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.
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Title: Inherit the Wind (1960)
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Edit
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Spencer Tracy | ... | ||
| Fredric March | ... | ||
| Gene Kelly | ... | ||
| Dick York | ... | ||
| Donna Anderson | ... | ||
| Harry Morgan | ... | ||
| Claude Akins | ... | ||
| Elliott Reid | ... | ||
 |
Paul Hartman | ... |
Bailiff Mort Meeker
|
| Philip Coolidge | ... | ||
| Jimmy Boyd | ... | ||
| Noah Beery Jr. | ... | ||
| Norman Fell | ... | ||
|
|
Gordon Polk | ... | |
| Hope Summers | ... | ||
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
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>
Taglines:
It's all about the monkey trial that rocked America.Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
November 1960 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Procès de singe See more »Filming Locations:
Courthouse Square, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USACompany Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1
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See more »
(uncredited)
Music by William Steffe
Sung to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" by marching Townfolks
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
Fredric March and Spencer Tracy both played the dual roles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in 1931 (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931)) and 1941 (Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941)) respectively. March received an Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal. See more »Goofs
During the courtroom examination of Matthew Harrison Brady by Henry Drummond, Drummond shows Brady a 10 million-year-old rock, which he places on the judge's desk. Later in the scene, the rock is back in his hand, and when he dismisses Brady, he places it back on the desk without ever having picked it back up. See more »Quotes
Matthew Harrison Brady: [to Henry Drummond] They're looking for something that's more perfect than what they already have. Why do you want to take that away from them when it's all they have?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 »
After recently watching each remake of this film, one can easily appreciate what an incredible film the 1960 version is. It is the perfectly made film and should be held up to all as the pinnacle of film making. It has the perfect director and the perfect actors. It probably has the best behind-the-scenes crew ever assembled including the perfect film editor. The choice of black and white is also perfect. This is one of those few gems where every element of film making came together to make the perfect movie.
The story is very thought provoking from both points of view, the evolutionist and the fundamental Christian. While I am not even close to being a Christian of any kind, I am haunted by the speech given by Matthew Harrison Brady that says how our children will turn into a godless mob with no direction without the teachings of the Bible (paraphrasing). But, isn't that what has happened some 80+ years after the story takes place? The actors effortlessly sell each character's point of view.
There is very little that can be said about Spencer Tracy, Frederick March and Gene Kelly that hasn't already been said. When you see the new version of this film, you can really understand why these actors are held in such high esteem. These guys are actors!
In short, this is one of the finest films ever made and should be seen by everyone.