Behind the Novel: A New Documentary Explores the Story Behind To Kill a Mockingbird

To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most beloved and influential novels of the 20th century. The portrait of a race and prejudice in the Deep South as seen through a child’s eyes resonates with readers as much today as it did over 50 years ago. The Pulitzer Prize winner was Harper Lee’s first and only novel.

The story of how the novel came to be is also one of remarkable achievement. That is the subject of a new documentary, “Hey Boo, Harper Lee and To Kill a Mockingbird” out in select cities-including New York-- beginning May 13. Filmmaker Mary Murphy shared a sneak peak of the film this past Monday night at the Scarsdale Public Library.

It was a joy to watch even just a few minutes of this film. Murphy gained access to people close to Harper Lee that few in her position ever have, including the novelist’s sister and the Smiths, a New York couple who lent Lee money allowing her to write To Kill a Mockingbird.

The documentary has an All Star line up of fans to talk about the novel. Wally Lamb, Anna Quindlen and James Patterson are among several best selling authors who spoke of influence To Kill a Mockingbird had on their lives. In the film, Tom Brokaw recounted relating to Harper Lee’s picture of small town America as a young man. And America’s most well-known reader, Oprah herself is interviewed, telling how much the book means to her.

Mary Murphy calls To Kill a Mockingbird the original social network, as it’s influence is so wide and the themes are so universal. Each person interviewed in the film offers a unique perspective on the novel and how it shaped their view of the world. Each anecdote is touching. The scenes of students talking about the book in class after reading it for the first time shows the power of this novel even today.

That night at the library much of the audience was captivated by the life of Harper Lee, which is also covered in the film. While she initially did press when the book first came out, Harper Lee retreated from public life early on in her career and never did an interview again. She also never wrote another novel.

Murphy worked hard forming strong relationships in order to gain access to people so close to the reclusive author. She tells funny anecdotes of what it was like to interview Harper Lee’s sister, who is well into her 90’s and still practicing law.

Nelle Harper Lee, (her full name) lingers like a mystery in the film and Murphy’s accompanying book leaving the viewer wanting to know more about this woman and her life.

While not shown on Monday night, Murphy says that the documentary also explores the friendship between Harper Lee and Truman Capote who were childhood friends and next-door neighbors growing up in Alabama.

In her fast-moving, nearly lyrical film, Mary Murphy makes the viewer nearly as interested in the making of the novel as the story itself. Without realizing it, Murphy may have stumbled on to a whole new TV series, Behind the Music for the literary set. Judging by the response on Monday night, there will certainly be an audience.

If you want to find out where the film is playing or about Murphy’s book check out her website http://www.marymurphy.net .

Jen is a freelance journalist who has covered the economy and markets for over a decade at a major financial news outlet. She lives in Scarsdale with her husband and 2 children. Jen has yet to bake a successful batch of cookies.