President Obama to Introduce 50th anniversary screening of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'.

[denem]

Gregory Peck won an Oscar for the film, which has its 50th anniversary this year.

President Barack Obama to Introduce USA Network's Airing of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'

Barack Obama will provide a special introduction to USA Network’s airing of the 1962 film adaptation of Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, at 8 p.m. April 7.

“I’m deeply honored that President Obama will be celebrating the 50th Anniversary of To Kill a Mockingbird by introducing it to a national audience,” says Lee, the famously media-shy Pulitzer Prize winner. “I believe it remains the best translation of a book to film ever made, and I'm proud to know that Gregory Peck's portrayal of Atticus Finch lives on — in a world that needs him now more than ever.”

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/to-kill-a-mockingbird-usa-barack-obama-307334

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I am VERY pleased to hear this...n/t

[lob1]

2. It's one of the best movies ever made.

[Lint Head]

3. I was 13 when To Kill A Mockingbird was released. I saw it three times in a row on a Saturday by

hiding in the restrooms of the theater during the screenings. This was during a time when a theater showed one movie at a time and blacks sat in the balcony. I cried each time I saw it. I actually came back and saw it several times again that week. I lived in a southern town that was full of racists. I was not biased and often bullied because I was white and thought racism was horrible. I would some times sneak up into the balcony to watch movies as my own little protest. I also read the book at that time. It affected me so profoundly and the effect was so exhilarating it made me adamantly anti racist to the point of verbally engaging racists and expressing my opinions to friends and relatives. It is today the core of me not to give racists even a moment of the short time I have left on this earth. Life is too short.

( Edited to add: Even the opening credits with the beautiful music would make me cry and I'm considered one of those guys that never sheds a tear.)

[goclark]

4. I just set my tv to record this great film introduced by My President - Barack Obama

I grew up in segregated Maryland and as a "Colored" little girl I could not sit on the first floor of the theater, we had to sit in the balcony.

Can't remember the year exactly, I think it was the early/mid 50's that it changed but it was a big event for my People. We were finally "allowed" to sit on the main floor.

During those segregated times, our Colored teachers asked all the children in the Colored Elementary Schools to write an essay about Marion Anderson. She was going to perform in a White Theater Downtown. Negroes were not able to sit anywhere in that location.

Guess what ---- I WON the Contest!

My grandmother surprised me with a beautiful blue dress, new patent leather shoes and a little blue purse to match my dress. Friends and neighbors from miles around came to wave goodbye to us! It was a grand occasion, just extra special for the Colored community that evening!

When we arrived, we were not taken to seats, they escorted us Backstage. I could tell by the look on my mother's face that she was upset but she held my hand and told me that I looked pretty and told me how proud and happy she was to be the mother of the Poet.

Back stage we were given chairs and in a few minutes ~ there she was -- the majestic Marion Anderson smiling and warmly greeting us. She asked me to say my Poem and of course I was happy to do it. People backstage gathered around and clapped for me. I loved every minute of the attention.

What I didn't realize until years later was that Marion Anderson must have arranged the whole thing! If they wouldn't let us sit in the audience then she would give us the best seats in the House ~ As she received wild applause from the audience, she walked gracefully off stage and enjoyed watching me with Mom clap big big claps for her. She threw me a majestic kiss and I threw one back to her ~ it was some enchanting evening.

I realized years later that not only did we have the best seats in the house -- she was making a statement that the next time she performed there, Colored people needed to sit out front.

Every time I walk in a theater and take my seat down front, I think of the time that I met the Great Marion Anderson.

I am so proud that we made History that evening.

[cynannmarie]

5. what a wonderful story!

and beautifully told. Thanks for posting!

[Lint Head]

8. Nice memory!

When I would sit in the balcony with my friends some times the theater people would kick me out saying, "You can't sit up here. You're a white boy." They would call me an 'n' word lover. I'm so glad those days are over.

[joshcryer]

9. Wonderful story, thanks so much for sharing it.

[goclark]

11. What a nice way for all of you to make my day

I can't wait for Saturday to see the movie again.

I've invited a few friends over to watch with me.

[blaze]

12. Damn! I wish we could still give stars!!

Thanks so much for sharing your story!

[jenmito]

13. What a wonderful, descriptive story of your experiences!

You should publish this in a newspaper or magazine!

[felix_numinous]

6. Here's where to watch it online

http://www.liketelevision.com/liketelevision/tuner.php?channel=958&format=movie&theme=guide

[Drunken Irishman]

7. It's disgusting how many people are attacking him for this...

The shit I've seen from assholes saying, "WE GET IT, YOU'RE HALF BLACK" makes me want to puke.

[polichick]

10. This is a good move - symbolic and important.

[whistler162]

14. I hear PETA is up in arms....

about the President supporting the senseless killing of Mockingbirds!

[denem]

15. Mitt responds: "PETA is not happy that my dog likes fresh air."

Yes, he said.

[BlueIris]

16. We're watching it now.

It's so great.

[era veteran]

17. A great movie in so many ways.

Watched last night.