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Inherit the Wind (1960)

Approved  |   |  Drama, History  |  November 1960 (USA)
8.2
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Ratings: 8.2/10 from 19,485 users  
Reviews: 157 user | 52 critic

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)

Inherit the Wind (1960) on IMDb 8.2/10

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Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 7 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

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Paul Hartman ...
Bailiff Mort Meeker
Philip Coolidge ...
Jimmy Boyd ...
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Gordon Polk ...
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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.

Genres:

Drama | History

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

November 1960 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Heredarás el viento  »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

When Drummond's attempt to call scientific experts to the stand to testify in behalf of the defense is thwarted, Stanley Kramer adds a couple of elements from the actual John Thomas Scopes Trial, combining the fiery closing of Clarence Darrow's speech on the motion to quash the indictment with the change in which Judge Raulston cited Darrow for contempt. See more »

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. See more »

Quotes

Matthew Harrison Brady: There is only one great truth in the world!
See more »

Connections

Spoofed in The Simpsons: The Monkey Suit (2006) See more »

Soundtracks

(Gimme Dat) Old Time Religion
(uncredited)
Traditional spiritual
Sung by Leslie Uggams at the start of the movie
Reprised often by the Townfolks
Variations included often in the score
See more »

Frequently Asked Questions

See more (Spoiler Alert!) »

User Reviews

Stirring performances
28 September 2003 | by See all my reviews

People like to comment on this film's "overacting". Try watching any of Joan Crawford's movies from this period and then get back to me. Inherit the Wind is a totally compelling story of the traditional school of thought versus a new scientific one. It centers on a small southern town coming to terms with Darwinism and its implications on Christianity. Spencer Tracy is an eloquent defense lawyer fighting to let evolution stay in the public schools. The script is quite good. The court room exchanges are thought provoking and moving especially when one knows about the real people and events behind the story. It's very difficult to come up with a criticism here. Not a weak performance to be seen.


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