Watch Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind is a 1988 film adaptation of the 1955 play of the same name by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. The movie tells the story of the fictionalized 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial, in which John T. Scopes, a high school teacher, was accused of violating Tennessee's Butler Act, which prohibited the teaching of evolution in public schools.

The film is set in the small town of Hillsboro, Tennessee, where a fundamentalist preacher named Reverend Brown (played by Darren McGavin) leads a crusade against the teaching of evolution in schools. When a young science teacher named Bertram T. Cates (played by David Ogden Stiers) is arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution, the town becomes embroiled in a fierce legal battle that draws national attention.

Throughout the trial, two famous lawyers, Matthew Harrison Brady (played by Kirk Douglas) and Henry Drummond (played by Jason Robards), face off against each other, with Brady representing the prosecution and Drummond defending Cates. Both lawyers are fictionalized versions of real-life figures: Brady is based on William Jennings Bryan, a three-time Democratic presidential candidate and a prominent opponent of evolution, while Drummond is based on Clarence Darrow, a famous defense attorney who represented Scopes during the real trial.

As the trial progresses, the two lawyers engage in a heated debate about science, religion, and the role of the state in education. Brady argues that evolution is a dangerous theory that undermines the authority of the Bible, while Drummond contends that the government has no right to censor what teachers can or cannot say in the classroom.

Inherit the Wind is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores some of the most pressing issues of its time. It raises important questions about the relationship between science and religion, the limits of free speech, and the role of the state in shaping public opinion. The performances of the lead actors, particularly Kirk Douglas and Jason Robards, are excellent, and the script is intelligent and well-written.

Although the film is based on a play that was written in the 1950s, its themes and messages are still relevant today. The debate over evolution in schools continues to be a contentious and divisive issue, and the tensions between science and religion remain unresolved. Inherit the Wind reminds us of the importance of intellectual freedom, critical thinking, and tolerance, and it encourages us to continue to engage in meaningful discussions about these complex and multifaceted issues.

Overall, Inherit the Wind is a must-see film for anyone interested in the intersection of science, religion, and politics. It is a powerful and engaging drama that will leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled.