Or in the case a compassionate man. The sheriff knows that a public trial would distress and maybe even kill boo and the best way to reward him for his bravery and heroism is to respect his wishes to be left alone.
In the book, Atticus argues more with him and the sheriff is so livid he actually curses (something they'd have never allowed in the movies at this time) and tells Atticus that he's not trying to protect Jem or Scout - he's trying to protect Arthur Radley. He goes on to say that Bob Ewell fell on his knife and if Atticus opposes him, he'll call him a liar to his face. He was that angry over what had happened with the trial, and you got the impression he felt Bob Ewell got exactly what he deserved. This scene is powerful but the book was even more so.
You would think Atticus being a lawyer would catch on quickly to what the sheriff is trying to do and that boo(who was accustomed to the dark) stabbed bob and not a kid with a broken arm.
@@TheDoctor1225 It's interesting and heartwarming to note that both Sheriff Tate and Judge Taylor are on Atticus and Tom's side, and actually tried to help. Atticus is a great man with truly outstanding ethics, but he is in the company of other great men like the sheriff and the judge.
@@jmwoods190 Indeed he is. Atticus is often focused on (and I suppose rightly so, as the main character of the story) but without the Sheriff and the judge backing him, he wouldn't have been able to do what he did in many respects. That's an EXCELLENT point. He doesn't operate in a vacuum.
heck was frustrated that atticus, a lawyer who is supposed to be able to see the grey areas in situations, should have much earlier understood why he was trying to cover up what happened so he had to resort to im sheriff and your not so my word is law.
@@alexnagy4520 I would not be in the least surprised if that's just exactly what he did do, given what I have read about the good Mr. Peck. I personally think that would be a superb way to envision that scene being played out.
One of the great scenes in American cinema IMO. Note the camera shooting the back of Gregory Peck's head while the sheriff gives his speech-a grand and humble willingness to give to the other actor and the script and film what is called for, the message we can all rise to do what is right, not what flawed laws seem to demand.
Peck was a class act. There will never be another like him. He was a down to earth and father like figure. Types of his kind are sorely missed in this troubled world.
I'd just like to give a shout out to the forgotten actor who played Sheriff Tate here, Frank Overton (1918-1967). Born in NYC, he spent most of his career doing guest spots on TV shows from "Gunsmoke" and "The Twilight Zone" to "Star Trek". He had substantial roles in only two big screen features - this film and the Cold War thriller "Fail Safe" (1964) - and rose to the occasion both times. Overton always looked older than his years and died of a heart attack at 49.
I like your post! The Twilight Zone episode, ' Walking Distance,' was Serling's favorite one. The scene between Gig Young and Overton was touching. One of his finest roles was in the movie ' Dark at the Top of the Stairs. ' He played the hen-pecked husband of Eve Arden and his scenes with Robert Preston were delicious!
@@Localhistory52 "KNOCK IT OFF!! This isn't some damned football game,, remember that!" The line he shouted when the people at NORAD were cheering as Soviet interceptors were shot down in "Fail Safe." Absolute authority and command in that voice. He was definitely the voice of moral authority.
This to me is the finest scene EVER, and today while I went to a theater for a large screen classic film series, and as Sheriff Tate was winding up this scene - they turned the lights ON!!!! I was mortified cuz it was so distracting, and I went after and told the theater manager that this scene was practically the whole point of the movie, so they agreed to correct the light timer. Talk about not knowing what film your screening! Anyway, I just love this whole movie!
BeingBeverly Sadly, I think the beauty & significance of movies like TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is just not appreciated these days. The guy on TCM said that back then they had to tell a beautiful story because they didn’t really know how to blow up buildings & cars. It’s too bad that when they learned to “blow things up”, great stories weren’t valued.
Thanks for your boldness and concern !! That's the problem with today's hurry up and get on with the next thing ... they missed a great actor with one of the most sublime dialogue in film !!!
