Inherit the Wind (1999)

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:

Daniel Petrie (as Daniel Petrie Sr.)

Writers:

Jerome Lawrence (play), Robert E. Lee (play)

Stars:

Jack Lemmon, George C. Scott, Lane Smith

Won 1 Golden Globe. Another 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Lemmon	...	Henry Drummond
George C. Scott	...	Matthew Harrison Brady
Lane Smith	...	Reverend Jeremiah Brown
Tom Everett Scott	...	Bertram Cates
Kathryn Morris	...	Rachel Brown
John Cullum	...	Judge Merle Coffey
Brad Greenquist	...	Tom Davenport
David Wells	...	Mayor Carter
Peter Mackenzie	...	Jesse Dunlap
Dennis Cockrum	...	Meeker
Steve Monroe	...	Howard
Jim Meskimen	...	Sauber
Royce D. Applegate	...	George Sillers
Amzie Strickland	...	Mrs. Krebs
Ronnie Claire Edwards	...	Mrs. Haley

Storyline

This is another re-enactment of the play about the trial in 1925 of a school teacher who dared to teach Darwinian theory in his classroom. He did this as a consequence of one of his student's request to know... The student was a lad named 'Stebbins', and the trial (dubbed the 'Monkey Trial') pitted the great attorney of the day, Clarence Darrow, against the often running presidential candidate, and famous orator, William Jennings Bryan.

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Plot Keywords:

william jennings bryan | clarence darrow | religion versus science | reference to charles darwin | scopes monkey trial | 

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Taglines:

The Landmark Trial That Forever Changed A Nation.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and thematic material

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 May 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ereditare il vento

Filming Locations:

Santa Clarita Studios - 25135 Anza Drive, Santa Clarita, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

MGM Television, Showtime Networks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original Broadway production of "Inherit the Wind" by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee opened at the National Theater on 21 April 1955, ran for 806 performances and won two acting Tony Awards in 1956. The opening night cast included Paul Muni as Drummond (Melvyn Douglas later took over the role when Muni developed a cataract), Ed Begley as Brady and Tony Randall as Hornbeck. There has been 2 Broadway revivals; in 1996 with Charles Durning and George C. Scott and in 2007 with Brian Dennehy and Christopher Plummer.

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Quotes

Henry Drummond: He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind and the fool shall be servant to the wise in heart.

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Connections

Featured in Penn & Teller: Bullshit!: Creationism (2003)

User Reviews

Scintillating performances from Lemmon and Scott

The movie epitomizes what civilized debate can and should be. There are scintillating performances from Lemmon and Scott, and some very quotable lines as well. The courtroom atmosphere is well created and tension is never allowed to slack. Perhaps the most eloquent testimony paid on screen from a protagonist to his antagonist comes in the closing scenes. Although it is supposed to be based on the Scopes Monkey Trial, the closing credits state that the movie is a work of fiction. The movie raises many questions about the longstanding impasse between religion and science, between faith and reason. In a strange way, it does not conclusively resolve these issues but rather allows the viewer to decide for herself or himself. It will echo in your mind long after you have viewed it. Heartily recommended.