Burt Hammersmith and Atticus Finch (seriously!)

[Checkman]

In the past I've heard some compare The Green Mile to To Kill A Mockingbird. Interesting. Don't really see any similarities except in one small but intriguing scene.

Gary Sinise's character,the defense attorney Burt Hammersmith, has aspects of Atticus Finch. He actually comes across as perhaps being a bit more realistic portrayl of what Atticus would have been like.

An educated white southern male in the 1930's living in the deep south. In many respects modern in his attitudes until he compares having a "negro" around one's family is like having a mongrel dog.

"One day it might turn on you and yours and when it does get your rifle and blow it's brains out." I'm paraphrasing there, but I sure can't imagine old Atticus Finch saying something like that.

I actually find that scene to be interesting. A harder, tougher, less idealized Atticus Finch. Funny that not many people ever comment on Burt Hammersmith. As a matter of fact I've never come across anyone talking about John's defense attorney. Could be because it's a short role - almost a cameo and not many folks pay attention to him or that very interesting line. Maybe the viewers are so pleased to see Forrest and Lt. Dan back together that what he is saying just doesen't register. I don't know.

It could also be that To Kill A Mockingbird is so iconic that it's almost impossible to set a story in the south (in the past) involving black and whites and not have it be compared. Anyway just an observation of mine.

[GNTLGNT]

The representative from the great state of Ohio votes "yea" on above comment!