To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird

Year: 1962

Runtime: 129 min

Language: English

Director: Robert Mulligan

DramaCrime

In the small Southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, siblings Scout and Jem Finch experience the innocence of childhood while also encountering complex issues of racial prejudice. Their lawyer father, Atticus, defends Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused, sparking controversy and exposing the town’s deep-seated biases. As Atticus fights for justice, Scout and Jem learn valuable lessons about morality, courage, and the importance of understanding different perspectives, all while trying to unravel the mystery of their reclusive neighbor, Boo Radley.

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Timeline & Setting – To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Explore the full timeline and setting of To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1932

The film is set in 1932, a period marked by the struggles of the Great Depression, where many Americans faced economic challenges and societal changes. This time also saw the rise of civil rights awareness, especially in relation to racial inequality, which significantly impacts the story of Tom Robinson and the Finch family's experiences. The era is characterized by a lingering sense of fear and uncertainty in American life.

Location

Macomb, Alabama

Macomb is portrayed as a small, tired old town during the Great Depression, which was a time of significant economic hardship in the United States. It serves as the backdrop for pivotal events in the lives of the Finch family and the community's deeply entrenched social issues. Known for its close-knit neighborhoods, it becomes a microcosm reflecting the prejudices and moral dilemmas of the time.

🏡 Town 🌳 Neighborhood

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33

Main Characters – To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Meet the key characters of To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck)

Atticus Finch is a principled lawyer and the father of Scout and Jem. His strong moral compass and commitment to justice guide his actions throughout the film, particularly in his defense of Tom Robinson. Atticus embodies dignity and compassion, teaching his children valuable lessons about empathy, integrity, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

👨‍⚖️ Lawyer 💡 Moral Compass 🤝 Compassionate

Scout Finch (Mary Badham)

Scout Finch is a curious and outspoken young girl who serves as the narrator of the story. As she navigates childhood in a racially charged environment, her perspective highlights the innocence of youth. Scout's growth throughout the film reflects her struggle to understand complex social issues, and she learns essential lessons about empathy and human morality.

👧 Child 📖 Narrator 🦄 Innocent

Jem Finch (Phillip Alford)

Jem Finch is Scout's older brother, who begins to confront the realities of the adult world and the injustices around them. Throughout the story, Jem grapples with his understanding of honor and moral integrity, especially as he witnesses the trial of Tom Robinson. His protective nature towards Scout highlights his growth and the inevitable loss of childhood innocence.

👦 Brother 🌱 Growing Up 🛡️ Protector

Boo Radley (Robert Duvall)

Boo Radley is initially portrayed as a mysterious and frightening figure to the local children. As the story unfolds, however, he emerges as a symbol of kindness and protection, ultimately revealing the complexities of his character. Boo's actions challenge the children's perceptions and highlight themes of misunderstanding and the importance of compassion beneath societal labels.

👻 Enigmatic 🌙 Protector 🦸‍♂️ Misunderstood

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33

Major Themes – To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Explore the central themes of To Kill a Mockingbird (1962), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Innocence

The theme of innocence is central to the narrative, particularly reflected in the character of Scout and the symbol of the mockingbird, which represents purity and the harm done to those who do no wrong. Throughout the movie, the innocence of childhood clashes with the harsh realities of prejudice and injustice, highlighting the loss of innocence in the face of societal evils.

⚖️ Justice

Justice is a prevailing theme that examines the moral complexities of the legal system and the societal biases that impact it. Through Atticus Finch's defense of Tom Robinson, the story underscores the struggle against racial inequality and the pursuit of truth, even when it seems futile. The trial and its outcome reveal how justice is often overshadowed by prejudice.

💔 Empathy

Empathy intertwines with the narrative as characters learn to understand and walk in one another's shoes. Atticus teaches Scout the importance of seeing things from others' perspectives, which challenges the characters and the audience to confront their preconceptions. This theme stresses the necessity of compassion and understanding in a divided society.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:33

Unlock the Full Story of To Kill a Mockingbird

Don't stop at just watching — explore To Kill a Mockingbird in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what To Kill a Mockingbird is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

To Kill a Mockingbird Summary

Read a complete plot summary of To Kill a Mockingbird, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

To Kill a Mockingbird Summary

To Kill a Mockingbird Timeline

Track the full timeline of To Kill a Mockingbird with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

To Kill a Mockingbird Timeline

More About To Kill a Mockingbird

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about To Kill a Mockingbird: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About To Kill a Mockingbird

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