@@smyoung3988 True, but I pass on suggestions to people especially the younger generation. Often they’re unaware of the movie I point out and more often than not they enjoy them. Sometimes they surprise me when they really appreciate it! (Example this past halloween, several said how much better The Innocents was fir scares and atmosphere)
“Mr. Tate was right. It would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?” One of the finest pieces of modern American literature. Unforgettable characters, and messages that cross generations.
It’s disappointing that Atticus, a lawyer who’s job is to see the gray areas in situations, needed so much convincing to understand why the sheriff was going to lie about what happened.
In the novel Atticus and the sheriff go back and forth about the letter of the law vs spirit of the law until the sheriff finally had to say I’m the sheriff and your not.I was always disappointed that being a lawyer it took Atticus so long to understand the the sheriff was trying to protect boo not coddle Jem.
When Scout, Jem and Dill save Atticus from being lynched at the jail and Scout is more concerned she upset people.... Atticus discovering Tom is dead....The reverend at the conclusion of the trial as the "Miss Jean Louise...Miss Jean Louise stand up. Your father's passing." Dill wondering what Boo does all day.....Jem heartbroken at the verdict and Maudie knowing he is gobsmacked and been thrown into the ugliness of the adult world tells Jem "There are some men in this world born to do our ugly jobs. Your father's one of them." Atticus knowing he would lose and hope he could on appeal have a the inevitable death penalty commuted to life imprisonment..."I told him not to lose hope...We had such a good chance..." when Scout is explaining the attack and sights Boo behind the door...'why there he is...he can tell you himself.....Hey Boo!" "Is this the man who raped you?" Mayella: "It most certainly is." Atticus: "HOW?" There are MANY perfect scenes in this film and the direction of the children and their relationship was spellbinding while Atticus is the model parent and the one we all dreamt we could have.
@@strings2wood Yes,there were many,many *very* powerful moments in "Mockingbird" Scout's sweetness and kindness was seen throughout. Jem's courage...particularly at the courthouse ("nope,I ain't going")...was amazing. And Atticus was right...Mayella was a victim,not of Tom Robinson but of her own father. And her performance was outstanding. The Reverend was also excellent..."Miss Jean Louise,stand up...your father's passing" was a classic,and powerful,line.
Frank Overton was a great actor. Too bad he passed away before he could show more of his talent. Imagine the amount of movies that could’ve been made based off this time frame or others with him in it would’ve been great. Of course they may not have measured up to Harper lee’s writing but still with a good a cast as what there was back in the day they still would’ve been great.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had Angel food cake. Think I’ll go get some. I may not be much, but I’m still an aficionado of Angel food cake, and Bob Ewell fell on his knife. Goodnight Sir.
When I was younger, I thought I could be an Atticus Finch. These days, I find myself relating more to Heck Tate. Atticus was a good man, but good lord was he also naive. He's ready to create another media circus, put his kid on trial because he can't bear to bend the law, can't bear to think that people might think he was corrupt. His kid's laying in a bed with a broken arm, thanks to a hateful man trying to murder him, and he's trying to figure out if Jem should be tried as an adult. Atticus needed Heck Tate to figuratively slap him in the face and say, "You believe in law and order, but you and I both know that's a bunch of bunk. Injustice has been done here, and it's not going to be solved by the same system that caused that injustice in the first place. As far as I'm concerned, Bob Ewell is dead, your children are safe, and that's the end of it."
I love this movie ! It really frustrates me the the woke cancel culture doesn't understand that this movie is about the dangers of racism and bigotry !
Today they would (a) be threatened by Atticus' moral strength and willingness to DARE to teach his children that there is an absolute right and wrong, and (b) would be labeling him a "white savior" because they couldn't hold the thought in their little minds that his character was doing what was right, period. In that time and place, with the extreme amounts of bigotry that existed, Tom needed saving, and Atticus did his best. That concept would be beyond them, sadly - but that's their loss.
