te3sc]

Gregory Peck. A tremendous actor. Fills the screen literally and figuratively. An amazing performance.

[@Wolfinger1935]

If only we had such honorable and moral men as Atticus in our Justice system today.

[@Jleed989]

And his greatness was negated by a corrupt jury.

[@anthonysaenz6121]

I saw this in the Summer of 1963... I was in Junior High... Went with several buddies at the time... It was almost too much for me to handle.. I was so touched by it. The U.S. was so different back then.... A very daring movie at the time. My hat is off to Gregory Peck and Robert Mulligan the director and of course, Harper Lee, the writer.

[@lottiesummers]

this is one of the most important monologues in any movie ever made when it comes to american history

[@Mimi-cg2cw]

I'm blk f and almost 70. I'm a Oakland native snd remember watching this movie when I was 10 or 11. I could identify with Scout and Jim. I read the book in Jr. High and I love the movie and book.. tonight I couldn't stop crying. It's so real. Euella Ewing.. Karen for sure. I'm a Gregory Peck fan. The Paramount in Oakland premiered it about 25 yrs ago in Oakland.. Blacks snd Whites watched it together.. everyone cheering for Atticus. I didn't cry..I just enjoyed the movie..tonight I kept breaking down..No one can do a remake on this movie. No one...leave it alone..

[@Kate-f1n]

Amen 🕊️

[@susanmiyashiro9258]

Atticus Finch's character is timeless! I adore men of his caliber!

[@galesayers]

Unfortunately. society offers few men for you to adore.

[@ishtarbabylon4869]

@@galesayers not true

[@hannejeppesen2887]

I first saw Gregory Peck in "Roman Holiday" in my native Denmark when I was abotu 9=10 years old. Have been a fan ever since. There were something soothing about his quiet ways, very comforting. I had a boyfriend for a couple of years that reminded me of him, he was very tall as well. However, he didn't quite measure up, and our relationship did not last.

[@RustCole01]

Believe it or not, this fictional character was revered as a hero in the legal profession for decades. This character was the inspiration for thousands of legal reviews in accredited law journals. There are also a whole bunch of famous lawyers and judges who credit this movie and Atticus Finch for their motivation to pursue a career in the legal field. The Alabama State Bar Association even erected a statue of Finch in Maecomb County. Kind of goes to show how important fictional characters can be to progress. It can be easy to dismiss TV and movies as just being entertainment but they can definitely be a lot more than that. "A Time To Kill" was also a great modern-day adaption of this movie.

[@mikebasil4832]

This iconic courtroom speech has shaped how I hear any and every other courtroom speech in the cinema and on television. Thank you, Gregory, for Atticus.

[@brenroutly133]

This is what inspired me to want to become a lawyer

[@juliananorman3209]

wish you luck

[@garysandiego]

So many of us were similarly inspired. So few of us rise to that height.

[@brenroutly133]

@@garysandiego Applying to law schools now :)

[@lifedeather]

@@brenroutly133update?

[@brenroutly133]

@@lifedeather in my second year of law school!

[@kellypaytas1908]

Nobody moved a goddamn muscle while he was talking 🙌🏻

[@b1j]

True, Kelly. The rest of the world stopped in those fraught minutes. Even Bob Euell is motionless. Important observation.

[@MrSloth-tl5yv]

I wanna see a remake, just to see how we can make this speech now

[@tooleyheadbang4239]

@HQ It wouldn't ruin it. It would just be a another pointless, shit remake.

[@caspermudge6067]

i did! i was jogging listening to this as it empowers me!

[@kellypaytas1908]

@@caspermudge6067 i love that

[@donotbangchan]

I was supposed to watch this with my class this week but the freaking coronavirus had to happen :| would’ve been a cool experience watching this with everyone lol

[@gwiz6955]

haha same

[@shehnilahuq389]

same

[@fabsjsj9029]

Same in Germany

[@AWlpsSHOW36]

You can pick it up when you see eachother again?

[@rpo6054]

same

[@sevenrats]

The greatest actor, in his greatest moment.

