Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird, played by Gregory Peck (Academy Award for Best Actor)
I saw To Kill a Mockingbird for the first time 40 years ago. To this day, it still moves me to tears when I watch it. Tragically, the subject matter of racial prejudice is still an issue, even after all these years.
The story takes place in the Depression-era South. Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), an innocent black man, is wrongfully tried and found guilty of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell. In the midst of much hatred and bigotry is the quiet, calm presence of Atticus Finch, the attorney who defends Tom.
Photo: Peck as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, Robert Mulligan director)
Atticus is told not to take the case, but he earnestly defends Tom, and appeals to the jury to focus on the overwhelming evidence of Tom’s innocence instead of the color of his skin.
For me, Atticus Finch is the quintessential American hero, because of his unwavering courage and conviction to stand up for what he believes–that all men are created equal.
–Michelle Kerrigan for Classic Movie Hub
Michelle Kerrigan is an expert in workplace performance who helps clients achieve success by developing the skills they need to increase their confidence. She shares “Classic Movie Characters with Kickass Confidence” because each of them has inspired her. She hopes that they inspire you too. For more about Michelle, visit www.workplaceconfidence.com.
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