The Hill News

President Obama not only will appear in the introduction to the airing of "To Kill a Mockingbird" Saturday evening on USA Network, he also will host a screening at the White House Thursday evening, White House officials confirm to The Hill.

It's the 50th anniversary of the release of the film that tells the tale of lawyer Atticus Finch, played by Gregory Peck, who defends an innocent black man against a charge of rape. Obama wanted to participate in what an aide called a "special" opportunity.

It's unclear who will attend the White House screening.