This might very well be the most profound cinematic moment dealing with moral paradox. Given everything that had taken place up to this moment, Sheriff Tate did make the right decision, I believe. The law had been corrupted by a guilty verdict rendered from a jury of men who knew that the defendant was not guilty. And the crime of their unconscionable verdict immorally metastasized to allow the attempted murder of the children by a man who was truly guilty of the original crime. Given the consequences of all this, how could the law then be appropriately applied in this instance? Particularly in light of Boo Radley’s mental condition. To follow the letter of the law in this case would also mean to bring harm to yet another innocent man. Sheriff Tate, not nearly the intellectual equal of Atticus, nevertheless showed superior wisdom in the moment that it was most sorely needed - by abandoning the letter of the law. And beyond that, Sheriff Tate showed great courage by putting his own reputation and career on the line in order to protect Boo Radley.
Paul Brewer You explain that beautifully. One of the best scenes in movie history --I especially love that Heck Tate says he “may not be much” but he’s still sheriff .....No doubt some of the men on that jury regretted the tragic outcome of their cowardly ruling.
Superbly said. In the book, if memory serves, it was fleshed out even more in that the sheriff told him that he wasn't trying to protect Atticus' reputation, and if Atticus opposed him, he'd make him out to be a liar in front of the whole town. He felt THAT strongly about his conviction concerning what Boo Radley had done, and about what a travesty the trial was.
That cauldron of hate is just about everywhere. It's far from exclusive to or even predominant in the South. Hell, Virginia and North Carolina voted for Obama, and then Virginia and Georgia voted for Biden. Meanwhile, Ohio didn't. So beware the stereotyping if you want to conquer bigotry.
I may not be much Mr Finch, heck I'm not even Sherrif of Macon County but to my mind the biggest ever crime against literature was when they published "Go Set a Watchman".
That was the problem Bob Ewell might had been hated but he was supported by the community in his bigotry😢 And Boo Radley was the town "weirdo" And all the "good people" of the town would use Boo as a reason to salve their own consciences about Tom Robinson
The error in that statement is that Bob Ewell's death was not a murder in any way, shape or form. If you or I come upon someone who is in the process of actively trying to kill someone and we kill them in order to stop it, that's not murder. In point of fact, that is allowed by law. He was hated, but he wasn't murdered. He was killed while trying to murder someone else, actually. The sheriff certainly knew that and that was the reason he wanted it not brought into the light. He knew that the people in the town would then descend on him and treat him like a hero, which would violate his own privacy.
It’s strange that the sheriff, an uneducated good ol’ boy understood why this needed to be swept under the rug long before Atticus, a lawyer who’s job is to see the gray areas in situations did.
Back when Men were men, women were women, and children were children who sometimes had elders to respect. The world was far from perfect, but most Americans were NOT Reprobates.
A perfect example of 'A smart man knows when to follow the rules.....a wise-man knows when not to.'
Or in the case a compassionate man. The sheriff knows that a public trial would distress and maybe even kill boo and the best way to reward him for his bravery and heroism is to respect his wishes to be left alone.
Amen!
“Let the dead bury the dead this time, Mr. Finch.” So beautiful.
In the book, Atticus argues more with him and the sheriff is so livid he actually curses (something they'd have never allowed in the movies at this time) and tells Atticus that he's not trying to protect Jem or Scout - he's trying to protect Arthur Radley. He goes on to say that Bob Ewell fell on his knife and if Atticus opposes him, he'll call him a liar to his face. He was that angry over what had happened with the trial, and you got the impression he felt Bob Ewell got exactly what he deserved. This scene is powerful but the book was even more so.
You would think Atticus being a lawyer would catch on quickly to what the sheriff is trying to do and that boo(who was accustomed to the dark) stabbed bob and not a kid with a broken arm.
@@TheDoctor1225 It's interesting and heartwarming to note that both Sheriff Tate and Judge Taylor are on Atticus and Tom's side, and actually tried to help. Atticus is a great man with truly outstanding ethics, but he is in the company of other great men like the sheriff and the judge.
@@jmwoods190 Indeed he is. Atticus is often focused on (and I suppose rightly so, as the main character of the story) but without the Sheriff and the judge backing him, he wouldn't have been able to do what he did in many respects. That's an EXCELLENT point. He doesn't operate in a vacuum.
