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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

In the scene where Drummond (Spencer Tracy) tells the story of his rocking horse "Golden Dancer" to Brady (Fredric March), they are sitting in rocking chairs on the porch of the boarding house. The actors are both rocking their chairs but are never in sync with each other to emphasize their differences of opinion. See more »

Goofs

As Matthew Brady ends his arrival speech to a crowd of supporters on the street, the 'old time religion' song is sung by the throng, but their lips are completely out of sync with the soundtrack. See more »

Quotes

Rachel Brown: I was always more afraid of you than of falling!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Law & Order: Under God (2003) See more »

Soundtracks

We'll Hang Bert Cates to a Sour Apple Tree
(uncredited)
Music by William Steffe
Sung to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by marching Townfolks
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

 
Brilliant - One of the finest movies ever made
3 June 2001 | by (ontario canada) – See all my reviews

This movie is well acted both March and Tracy perform remarkably. The story line depicts how ignorance and blind faith can generate a mob mentality. It beautifully reflects the social values of the time and depicts very well the attitudes of the time in which the movie was set. Like 12 angry men, it has simple sets and gives hope to the notion that not only can movies be educational and entertaining, there are producers that care about making a meaningful statement using a plot and acting to entertain.


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