[@nicktroisi6347]

One of the finest scenes in cinematic history. Even though Atticus lost he was still right. That’s the point of the book. If it makes you feel uneasy than it did it’s job

[@veramon5696]

Gregory peck was amazing. As was Brock Peters character Tom Robinson. Almost all characters were incredible. But Peck and Brocks relationship in real life was so wonderful to read about.

[@imalwayswatching5103]

I was named after Atticus Finch, but my mom died when I was four, so I couldn’t ask why she loved him and this book so much. But after reading it, I immediately understood, and was beyond honored to have been given the name of what might be one of the single greatest characters in literature.

[@juerv1]

If you don't know why Gregory Peck is one oft the top acting legends, watch this scene.

[@Tomkha19]

One of the finest films, performances and story you could ever come across, many courtroom dramas have been made but none could ever come close to this.

[@ChrisWolff2013]

One of the most perfect scenes ever filmed, and it was done in one take. Incredible.

[@Mediumal]

“The law is reason free from passion” said Aristotle. Aristotle also said, “Whereas the law is passionless, passion must ever sway a man's heart”. Courage is also often doing, with a passionate certainty what you know in your heart to be right despite what would appear insurmountable odds against you being successful. The character of Atticus Finch is one such sublime example in literature of a character passionately defending another he knows in his heart but with a clear logical reason to be innocent of murder, but who also knows rationally will probably be found guilty anyway. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the great books of World Literature because it illuminates with passion the truth about certain aspects of human nature. Gregory Peck's performance as Finch it goes without saying was just incredibly brilliant.

[@schmelzikasefaust8193]

Gregory Peck in the role of his life as Atticus Finch. A timeless statement of humanity and true courage.

[@benmeyer1989]

A timeless classic and even more relevant in this day and age than you may think.

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

Atticus, I’m fairly certain, had his doubts as to proving Tom innocent, as even with his excellence in showing him innocent, these people were from a raising that said “skin color before all else you must be loyal too” mindset. But yet he STILL fought to try and break an evil cultural practice that had been around since pre-Civil War. He did his absolute best, defending Tom as powerfully as a White man as his client, even knowing that by doing so, he and his family would face a great deal of ridicule and even hate because he was doing the same as a “Carpet Bagger Yank” in protecting Tom in actual seriousness instead of “cause the law says he gets an attorney so I have to sit next to him”.

[@theman2017inc]

Funny enough what you said poignant to what happened last week in Minneapolis and the consequences which again divides America

[@alexverdana2435]

yeah, exactly. he probably didn't expect to win, but he was doing it and fighting for what he believed in.

[@johnratican3824]

Not to sound racist, but what you described was a little like the reaction of many African Americans who automatically assumed the Duke Lacrosse players were guilty of rape despite the fact that the evidence in that real life case was actually even more dubious than that in the fictional case in this movie. (At least Mayella Euwell could identify the man she was actually accusing; at least Tom Robinson admitted to having some kind of physical contact with Mayella; at least the evidence placed the victim and the accused together during the alleged assault; there was no DNA evidence at the time to exonerate Tom Robinson...etc.)

[@bullseye5202]

Easily one of the most poignant and true things I have ever had the pleasure to read on KZbin

[@BillyBones-ui9ck]

Gregory Peck was without a doubt one of the greatest actors of all time, not to mention acting in one of the best novel based films of all time

[@thomasmedema4846]

This is one of the greatest defense arguments in history. Not only would Atticus have gotten a medal in today's world, but the prosecutor would have faced a serious lawsuit for gross prosecutorial misconduct.

[@pameladuke9068]

At that time, those legal privileges existed only for whites. Now they exist only for the wealthy. Today money trumps color as green is the favorite. Sad. This is not the original version of the story. Publishers refused to publish unless she made the book ‘less offensive’ to whites. Im not positive but I believe there is some version of the original around in some form. Before Ms Lee passed she did an interesting interview regarding this topic

[@YourFriend24-7]

I remember reading this and thinking to myself this is going so well, almost too well for Tom Robinson and Atticus when they were breaking it down getting to the truth that it’s painfully obvious you know what happened and I thought this isn’t going to end well, they’re still going to find him guilty, aren’t they? Once they did, I had never felt so angry and frustrated and emotional all at once...

