8.2/10
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159 user 56 critic

Inherit the Wind (1960)

Approved | | Drama, History | November 1960 (USA)
Based on a real-life case in 1925, two great lawyers argue the case for and against a science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.

Director:

Writers:

(screenplay), (screenplay) | 2 more credits »
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Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Paul Hartman ...
Bailiff Mort Meeker
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Gordon Polk ...
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Storyline

Teacher B.T. Cates is arrested for teaching Darwin's theories. Famous lawyer Henry Drummond defends him; fundamentalist politician Matthew Brady prosecutes. This is a very thinly disguised rendition of the 1925 "Scopes monkey trial" with debates between Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan taken largely from the transcripts. Written by Ed Stephan <stephan@cc.wwu.edu>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

It's all about the monkey trial that rocked America.

Genres:

Drama | History

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

November 1960 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Wer den Wind sät  »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The buzz about Fredric March's and Spencer Tracy's performances spread around the studio lot and Hollywood to the point that a lot of extras made their way to the set just to see the action. In one instance, the extras were applauding so much at one of March's dramatic speeches that they ruined the take by not waiting until the end. See more »

Goofs

During the trial, Hornbeck hands Cates a drawing of a stick figure swinging on a gallows. The defendant wrinkles the paper in his hands immediately. The scene changes and the defendant is holding a cup and not the piece of paper. See more »

Quotes

Townspeople: [singing] We'll hang Bertram Cates to a sour apple tree, we'll hang Bertram Cates to a sour apple tree, we'll hang Bertram Cates to a sour apple tree. Our God is marching on! Glory Glory Hallelujah! Glory Glory Hallelujah! Glory Gory Hallelujah! His truth is marching on. We'll hang Henry Drummond to a sour apple tree, we'll hang Henry Drummond to a sour apple tree, we'll hang Henry Drummond to a sour apple tree, our God is marching on.
See more »

Connections

Featured in Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008) See more »

Soundtracks

Battle Hymn of the Republic
(ca 1856) (uncredited)
Music by William Steffe
Lyrics by Julia Ward Howe (1862)
Sung by Leslie Uggams at the end of the movie
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Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Tracy at his zenith
2 July 2004 | by (London, England) – See all my reviews

We have been blessed with many, many wonderful films over the decades, and we have also been blessed with seeing many, many fine actors and actresses. Here you have a film, with a host of stars; brilliantly portraying characters from a true story, with acting that is sublime. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and each performance is gripping. Small town America, religious bigotry are all handled in a sympathetic manner by the use of powerful acting. I gave this film a 10 purely because it is one of those rare gems that stay in the mind forever. It is truly memorable, and one can watch it time and time again to marvel at the superb portrayals. There is a saying that they don't make 'em like they use to. No sir, they certainly don't!


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