Movie Madness Monday 103: American masterpiece edition

It's President's Day, and I'm in the mood for a hero. It is high time for a classic-- one of the few books that was also turned into a magnificent film.

So you know how the game works: Put your quotes in the comments section, and tell me if this isn't one of the greatest movies or books ever.


"Somehow, it was hotter then. Men's stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning; ladies bathed before noon, after their 3 o'clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frosting from sweating and sweet talcum. The day was twenty-four hours long, but it seemed longer. There was no hurry, for there was nowhere to go and nothing to buy... and no money to buy it with."

"Jem's up in the tree. He says he won't come down until you agree to play football for the Methodists."

"I'm little but I'm old."

"You can pet him, Mr. Arthur. He's asleep. Couldn't if he was awake, though; he wouldn't let you. Go ahead."

"What kind of man ARE you?"

"There's a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep 'em all away from you. That's never possible."

"Good Afternoon Miss Dubose... My, you look like a picture this afternoon."
"He don't say a picture of what."

****Weekend Update: This week's hero was Atticus Finch, fantastically portrayed by Gregory Peck in

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
--one of my favorite books and movies ever. So often the movie version of a book disappoints, particularly when you take a classic. Every missing word is like a wound to the heart. But not in this case. A wonderful, wonderful cinematic experience. If you haven't read the book recently, you need to revisit this one. And then watch this masterpiece.