In a small, Southern town, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, is the most prestigious citizen. When a Black man, Tom Robinson, is accused of raping the White Mayella Ewell, the Judge asks Atticus to be Tom’s defender. The townfolk, led by Mayella’s father, Bob, are out to lynch Tom, and Atticus suddenly isn’t very popular.

Meanwhile, Atticus’s two children (his wife died four years earlier), 10-year-old Jem and six-year-old Scout spend their days hanging around town and daring each other to go close the house of the crazy man, Boo Radley.

When the trial comes, Atticus proves without doubt that Tom is innocent and Mayella was beaten by her father. But the jury stays true to its nature and finds Tom guilty. In desperation, Tom makes a break for freedom and is shot dead.

Bob waits for Jem and Scout when they return late at night from a school play. He attacks them and knocks Jem out, breaking his arm. He’s about to go for Scout when Boo shows up and stabs Bob. He carries Jem home. Jem and Scout realize they’ve been wrong to be prejudiced against Boo — he’s just a lonely, quiet man. The sheriff, realizing Bob was responsible for the attack on the kids and, indirectly for the death of Tom, lets Boo go.

It was interesting and well made, but not terribly uplifting. It captured the feel of a Southern town, slow, lazy and stupid. The message, against prejudice, was so clear it smashed you upside the face.