I was saddened to learn today about the death of the great Hollywood actor Gregory Peck. Peck's character (Atticus Finch) in 'To Kill A Mockingbird' was recently cited by the American Film Institute as the greatest hero presented in film during the last 75 years. By portraying barrister Finch as defending a black man who was wrongfully accused of raping a white woman, his memorable performance earned him a deserved Oscar for best actor. The character's indefatigable pursuit for justice in the racist South during the '60s, restored confidence and hope in the minds of skeptics about American jurisprudence. My parents and older relatives in rural eastern North Carolina have been faithful Peck fans since 'To Kill A Mockingbird' was made a movie. I can think of no better tribute to Mr. Peck than re-reading the book and checking the movie out at Blockbuster. QED

-- Anonymous, June 12, 2003

Answers

I find it interesting/ironic that "Finch" is considered Peck's greatest role. My personal favorite is that of Capt. Ahab in "Moby Dick". I could be wrong, but I think this was the first movie in which he really came to my attention.

Not to take away from Peck's magnificent performance in "Mockingbird", I did not initially like him in the role. You see (and now I will date myself), when I was reading the book before the movie came out (yes, at one time I actually read the books), I imagined only one person in the role of Finch and that was E G Marshall. You see, this was during the time of the magificent telly series, "The Defenders", with Marshall and Robert Reed as father/son partners in a law firm. Marshall was so great in that role and he was the image that I saw in every word spoken by Finch, so it wa hard to accept anyone else.

Over the years, I have accepted the producer or director's decision to cast Peck in the role.

I also especially enjoyed Peck, along with "Sir Larry" in "The Boys of Brazil" -- absolutely magnificant and worth picking up at your local video store or library if you have not seen it - or want to see again.

-- Anonymous, June 13, 2003

I am a fan of Gregory Peck! My favorite role of Peck's happens to be the character in the movie "The Guns of Navarone." He played his role as the military figure which such "coolness." This movie had an all star cast. Whenever it is played, I enjoy watching it over and again! Gregory Peck was viewed by his fans as a person with integrity! It was a different twist with his role in "The Boys of Brazil" as the villian! He was a good actor to take any role and make it come to life! I can not recall seeing him in a "flop."

-- Anonymous, June 13, 2003