The Lottery

"The Lottery, Shirley Jackson's most famous story, was filmed in the setting of a small American town. The townspeople - a group of decent, ordinary families - gather on a June morning to perform the annual lottery ritual. The matter-of-fact way in which the ceremony proceeds accentuates its brutality and senselessness. Shirley Jackson asks questions about violence and tradition that will provoke thoughtful student discussion. 

As the film begins, the people assemble to draw lots. In the first round, the heads of families draw the folded slips of paper. When the slips are opened, Bill Hutchinson holds the slip with the dreaded black spot; his family must provide a victim. Members of the Hutchinson family draw in the second round, and Tessie Hutchinson picks the fatal slip. 

Quickly the people pick up stones and surround Tessie. "It isn't fair, it isn't right!" she screams, and then they are upon her." - Summary from the teaching guide.