Mockingbird Three: The Book and the Film

The book is probably based on a local crime that occurred in Nelle's childhood that involved a white woman accusing a black man of rape. It was thought to have been a false accusation. It was not based on the Scottsboro criminal case, as many assume.

Her characters came from people she knew in town...although she wasn't always specific as to who they were. What we do know is that Scout was based on her own childhood life. Dill was modeled after Truman Capote. He, in turn, modeled some of his fictional characters after Nelle. Atticus was definitely based on her father, A.C. She even called him by his initials, just as Scout calls her father Atticus. Jem was based on her brother Edwin. The Boleware family and house two doors south of her own house was the inspiration for the Radley place and character Boo. [Note: I always think of the Casperson house in Preston, Mim, whenever I read about the Radleys. Funny what impressions from your childhood stay with you.]

Nelle originally wanted Spencer Tracy to play Atticus in the film. He would have been good, but was working on another film at the time. Rock Hudson was also considered. In my opinion, he just wouldn't have cut it. When Gregory Peck was chosen, he came to Monroeville and spent time with the town minister, asking questions about the town and the Lee family. He then went to meet Nelle's aged father so that he could get to know him and pick up some of his mannerisms. Peck and Nelle became lifelong friends.

With the exception of Peck, the directors wanted newcomers to the screen to play the other characters. This was so there would be no preconceived notions or typecasting. They picked many character actors from old Westerns and a few Broadway actors, as well. The kids had little or no acting experience.

During the filming of the courtroom proceedings, they filmed the children as though they were watching it all unfold. In reality, they were not allowed to hear what went on in the courtroom. It was filmed separately because the subject matter was inappropriate for their little ears. [Which doesn't make much sense, if they see the completed film in the end or read the book...]

"To prepare for the role of Boo Radley, [Robert] Duvall stayed out of the sun for six weeks and dyed his hair blonde, thinking it would give him an angelic look."

Horton Foote, a Texan, wrote the screenplay, as Nelle had never done one before and was unsure if she wanted to tackle it. Of his screenplay, she said, "If the integrity of a film adaptation is measured by the degree to which the novelist's intent is preserved, Mr. Foote's screenplay should be studied as a classic."

I think that's enough. Sorry to write so much, but I love this stuff!