Wayne U: Sheriff Heck Tate kind of stole the show in this scene as he applies sheer humane logic, as appose to the judicial system.
"I may not be much,Mr Finch...but I'm *still* the Sheriff of Maycomb County"....an absolutely classic line.
Indeed. Frank Overton did the role of Sheriff Tate much justice.
heck was frustrated that atticus, a lawyer who is supposed to be able to see the grey areas in situations, should have much earlier understood why he was trying to cover up what happened so he had to resort to im sheriff and your not so my word is law.
"Thank you for my children, Arthur." 💔💯
Gregory Peck was rarely "diminished" in a scene. But here, Frank Overton, briefly, owned the whole movie and effectively summed up its message.
Didn't it almost feel like G.P. stepped back and was like, *"Let 'er rip, Frank."* Total awesomeness.
_____
@@alexnagy4520 I would not be in the least surprised if that's just exactly what he did do, given what I have read about the good Mr. Peck. I personally think that would be a superb way to envision that scene being played out.
1:05-1:53 that’s a great monologue! Also the sheriff has absolutely no time for nonsense. Bob Ewell fell on his knife
As an old man in his 70s, a Virginian, this scene delivers truth and justice that I saw lost long ago
I lived in rural Virginia long ago. Sheriff Tate could have been a Virginia law man back then when there was still decency in the body politic.
One of the great scenes in American cinema IMO. Note the camera shooting the back of Gregory Peck's head while the sheriff gives his speech-a grand and humble willingness to give to the other actor and the script and film what is called for, the message we can all rise to do what is right, not what flawed laws seem to demand.
Peck was a class act. There will never be another like him. He was a down to earth and father like figure. Types of his kind are sorely missed in this troubled world.
I'd just like to give a shout out to the forgotten actor who played Sheriff Tate here, Frank Overton (1918-1967). Born in NYC, he spent most of his career doing guest spots on TV shows from "Gunsmoke" and "The Twilight Zone" to "Star Trek". He had substantial roles in only two big screen features - this film and the Cold War thriller "Fail Safe" (1964) - and rose to the occasion both times. Overton always looked older than his years and died of a heart attack at 49.
His performance in the highly regarded Twilight Zone episode "Walking Distance" was similarly exceptional in setting the poignant tone of the story.
I like your post! The Twilight Zone episode, ' Walking Distance,' was Serling's favorite one. The scene between Gig Young and Overton was touching. One of his finest roles was in the movie ' Dark at the Top of the Stairs. ' He played the hen-pecked husband of Eve Arden and his scenes with Robert Preston were delicious!
Agree 100%. He was terrific in "Fail-Safe" in a similar role--one that called for moral authority.
@@Localhistory52 "KNOCK IT OFF!! This isn't some damned football game,, remember that!" The line he shouted when the people at NORAD were cheering as Soviet interceptors were shot down in "Fail Safe." Absolute authority and command in that voice. He was definitely the voice of moral authority.
@@TheDoctor1225 =) He was such a wonderful actor!
One of the greatest monologues in film history.
Only Frank Overton could have delivered those lines with that authority.
This to me is the finest scene EVER, and today while I went to a theater for a large screen classic film series, and as Sheriff Tate was winding up this scene - they turned the lights ON!!!! I was mortified cuz it was so distracting, and I went after and told the theater manager that this scene was practically the whole point of the movie, so they agreed to correct the light timer. Talk about not knowing what film your screening! Anyway, I just love this whole movie!
BeingBeverly Sadly, I think the beauty & significance of movies like TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is just not appreciated these days. The guy on TCM said that back then they had to tell a beautiful story because they didn’t really know how to blow up buildings & cars. It’s too bad that when they learned to “blow things up”, great stories weren’t valued.
Thanks for your boldness and concern !! That's the problem with today's hurry up and get on with the next thing ... they missed a great actor with one of the most sublime dialogue in film !!!
@@smyoung3988 True, but I pass on suggestions to people especially the younger generation. Often they’re unaware of the movie I point out and more often than not they enjoy them. Sometimes they surprise me when they really appreciate it! (Example this past halloween, several said how much better The Innocents was fir scares and atmosphere)
“Mr. Tate was right. It would be sort of like shooting a mockingbird, wouldn’t it?”
