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:

religion versus science | reference to charles darwin | scopes monkey trial | based on true story | based on play | 

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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

Did You Know?

Trivia

According to Piper Laurie, both Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott were in poor health during filming. However, she claimed that while Lemmon frequently forgot his lines, Scott despite being very weak and tired never forgot his.

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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

Version of Inherit the Wind (1965)

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Soundtracks

(Gimme Dat) Old Time Religion
(uncredited)
Traditional spiritual
Sung by the Townfolks

User Reviews

Fair Adaptation of a great play.

I have never seen a poor adaptation of this great American Classic,however if I were to choose the worst adaptation out of a good bunch this recent adaptation would qualify. George C. Scott made a very good Matthew Brady,However He was masterful in the role of Henry Drummond on Broadway in 1997.Jack Lemmon was merely adequate in Scott's stage role of Drummond and the two never seemed to make a connection the way Scott and Charles Durning did on stage,or the way Spencer Tracy and Frederick March did on screen.

Beau Bridges was a fine,sarcastic E.K. Hornbeck and Lane Smith was a powerful hypocrite as Rev. Brown.

The pace of this recent adaptation was slow and not as exciting as previous film versions. It was worth watching but not nearly as satisfying as the 1960 film or the Broadway revival.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 May 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Inherit the Wind

Filming Locations:

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

Company Credits

Production Co:

MGM Television, Industry Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

113 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1