March 22, 1963 Gregory Peck in San Diego/To Kill a Mockingbird World Premiere, 1963 Original script: San Diego has probably never seen anything like it…the premiere showing of “To Kill a Mockingbird” in a benefit performance at the Spreckels Theatre. Sun Up San Diego host Bob Mills was master of ceremonies, introducing the special guests, such as Mayor and Mrs. Charles Dail who arrived at the premiere in an entourage of old Model A’s. The Marine Corps Recruit Depot Band supplied musical entertainment for the Theatre and Arts Foundation benefit which raised eight-thousand dollars and featured the star of the film, San Diego’s own Gregory Peck. Peck arrived at the height of the premier introductions to add spark of enthusiasm for the tremendous crowd gathered on Broadway in front of the Spreckels Theatre. Many of the spectators had to be restrained from mobbing the popular star who has been nominated for an Academy Award for his role—Atticus Finch. His wife Veronique accompanied him. Peck won Best Actor at the 35th Academy Awards on April 8, 1963. Harold Keen asked Peck about the state of Hollywood and the 1962 film ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ He said it might present a good thing for image of our country abroad to show a white Southerner defend a black Southerner (apologize for audio being clipped--he said Black Southerner). There are some audio issues with this 59-year-old film clip, but the voice he was known for is mostly preserved. In 1986, he told CBS 8’s Hal Clement it was always there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTX-aKRKCUA A fantastic find that was buried far too long—a real treasure—we are so happy to share.