Readout from the President’s Film Screening of To Kill A Mockingbird at the White House

[Tx4obama]

The White House

Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
April 05, 2012
Readout from the President’s Film Screening of To Kill A Mockingbird at the White House

This evening, the President hosted a film screening of To Kill a Mockingbird in the Family Theater at The White House to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The President welcomed guests including local students from Washington-Lee High School, Mary Badham Wilt, the actress who played Scout, and Veronique Peck, widow of Gregory Peck who played Atticus Finch. The President also acknowledged the American Film Institute for their commitment to the fine arts and NBC Universal and USA Network for their efforts to commemorate this important film. The President thanked Wilt for “bringing the character of Scout to life” and Veronique Peck and her family for coming to the White House in support of the late Gregory Peck who would have been 96 years old today. The President described Harper Lee’s novel as a timeless American classic and one of his favorite books.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/04/05/readout-president-s-film-screening-kill-mockingbird-white-house

p.s. The film, with an introduction by President Obama, will air on The USA network Saturday evening.

[geckosfeet]

1. Important film. Of great historical and cultural value.

[MineralMan]

2. Sixteen years ago, my wife and I watched this together.

Both of us had seen it before, of course. In fact, I saw it in 1962, but had to sneak out to the theater, since my parents though it was too mature for a 17 year old.

Anyhow, the next day, we were at the supermarket and there was a group of kids with kittens in a cardboard box, with "Free Kitens" written on it. My wife said, let's get a girl kitten (we already had three cats). So, I reached into the box and pulled one out...a tortie. I flipped it upside down, pronounced it to be a girl kitty. So we took it home. The little thing weighed less than a pound and couldn't have been more that four or five weeks old.

We both said "Scout" at the same time, so that's her name. She's still around and purring away. No fear of anything. When she was 6 months old, she chased two wandering dalmatians out of the front yard, getting all sideways with her fur standing on end.

Love my Scout.

[Tx4obama]

3. Great story! Thanks for sharing it with us :) n/t

[rustydog]

4. I love the book, I have the movie

My grandchildren will experience both with me!

[YellowRubberDuckie]

5. It is my favorite movie.

And I love the President for honoring the film. Oh, to get invited to see a movie in the Family Theater. I'd probably pee all over myself.

[AtomicKitten]

6. Wonderful film.