Inherit the Wind (1960)

Two of the juiciest roles in the American theater fall at the feet of Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, and both men make a meal of it. Inherit the Wind, based on the play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is a slightly fictionalized account of the Scopes Monkey Trial, that galvanizing legal drama of the 1920s. When a young Tennessee teacher is prosecuted for teaching the theory of evolution in a public school, he receives unwanted public attention as well as the legal advice of a giant. Tracy plays the role based on Clarence Darrow, the eloquent defense attorney, and March storms his way through a part based on Williams Jennings Bryan, the failed presidential candidate (and famed orator) who prosecuted the case. Gene Kelly plays a character based on the acid-penned H.L. Mencken, reporting on the trial and caustically commenting on the absurdity of the human animal. Stanley (Judgment at Nuremberg) Kramer's direction is not especially subtle, but the verbal fireworks unleashed during the trial sequences are still stirring. Even the different styles of the actors are intriguing: March is all mannerism and false padding around the belly, while Tracy does his patented naturalistic grumbling. It would be nice if this story were a quaint period piece, but its issues and arguments keep reemerging in the headlines with each new generation. --Robert Horton Amazon.com essential video

Excellent film, if a big over-acted

This is an excellent adaption of a great American play, although a bit over-acted, especially by Fredric March. There is absolutely nothing subtle about his performance. I also found Gene Kelly's performance to be quite good. I think his character should be found to be just as annoying as March's, just as self-righteous in his own way. The ending of the movie is one of my favorites... with Drummond slapping the 2 books together as 1 when he walks out. That to me is the most important message of the movie, that science and religion can work together. July 23, 2008

So tense, you can cut the atmosphere with a knife

I've been watching a number of Spencer Tracy films recently, having become friendly with someone who knew him. His warm yet laconic style brings something special to every part, and this great movie is no exception. Court dramas have a special appeal of their own and for some reason this reminds me of A Few Good Men - maybe because the action centres around the unexpected performance of a key witness. I especially like the informal style of the 1920s courthouse, with bias on view throughout the whole proceedings. Tracy retains his cool, helped by a brilliant cast who create one those memorable moments in cinema when Frederic March cracks under pressure. Watch for a great piece of work from Gene Kelly and Harry Morgan as the oh-so plausible judge. It's just over $7 on Amazon - much cheaper than a movie ticket. June 4, 2008

So bad a film, it quickly found a home in our rubbish bin!

Total manipulation and bias throughout the entire movie.
The Producers of this movie must have thought that the people viewing this film, are as stupid as the characters they had portrayed as "Christians".
So far removed from any truth. The only thing this film is "based on" is the Director's own personal bias.
Just because "one" has the money to make a film, doesn't mean that "one" has the intelligence to do so, or even the right to insult the intelligence of others. Don't waste your time or your money on this film. March 26, 2008

An Old film with a Modern Theme

This is an old film, but the subject is taken right out of todays headlines. You must see this film. February 23, 2008

Watchable Fictionalization of Scopes Trial, Spencer Tracy Rocks.

An excellently directed and filmed fictionalized telling of the famous Scopes Monkey trial of 1925. The characters are based on the historical figures, and some of the narrative is closely tied in with the trial material, but this is a cinematic ver...(read more)sion of a play that deviates in many respects from the historical event.

This is one of Spencer Tracy's great performances, only seven years before his death. Tracy plays Henry Drummond who corresponds with the enlightened Clarence Darrow in the historical event. Some of his trial scenes are the best of the movie.

The character of Brady (corresponding to the real William Jennings Bryan) is a buffoonish caricature of the real figure. Boo. Hiss. The historical Bryan deserves better.

Anyway, this is still a fine movie and is recommended for fans of Spencer Tracy, Gene Kelly (as the cynical Baltimore newspaper man), and those who are interested in movies dealing with the struggle of fact against myopic religiosity. January 12, 2008

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