Watch Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind is a 1960 film loosely based on the infamous 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, which was a landmark American legal case that tested the constitutionality of a Tennessee law that banned the teaching of Darwin's theory of evolution in public schools. The film stars Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Gene Kelly, and it was directed by Stanley Kramer.

The story is set in the fictional small town of Hillsboro, which is modeled after Dayton, Tennessee, where the real-life Scopes Trial took place. The town is divided over the issue of whether or not to allow the teaching of evolution in the local high school, and the controversy attracts the attention of the national media. The trial itself pits two legendary lawyers against each other: Matthew Harrison Brady (March), who represents the conservative Christian view that the Bible is the literal word of God, and Henry Drummond (Tracy), who represents the more progressive view that science and reason should be given equal consideration.

One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the dialogue between Brady and Drummond, who engage in a battle of wits and rhetorical flourishes throughout the trial. Their arguments are based on different beliefs about the nature of truth and morality, and the film does an excellent job of presenting both sides with fairness and respect. Ultimately, the film is about the conflict between tradition and progress, faith and reason, and how difficult it can be for people to reconcile these opposing forces.

In addition to the legal drama, the film also explores the personal relationships of the characters. Cates (portrayed by Dick York), the young high school teacher who is accused of violating the anti-evolution law, is engaged to Rachel Brown (Donna Anderson), the daughter of the town's most powerful figure, Matthew Harrison Brady. Rachel is torn between loyalty to her father and her love for Cates, and this conflict adds an emotional depth to the story.

Gene Kelly plays E.K. Hornbeck, a cynical newspaper reporter who comes to Hillsboro to cover the trial. Hornbeck serves as a kind of narrator for the story, offering insights and commentary on the events as they unfold. He is a fascinating character in his own right, and Kelly delivers an excellent performance that adds humor and wit to the film.

Overall, Inherit the Wind is a thought-provoking and entertaining film that tackles important issues in a compelling way. The cast is excellent, and the direction and writing are top-notch. The film is a reminder that, even in our modern, scientifically advanced world, the tension between faith and reason is still a powerful force that influences society and politics. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of science, religion, and the law.

Inherit the Wind is a 1960 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 75.