Atticus Finch, wonderfully played by Gregory Peck in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' is hero number two. Lawyers make excellent heroes because they wrestle with questions of conscience, they are constantly tested with moral and ethical issues - and have to be strong willed and intelligent to defend both their clients and the law. Gregory Peck was great in the film, he had a wonderfully understated manner and was the sort of person you would want to have on your side. His defending of the underdog, his grace in defeat and his warmth as a father guaranteed him lasting hero status. (At the other end of the spectrum, lawyers can also make excellent villains. I can't imagine Gregory Peck playing a villain but I'm sure in a long career he did at some stage!)
Hmm, Gregory was absolutely wonderful in that film. And in many others! I love To Kill A Mockingbird, both the film and the book. It really is a classic, as is Gregory. Thank you for sharing, Cara.
ReplyDeleteOh meant to say that Peck did indeed play a bad guy. He played Josef Mengele in The Boys From Brazil. But he was getting on a bit by then.
ReplyDeleteAhhh, absolutely right Sally, I thought he MUST have played a villain at some time, such a good actor. It is a wonderful book, a real keeper.
ReplyDeleteYou really can't beat some of the early classic stars of Hollywood. Gregory Peck is your typical handsome gentleman persona on film and I am sure was the same in real life.
ReplyDelete