Inherit the Wind 1960

Based on the significant and historically relevant Scopes Monkey trial of 1925, this compelling drama revolves around a Tennessee schoolteacher named Bertram Cates, portrayed by the talented Dick York, who finds himself in a whirlwind of controversy after being arrested for teaching Darwin’s revolutionary theory of evolution to his students. As the case ignites national debate and media frenzy, it captures the attention of the sharp-witted newspaper reporter, E.K. Hornbeck, brought to life by the charismatic Gene Kelly. He takes the initiative to enlist the help of the acclaimed defense attorney and avowed atheist, Henry Drummond, masterfully played by Spencer Tracy, to champion Cates’s cause.

The courtroom drama unfolds as the tenacious prosecutor, Matthew Brady, who is not only a former presidential candidate but also a respected evangelical figure, seeks to dismantle the defense’s arguments. The tension between Drummond and Brady is palpable, as these two old rivals engage in a battle of wits and ideologies throughout the film. The challenges intensify as it is revealed that Cates’s girlfriend is the daughter of the town’s fiery preacher, revered preacher, a role that the robust Claude Akins passionately embodies.

As the story progresses, Hornbeck, with his sardonic humor, consistently ridicules the deeply religious townsfolk who oppose Cates’s progressive teachings. Highlighting an especially pivotal moment in the trial, Drummond takes the bold step of calling Brady to the stand, leading him to elucidate biblical narratives, including the tale of Jonah and the whale. In a surprising turn, even the staunch Biblical Literalist, Brady, is compelled to acknowledge that some Biblical events require an intellectual interpretation rather than a strict literal understanding. This revelation empowers Drummond to argue that Cates possesses the intrinsic right to hold a different perspective, particularly regarding the Book of Genesis, and denying him this right would be an injustice.

The climactic moment of the film arrives when Brady, overwhelmed by Drummond’s incisive questioning, succumbs to the pressure and collapses, illustrating the intense emotional and psychological strain of the trial. Despite the fierce confrontation, Drummond displays a level of compassion for Brady’s beliefs, reminding the audience of the complexities surrounding faith and reason. Ultimately, the judge, portrayed by Harry Morgan, imposes a modest fine of $100.00, a resolution that echoes the discontent and shock rippling through the courtroom. This powerful narrative not only highlights the clash of ideological views but also emphasizes the enduring struggle between tradition and progress in society.