One of the finest pieces of modern American literature. Unforgettable characters, and messages that cross generations.
It’s disappointing that Atticus, a lawyer who’s job is to see the gray areas in situations, needed so much convincing to understand why the sheriff was going to lie about what happened.
" I may not be much, Mr. Finch, but I'm still Sherriff of Macon County and Bob Ewell fell on his knife. " Another powerful scene reading from Overton!
In the novel Atticus and the sheriff go back and forth about the letter of the law vs spirit of the law until the sheriff finally had to say I’m the sheriff and your not.I was always disappointed that being a lawyer it took Atticus so long to understand the the sheriff was trying to protect boo not coddle Jem.
This,and,Tom Robinson's testimony,are the two most powerful scenes in this historic film.
When Scout, Jem and Dill save Atticus from being lynched at the jail and Scout is more concerned she upset people.... Atticus discovering Tom is dead....The reverend at the conclusion of the trial as the "Miss Jean Louise...Miss Jean Louise stand up. Your father's passing." Dill wondering what Boo does all day.....Jem heartbroken at the verdict and Maudie knowing he is gobsmacked and been thrown into the ugliness of the adult world tells Jem "There are some men in this world born to do our ugly jobs. Your father's one of them." Atticus knowing he would lose and hope he could on appeal have a the inevitable death penalty commuted to life imprisonment..."I told him not to lose hope...We had such a good chance..." when Scout is explaining the attack and sights Boo behind the door...'why there he is...he can tell you himself.....Hey Boo!" "Is this the man who raped you?" Mayella: "It most certainly is." Atticus: "HOW?" There are MANY perfect scenes in this film and the direction of the children and their relationship was spellbinding while Atticus is the model parent and the one we all dreamt we could have.
@@strings2wood Yes,there were many,many *very* powerful moments in "Mockingbird" Scout's sweetness and kindness was seen throughout. Jem's courage...particularly at the courthouse ("nope,I ain't going")...was amazing. And Atticus was right...Mayella was a victim,not of Tom Robinson but of her own father. And her performance was outstanding.
The Reverend was also excellent..."Miss Jean Louise,stand up...your father's passing" was a classic,and powerful,line.
Frank Overton was a great actor. Too bad he passed away before he could show more of his talent. Imagine the amount of movies that could’ve been made based off this time frame or others with him in it would’ve been great. Of course they may not have measured up to Harper lee’s writing but still with a good a cast as what there was back in the day they still would’ve been great.
It’s been a long time since I’ve had Angel food cake. Think I’ll go get some. I may not be much, but I’m still an aficionado of Angel food cake, and Bob Ewell fell on his knife. Goodnight Sir.
I love this scene from that great movie
It’s no wonder Gregory Peck won an Oscar for this movie 😊😊😊😊
When I was younger, I thought I could be an Atticus Finch. These days, I find myself relating more to Heck Tate.
Atticus was a good man, but good lord was he also naive. He's ready to create another media circus, put his kid on trial because he can't bear to bend the law, can't bear to think that people might think he was corrupt. His kid's laying in a bed with a broken arm, thanks to a hateful man trying to murder him, and he's trying to figure out if Jem should be tried as an adult.
Atticus needed Heck Tate to figuratively slap him in the face and say, "You believe in law and order, but you and I both know that's a bunch of bunk. Injustice has been done here, and it's not going to be solved by the same system that caused that injustice in the first place. As far as I'm concerned, Bob Ewell is dead, your children are safe, and that's the end of it."
A powerful scene from a beautiful film....
I love this movie ! It really frustrates me the the woke cancel culture doesn't understand that this movie is about the dangers of racism and bigotry !
Today they would (a) be threatened by Atticus' moral strength and willingness to DARE to teach his children that there is an absolute right and wrong, and (b) would be labeling him a "white savior" because they couldn't hold the thought in their little minds that his character was doing what was right, period. In that time and place, with the extreme amounts of bigotry that existed, Tom needed saving, and Atticus did his best. That concept would be beyond them, sadly - but that's their loss.