[@CharroArgentino]

And the only ones who cried because of the injustice are Jem, Dill, and Scout, the children.

[@xr2863]

If you've watch the movie, did you look at those faces of everyone in the courtroom, including the jury and law officers? Just like "they" lied about the rape and beating, in 2022, we also know they lied about Tom having tried to run away too. As a child watching this, I thought, he had a good chance for appeal, why did he have to run? If this were a true story, which it very well could be, we know what they did to poor Tom Robinson in the end.

[@lizellepillay]

The plot, his delivery, the camera angles, just a masterpiece.

[@Mstayfraz]

Gregory Peck gives an amazing performance.

[@ernestkovach3305]

He won the academy award!

[@moumita22]

What a phenomenal acting...he said all in one take and he gave life to the words he said....truly amazing...he is my all time favourite...the great Gregory Peck...🙏

[@darthkurland]

No wonder Gregory Peck won the Academy Award for his performance in this film. He delivered this monologue in just one take!

[@michaelgauthier2593]

A hero is someone who displays great courage, often at great sacrifice of themselves. Case in point: standing for what you KNOW is right, when you could easily look the other way and society would approve. Standing alone in opposition, even when you know you will be despised for it, lowering yourself into the muddy trenches of virtue. That’s why Atticus Finch is arguably the greatest fictional cinematic hero ever written.

[@afterhourscinema782]

This should be *MANDATORY* viewing in ALL public schools, for ALL languages, for ALL races, for ALL religions, for ALL nationalities, for ALL sexualities, and beyond.

[@Lizalotte]

Yes!!!!

[@johnosandra]

Nearly 12-hours into my final 24-hour evidence exam and I am not one bit surprised that I am here drawing on Atticus Finch for motivation. He may be no idealist but I certainly am. That closing address is the ambition.

[@LilyGazou]

Marvelous

[@samyakjain727]

how did it go?

[@AkinaHuskie]

One of my favourite movies. One of my favourite books. I will always watch this every time it is on and I will make sure my children and grandchildren do as well.

[@bp4187]

More than 60 years later this scene still has the impact of a sledgehammer.

[@Red.Butterfly]

Legendary performance, legendary actor, legendary movie, and most of all legendary character ❤

[@thehair1474]

The greatest performance ever given by an actor in a film. Or tied with James Stewart for "It's A Wonderful Life."

[@trickester5336]

And that Ladies and Gentlemen is whats called a commanding performance, after the first 3 second I forgot i was eating popcorns, because I wanted to hears what Atticus was saying. Gregory Peck, what a classy actor.

[@AthkielKenobi]

I read the book not so long ago and as an outsider (I am Mexican) I understood the story as it was originally intended to portray. A love letter from a daughter to her father. Atticus is the epitome of what a father should be and do for his children (even when sometimes he needs a push to get behind his children) Nevertheless, the book was eye opening and very educational on the racial issues the US has nowadays. I understand a bit more where racism in the US comes from. I reckon is more straight forward than the entwined silent racism we live in Mexico

[@ernestkovach3305]

There is very little racism left in America thanks in part to authors like Harper Lee .

[@adsfhasdkjgadjgasd]

@@ernestkovach3305 "There is very little racism left in America"? How is that true?

[@alexverdana2435]

@@ernestkovach3305 maybe not where you live, but there is some pretty bad racism happening in the rest of the US. obviously most people are not as racist now as they were in this movie.

[@timothyernest6429]

@@adsfhasdkjgadjgasd it's called reality. What little racism truly exists in a nation of a whopping 350 million people is negligible and, in fact, there is zero doubt that there are now far far more unustifiably bitter blacks who are racist against whites out of hateful hate and jealousy than there are whites who are so. Ouch, but true. Case really closed.

[@flamefusion8963]

@@alexverdana2435 racism would be dead if not for democrats

[@rubytuesday5412]

Still one of my all time fave books and movies. September 2024.

