Amazon.com: The word classic can readily be applied to the story of what became known as the Scopes Monkey Trial, which led to the Broadway hit that has now been filmed for the third time. With Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott playing adversarial attorneys, this period piece deals in ideas and ideals in a masterful courtroom drama.
In 1925, a schoolteacher is arrested for teaching Darwinism in the community of Hillsboro, where such scientific refutations of the Bible are illegal. Scott plays prosecutor Matthew Brady (based on politician Williams Jennings Bryan), bringing majesty and tragedy to a character many would find repugnant, as he prophetically bemoans a society moving "from love of God to love of self." Jack Lemmon plays attorney Henry Drummond (based on the legendary Clarence Darrow) and brings his trademark portrayal of the "little guy" to a man determined to protect a citizen's basic right to freedom of thought, proclaiming, "An idea is a greater monument to God than a cathedral." The wonderful supporting cast, including Beau Bridges, Piper Laurie, and John Cullum, all demonstrate their love of a multilayered drama filled with conundrums of faith and contradictions of philosophy. Veteran director Daniel Petrie helms with little flash, but his production offers so many concepts and emotions that the high points of drama remain with the viewer after the film is over. --Lloyd Chesley
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Inherit the wind
The movie is just a small sample that proves Bible is a bunch of baloney
Ivan- Brazil
Rating: - Which side on you on? The Bible or the Periodic Table?
This 1999 TV reproduction is not as funny as the 1960 movie version with the same title, but it is still very good. The content is almost identical to the earlier movie version, but the actors are less ... Read More
Rating: - WHY still not on DVD? Great movie!
Jack Lemmon and George C. Scott steal the movie!. It is a real pity we don't have the wonderful Jack Lemmon still around with us to bring us fine pieces of work like this. We'll miss you, Jack. :(
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Rating: - Invaluable
As a high school science teacher I deal with common myths and misconceptions involving evolution on a daily basis. This movie does a nice job of helping kids understand the passion of the issue. Evolution ... Read More
Rating: - Inherit the Wind (1999)
A truly excellent remake of an American classic. Once you get past any inital reservations you may (understandably) have about the film's made-for-cable origins, you will find a work that is, in my opinion, ... Read More
- Inherit the wind