To Kill A Mockingbird

(1962) - B&W - 130 min

Starring - Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, Robert Duvall as Arthur Boo Radley, Mary Badham as Scout Finch (Jean Louise), Phillip Alford as Jem Finch (Jeremy Atticus), William Windom as prosecuting attorney, Horace Gilmer Brock Peters as Tom Robinson, Frank Overton as Sheriff Heck Tate, James Anderson as Bob Ewell, John Megna as Dill Harris,
Directed by - Robert Mulligan

To Kill A Mockingbird is a classic American film, based on Harper Lee's novel, Horton Foote's screenplay is amazing - and Gregory Peck's performance as Atticus Finch was nothing short of stunning. The story is told through the eyes of Jean Louise Finch, Scout to her friends, as she recalls this tumultuous period many years later. Mary Badham's performance as Scout is flawless. She was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role but lost to Patty Duke for her role as Helen Keller in The Miracle Worker. Had she won, she would have been the youngest person to win this award. 1962 was one of the best years in the history of film.

This classic tale of a Depression era attorney trying to defend an innocent Black man was nominated for a whopping eight Academy Awards, and won three - Gregory Peck, Best Actor, Horton Foote, Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, and Alexander Golitzen, Henry Bumstead, and Oliver Emert for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration, B&W. Also of note - Elmer Bernstein's fantastic musical score.

Boudu Saved From Drowning

(1932) - B&W - 81 min

Starring - Michel Simon as Priape Boudu, Charles Granval as Edouard Lestingois, Jean Daste as the student Marcelle Hainia as Emma Lestingois, Severine Lerczinska as Chloe Anne Marie, the upstairs maid Max Dalban as Godin, Jean Gehret as Vigour
Directed by - Jean Renoir

An enchanting 1932 Jean Renoir film, Boudu sauve des eaux, or in English - Boudu Saved from Drowning. A poor homeless man named Boudu tries to drown himself in the Seine River, but is saved by the wealthy book store owner, Edouard Lestingois who was watching Boudu from his window. Boudu moves in with the family and has quite an impact on each of their lives. Also of note, this film caused a major scandal when it was released. Not because of the kissing or extramarital affairs (hey, they're French)... but people took major exception to, of all things - the filthy side of being homeless. Boudu's table manners, especially eating the food with his fingers. Totally taboo! The Police came and shut down theaters. It was a very serious matter at the time. In addition, Boudu doesn't seem particularly grateful to Monsieur Lestingois' generosity. Folks were infuriated by this as well.