To Kill a Mockingbird Movie Guide (1962)

To Kill a Mockingbird Movie Guide (1962) challenges students to think critically about the plethora of important concepts in this classic movie based on Harper Lee’s novel. Explore Atticus Finch’s ideals and watch as the plot helps students develop sympathy.

This resource is meant to supplement the viewing of the film on IMDb. See the Parents Guide for content details.

Kill Mockingbird Movie Guide for the Classroom | Quick Facts

Movie Plot (for teachers)

In 1930s Maycomb, lawyer Atticus Finch defends Tom Robinson against a false accusation while his children, Scout and Jem, witness bias, courage, and neighbor Boo Radley’s quiet integrity— a clear path into point‑of‑view, moral reasoning, and historical context.

Teacher Guidance

1. Print one guide per student and preview the next question before resuming playback.
2. Use pause points for cite‑and‑explain responses.
3. Encourage collaboration but discourage copy‑pasting; rewind key scenes to model close viewing.

What’s Included

• Student movie guide (PDF print, 5 pages)
• Google Slides version (make-a-copy link)
• Answer Key (5 pages)
• CCSS alignment one-pager (PDF, 1 page)
• CCSS note: Students apply reading‑comprehension skills to film (evidence, analysis, inference).

This movie guide is included in two different film elective full-year curriculums:

• Film as Literature & Cinematic Arts Curriculum (FULL YEAR) — A more rigorous track built around canonical, mature titles prized for depth and analysis—iconic selections that may be harder to source, best for honors/AP-bridge and seminar-style courses.
• The Civil Rights Film Studies Unit (5 WEEK) – A Standalone 5 week curriculum to integrate into a film analysis elective or any upper middle school or high school Social Studies/Government Curriculum.

This independent educational resource is not affiliated with or endorsed by the film’s producers or distributors. Teachers are responsible for previewing content to ensure suitability for their students.