WITH SPECIAL GUESTS INCLUDING MARY BADHAM, DR. TERRENCE ROBERTS (ONE OF THE LITTLE ROCK NINE) AND CONNIE RICE (CIVIL RIGHTS ATTORNEY AND AUTHOR)

As much of a classic as the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird" (1962) is the film that would come to define Gregory Peck’s career. Produced by Alan J. Pakula and directed by Robert Mulligan, the film features Peck as a Depression-era lawyer struggling against a prejudiced system to exonerate an African-American man falsely accused of rape.

For his iconic portrayal of Atticus Finch, Peck earned his only Oscar for acting, after four previous nominations. Co-star Robert Duvall made his film debut as the mysterious Boo Radley, while Mary Badham also made her first screen appearance, as Atticus’s daughter, Scout. Seen through her eyes, the film also becomes Scout’s coming-of-age story as she learns about injustice, the frailties of human nature and the definition of heroism. Badham’s performance earned her an Oscar nomination at the tender age of 10, making her at the time the youngest actress ever to be nominated.

The film’s remarkable ability to connect with viewers of all ages and backgrounds has made it a versatile teaching tool. In high schools and colleges, whether for classes in cinema, literature, history or sociology, "To Kill a Mockingbird" continues to impart powerful lessons.

Academy Award winner: Actor (Gregory Peck); Black-and-White Art Direction (Alexander Golitzen, Henry Bumstead; Set Decoration: Oliver Emert); Writing – Screenplay based on material from another medium (Horton Foote)

Academy Award nominee: Actress in a Supporting Role (Mary Badham); Black-and White Cinematography (Russell Harlan); Directing (Robert Mulligan); Music – Music Score, substantially original (Elmer Bernstein); Best Picture (Alan J. Pakula, producer)