❤ love till this very day !❤❤
This might very well be the most profound cinematic moment dealing with moral paradox. Given everything that had taken place up to this moment, Sheriff Tate did make the right decision, I believe.
The law had been corrupted by a guilty verdict rendered from a jury of men who knew that the defendant was not guilty. And the crime of their unconscionable verdict immorally metastasized to allow the attempted murder of the children by a man who was truly guilty of the original crime.
Given the consequences of all this, how could the law then be appropriately applied in this instance? Particularly in light of Boo Radley’s mental condition. To follow the letter of the law in this case would also mean to bring harm to yet another innocent man.
Sheriff Tate, not nearly the intellectual equal of Atticus, nevertheless showed superior wisdom in the moment that it was most sorely needed - by abandoning the letter of the law. And beyond that, Sheriff Tate showed great courage by putting his own reputation and career on the line in order to protect Boo Radley.
this is youtube not High school
Yes, he did.
One of the best scenes ever. Period.
Paul Brewer You explain that beautifully. One of the best scenes in movie history --I especially love that Heck Tate says he “may not be much” but he’s still sheriff .....No doubt some of the men on that jury regretted the tragic outcome of their cowardly ruling.
Superbly said. In the book, if memory serves, it was fleshed out even more in that the sheriff told him that he wasn't trying to protect Atticus' reputation, and if Atticus opposed him, he'd make him out to be a liar in front of the whole town. He felt THAT strongly about his conviction concerning what Boo Radley had done, and about what a travesty the trial was.
Good southern man here needed in the worst way in that cauldron of hate down there.
That cauldron of hate is just about everywhere. It's far from exclusive to or even predominant in the South. Hell, Virginia and North Carolina voted for Obama, and then Virginia and Georgia voted for Biden. Meanwhile, Ohio didn't. So beware the stereotyping if you want to conquer bigotry.
Love this movie I was just like scout when I was young
Me too ❤
Really ! She looks so innocent 😥
She steals your heart and most of the scenes !
I can never watch this movie without crying😢
I may not be much Mr Finch, heck I'm not even Sherrif of Macon County but to my mind the biggest ever crime against literature was when they published "Go Set a Watchman".
the ultimate kindness
A young Robert Duvall
This story is really about how injustice is perpetrated on minorities and sometimes it is averted
🕉
We need more sheriffs like that!
Imagine being so hated by your community that the sheriff of your hometown plays of your murder as an accidental suicide
That was the problem
Bob Ewell might had been hated but he was supported by the community in his bigotry😢
And Boo Radley was the town "weirdo"
And all the "good people" of the town would use Boo as a reason to salve their own consciences about Tom Robinson
The error in that statement is that Bob Ewell's death was not a murder in any way, shape or form. If you or I come upon someone who is in the process of actively trying to kill someone and we kill them in order to stop it, that's not murder. In point of fact, that is allowed by law. He was hated, but he wasn't murdered. He was killed while trying to murder someone else, actually. The sheriff certainly knew that and that was the reason he wanted it not brought into the light. He knew that the people in the town would then descend on him and treat him like a hero, which would violate his own privacy.
It’s strange that the sheriff, an uneducated good ol’ boy understood why this needed to be swept under the rug long before Atticus, a lawyer who’s job is to see the gray areas in situations did.
Classic.
Tears
Minorities of race
Of age
Of social status
Etc
1:20
It’s like the end of The Dark Knight.
Idk about that
Back when Men were men, women were women, and children were children who sometimes had elders to respect. The world was far from perfect, but most Americans were NOT Reprobates.
I'd be willing to bet that Donald Drumpf wouldn't care for this beautiful, classic film. The morality gene skipped him completely.
You rock!
You're a sick puppy.
Do you really think any politician today would???
@@chuckyoder5765 You can ask your question elsewhere. Mine, is about The Idiot Trump.
Yes old sage the donald has not 1 redeeming quality... not 1 and id bet on it... not 1