Inherit the Wind (1960)

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:

Stanley Kramer

Writers:

Nedrick Young (screenplay), Harold Jacob Smith (screenplay),

Stars:

Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly

Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Spencer Tracy	...	Henry Drummond
Fredric March	...	Matthew Harrison Brady
Gene Kelly	...	E. K. Hornbeck
Dick York	...	Bertram T. Cates
Donna Anderson	...	Rachel Brown
Harry Morgan	...	Judge Mel Coffey
Claude Akins	...	Rev. Jeremiah Brown
Elliott Reid	...	Prosecutor Tom Davenport
Paul Hartman	...	Bailiff Mort Meeker
Philip Coolidge	...	Mayor Jason Carter
Jimmy Boyd	...	Howard
Noah Beery Jr.	...	John Stebbins
Norman Fell	...	WGN Radio Technician
Gordon Polk	...	George Sillers
Hope Summers	...	Mrs. Krebs - Righteous Townswoman

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.

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Plot Keywords:

teacher | lawyer | politician | darwin | scopes monkey trial | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

November 1960 (USA)

Also Known As:

Heredarás el viento

Filming Locations:

Courthouse Square, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Stanley Kramer Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The buzz about March's and Tracy's 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.

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Goofs

When the Bradys walk toward the hotel porch after the revival meeting, the lights and buildings of the town are clearly seen behind them. But when Drummond leaves Brady on the porch a few minutes later, the scene behind them, facing the same direction, is completely blank beyond a few bushes.

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Quotes

E. K. Hornbeck: [watching the reverend spur the crowd with his sermon] Whatever happened to silent prayer?

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Connections

Featured in Something a Little Less Serious: A Tribute to 'It's a Mad Mad Mad Mad World' (1991)

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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

User Reviews

Tracy at his zenith

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!