OXNARD — Mary Badham, the Oscar-nominated actress who portrayed Jean Louise “Scout” Finch in the beloved movie “To Kill a Mockingbird,” comes to the Oxnard Performing Arts Center as part of their new “Dinner and a Movie” Series which kicks off January 5th with the film and an inspired Southern BBQ meal catered by Bandits Bar and Grill.
The 1962 film is based on the celebrated book of the same name by Harper Lee. The novel, inspired by Lee’s own experiences growing up in the South, was an immediate success, winning the 1961 Pulitzer Prize and becoming a classic of modern American literature. Lee, who passed away almost a year ago, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contribution to literature.
“To Kill a Mockingbird” centers around Scout Finch (Mary Badham) and her older brother, Jem (Phillip Alford), who live in sleepy Maycomb, Alabama, spending much of their time with their friend Dill (John Megna) and spying on their reclusive and mysterious neighbor, Boo Radley (Robert Duvall). When Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck), their widowed father and a respected lawyer, defends a black man named Tom Robinson (Brock Peters) against fabricated rape charges, the trial and tangent events expose the children to evils of racism and stereotyping.
Badham, who today is an art restorer, was 10 years old during filming of “To Kill A Mockingbird.” She was later nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her role, one of the film’s eight nominations. At the time, Badham was the youngest actress ever nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actress. Today, she travels the world speaking about her experiences during the filming of To Kill a Mockingbird, while expounding the book’s messages of tolerance and compassion.
- Dinner & A Movie: “To Kill a Mockingbird”
- With special guest: actor Mary Badham
- Friday, January 5, 2018
- Dinner + Discussion 7 pm. Movie 8 pm.
- @ The PACC: 800 Hobson Way, Oxnard, CA 93030
- Adults $25. Seniors $22.50.
Seating is limited. Tickets are available at the box office between 12-6pm, Monday thru Saturday, by calling (805) 486-2424 or by purchase online, oxnardperformingarts.com. The remaining “Dinner and a Movie” events take place monthly on Friday evenings. Check website for dates and details.