[@Walsh1502]

A brilliant performance by a legendary actor.

[@willm678]

I remember reading TKAM my sophomore year of high school in English class and feeling inspired by Atticus Finch’s character. He is a great representation of the kind of hero that we can all strive to be: empathetic, honest, thoughtful, just, and resolute.

[@margueritehudsell4454]

No man living, dead or yet to be born, can succeed Peck's performance. He still brings me to my knees.

[@gpagentry]

A high point in the execution of a compelling novel to film by a masterful actor.

[@Captainkebbles1392]

Now it's banned for making students uncomfortable 🙄 I think it's so touching the author gave Peck her father's watch as a thank you

[@aconsideredopinion7529]

It still retains its power even after all these years. Great acting bring a powerful story to life.

[@themadtitan7603]

I was now writing a literary essay on it when I saw this.

[@marmot1434]

Me too

[@geeselord6523]

Me three

[@reedahee5066]

Me four

[@francansdell8249]

When atticus has his face spat on he merely wipes it away. He doesn't draw a gun or punch the person. This would never happen in a modern film. What a difference. What a sad world.

[@General_Skywalker2219]

Gregory Peck deserved that oscar

[@oliviavanicor8079]

My class did a trial while reading to kill a mockingbird and I was assigned Atticus. I remember reading this closing argument from the paper and trying to be professional like Atticus 😂

[@Laki2]

This is too good. Best acting of the 60's!

[@MichaelBrown-rg8oi]

Well deserved won best actor

[@Bowling_Dude]

My school reads this book in 8th grade, it's K-12, now I'm graduated having the privilage to have played one of the most iconic characters in literature during my time at my school.

[@bernadettecavadi9706]

I'm a mother of 3...in high school, they were the only in their class who had read the book and seen the movie. I made them...was so affected by this story.

[@Tsukiyori9]

Reading the book and watching it in highschool was an amazing telling. And to see it again years later like this

[@emperorconstantine1.361]

This scene alone is reason enough to have both the book and movie kept in schools.

[@paulbrewer2374]

One of the greatest (and most meaningful) performances in all of cinematic history.

[@proxi291]

Bro I'm doing this book at school stop stalking me😂

[@user-mo6rw4pd6w]

SAME😂

[@mat7083]

Are you using protection?

[@seboy9569]

@@bobthebuilder9553 trash book

[@michaelterrell5061]

@@seboy9569 you are joking correct?

[@seboy9569]

@@michaelterrell5061 nope

[@notmyname9261]

4:44 - ". . . which I do not need to point out to you." I can't quite pinpoint why, but the delivery of that line hits the hardest for me.

[@katek9864]

My favorite book and favorite movie of all time. Every time this is watched and read, it feels like the first time. Absolute brilliance of social vision and artistic resolution.

[@siahdabandit]

i read the book, this is so sad but i understand this how life was in the 30s

[@robertzimmerman3388]

@monokhem you are insane.

[@ernestkovach3305]

@monokhem bunk.

[@ComaTwin]

Very touching scene the one where the young black boy approaches timidly Atticus' car and with Jem Finch wave at each other in a sign of immediate mutual friendship.

[@Trojan0304]

Classic actor in never to be forgotten role. What a movie.

[@dylanhester4194]

The character of Atticus finch is the paragon of what it means to be a defense attorney.

[@tylerolsonfilms]

Absolutely legendary...Incredibly moving moment in cinema history!

[@TerlinguaTalkeetna]

Thank you Harper Lee for telling a story to us folks. It needed telling then and again and again since it was written.

[@adeepseafish1238]

So powerful! Reading the book and watching the movie for an assignment rn, absolutely in love

[@travisfriedland9346]

God bless and keep Gregory Peck. He was the GREATEST Hollywood ever saw!!! The world will not see his kind again!!!

[@josephwilliams6602]

I remember watching this and reading the book in my English class during the begging of my high school years

[@RED-zp2wy]

I cant believe this book is getting banned in schools. It's an integral part of history.