A little known fact is that in 1956, after the completion of MOBY DICK, that film's star, Gregory Peck, decided to enter the film production business. The name of his production company was Melville Productions, which produced three films in which Mr. Peck starred: THE BIG COUNTRY, PORK CHOP HILL and CAPE FEAR. I do not know how the production company came to be named. However, it most likely came about by using the name of the author of the book on which the film which proceeded its organization was based: Herman Melville.

And here is what Mr. Peck himself had to say about his performance as Captain Ahab: "I wasn't mad enough, not crazy enough, not obsessive enough – I should have done more. At the time, I didn't have more in me."

William F. Nolan said Moby-Dick was ruined by Gregory Peck's "weak and inept" performance.

Much later in their lives, and long after the film's release, Ray Bradbury bumped in Gregory Peck and they discussed his portrayal of Ahab in MOBY DICK. Mr. Peck told Ray that he was probably too young for the part at the time and, as a result, failed to instill in the role the requisite malice it required. Mr. Peck then told Ray that if he played the part now: "Malice!"

People didn't buy Peck as Dr. Mengele either.

Mr. Peck was a fine Atticus Finch.

Mr. Peck is THE Atticus Finch, although I would be curious to see how Richard Thomas is doing in the role.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-abW6NXjrU

TKAM: One of the most enjoyable literary works shared with young student throughout my classroom time!!

I'll have it be known I read the book on my own in Junior High School. It wasn't assigned. A boy sitting next to me in class saw the title and asked very solemnly, "Have they killed the mockingbird yet?"