Watch Clarence

Clarence is a heartwarming and captivating drama film directed by Eric Till and released in 1990. The movie stars Robert Carradine as Clarence Darrow, a famed and controversial lawyer known for his staunch defense of underdogs and outcasts. Set in 1925, the film follows Darrow as he journeys from Chicago to Dayton, Tennessee, to take on a case that will test not only his legal prowess but also his personal principles and beliefs. The case revolves around the trial of John Scopes, a young science teacher who violated a law that forbade teaching the theory of evolution in public schools. The so-called "Monkey Trial" becomes a national sensation, attracting media attention and stirring up tensions between science and religion, modernity and tradition, freedom of thought and dogmatic rules.

As Clarence arrives in Dayton, he must confront a hostile and conservative community that resents his presence and views him as a troublemaker and outsider. The only person who seems to welcome him is a local newspaper reporter named H.L. Mencken, played by Louis Del Grande, who shares Darrow's skepticism about religious fundamentalism and serves as a witty and acerbic commentator on the trial proceedings.

Despite the odds against him, Clarence decides to defend Scopes and challenge the validity of the anti-evolution law. He goes up against William Jennings Bryan, a charismatic and revered politician who represents the prosecution and insists on the literal truth of the Bible. The legal battle becomes a clash of ideals and values, with Darrow arguing for reason, science, and individual liberty, and Bryan defending faith, tradition, and communal standards.

As the trial unfolds, Clarence becomes increasingly involved in the lives of the people around him, including Scopes and his girlfriend Rachel, played by Kate Trotter, who stand for youth, progress, and intellectual curiosity. He also confronts his own demons and doubts, as he grapples with his past and present relationships, his health issues, and his role as a defender of justice.

The movie offers a nuanced and engrossing portrayal of one of the most famous trials in American history, as well as a poignant and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of human nature and society. It is a film that invites reflection and discussion on topics such as religion and science, free speech and censorship, education and ignorance, and the power of individual conscience in the face of collective pressure.

Robert Carradine delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Clarence Darrow, capturing his wit, wisdom, and vulnerability with finesse and conviction. Kate Trotter brings warmth and depth to the character of Rachel, imbuing her with a sense of hope and longing that resonates with the audience. Louis Del Grande shines as H.L. Mencken, providing a counterpoint to the seriousness of the trial with his irreverence and humor.

Overall, Clarence is a must-see movie for anyone interested in legal drama, social history, or human drama. It is a film that entertains, educates, and inspires, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.

Clarence is a 1990 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.4.