8.2/10
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170 user 61 critic

Inherit the Wind (1960)

Not Rated | | Biography, 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.

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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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Bailiff Mort Meeker
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Gordon Polk ...
George Sillers
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Mrs. Krebs - Righteous Townswoman
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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.


Certificate:

Not Rated | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Details

Country:

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Release Date:

November 1960 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Procès de singe  »

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

H.L. Mencken was born in 1880, so in 1926 he would have been around Gene Kelly's age of 47 when the film was shot. However, while it is true that Mencken wrote Byron off as "the tragic ass of the century" it is also true that the Mencken character Hornbeck as written by Lawrence and Lee projects an immaturity in his cynicism contrary to the wry personality of the Sage of Baltimore. See more »

Goofs

On several occasions a wrinkle is visible in March's bald cap. Also in close up the glue used to adhere hair to his head can be seen near the hair line. See more »

Quotes

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

Featured in Rich Hall's the Dirty South (2010) 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
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Frequently Asked Questions

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User Reviews

 
Acting Giants And Relevant Themes
23 January 2007 | by See all my reviews

The pleasure! Spencer Tracy and Frederic March going at each other. Masterfully spot on. As in most works of art, the passing of time adds to its relevance. Very much true in this case. Fanaticism without reason, such an everyday occurrence in our daily 2007 lives. There is nobody more deaf than the one who doesn't want to hear.Spencer Tracy personifies the truth, everything he utters is immediately believable. The cross examination of Frederic March is a classic on his own. The only discording notes are: the presence of Gene Kelly - very distracting indeed -and Claude Aikens in a way over the top performance. The way the trial is shot reminded me of the brilliant blocking of another Stanley Kramer film with Acting Giants And Relevant Themes "Judgement At Neuremberg" If you haven' seen "Inherit The Wind" do so, if you have, see it again and share the experience with your kids. I highly recommend it.


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