Review of Inherit the Wind (1960) by John T — 26 Feb 2015

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The interaction of Tracy and March is what really makes the film. Both are such wonderful actors that they are able to make the positions of their characters sound convincing. Both manage to develop a little set of mannerisms that serve to distract the audience while each other is speaking. March continually plays to the courtroom audience with rolls of his eyes, rubbing his head, or agitated fanning of his face. Tracy's efforts are less obvious, but just as effective-lengthy pauses, contemptuous expressions.. Also of interest in Inherit the Wind is a rare dramatic role for Gene Kelly. He plays the newspaperman E.K. Hornbeck, who is actually H.L. Mencken who wrote for the Baltimore Sun. Kramer saw Mencken as an American original. Kelly was too and he was able to convey the intelligence and occasional humour that the part required quite effectively. A number of other small roles in the film are well handled by familiar character actors (Harry Morgan as the judge, Claude Akins as Reverend Brown, Dick York as Cates, Florence Eldridge [Fredric March's wife in real life] as Brady's wife, and in unbilled roles-Norman Fell, Ray Teal, and Earle Hodgins).

Fidelity to the facts aside, Inherit the Wind is a powerful, well-made film. Spencer Tracy, Fredric March and Gene Kelly all create indelible performances worthy of the larger-than-life figures that inspired them.

the performances are outstanding across the board. Through this ensemble, they make one of the most singularly exciting courtroom dramas I've ever seen. The group is timeless. Spencer Tracy and Fredric March lead the show, of course, but Dick York is just as strong in a smaller role. Additionally, Gene Kelly (An American in Paris) is great even with feet not aflame as journalist and atheist E.K. Hornbeck and Harry Morgan (Dragnet) is surprising good in his role as Judge Mel Coffey, who's right in the mix with the religion over justice crowd. Claude Akins does a good job playing the town's fundamentalist preacher with a hate-filled, sanctimonious air that is frankly revolting.

Inherit the Wind is the fictionalized story of the real life Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925 where Scopes, a school teacher, was prosecuted for teaching Darwin's Theory of Evolution in a Dayton, Tennessee school.

The lawyers who work the case do a fabulous acting job; Fredric March as the bible-thumping fundamentalist Bryan and Spencer Tracy as the reasonable-sounding atheist Darrow. There are many great soliloquys by each actor and a rousing debate when they lock horns with Bryan called as an expert witness on the Bible, itself. Again, Kramer has stacked the deck; giving Spencer Tracy all the good reasonable-sounding ripostes and making Fredric March look fairly silly in comparison. However, each of the two principals do a good job with the material they are given to work with. Harry Morgan plays the judge.

Camera work and editing were good in this drama, particularly in the courtroom scenes. I would like to see the same material played without the liberal slant, however, Inherit the Wind is about as good as it gets for a courtroom drama.

One very memorable scene has Drummond and Brady sitting in rocking chairs on the porch of the hotel where they are both staying, talking about the old days, when Drummond tells an anecdote about a rocking horse that he wanted as a child.

Gene Kelly is very good as E. K. Hornbeck, the cynical, sarcastic reporter for the Baltimore Sun. Claude Akins makes a departure from his usual tough-guy roles as the fiery, white-haired Reverend Jeremiah Brown Other notable actors include Harry Morgan, of MASH, who portrays Judge Mel Coffey. The scene in which Coffey is introduced begins with his back to the camera, but upon hearing the distinctive voice of the actor, anyone who has seen Morgan in anything will immediately recognize him.

Not only is the acting outstanding but the exchange between the actors is inspiring. The play on words is most intriguing. Skillfully crafted and masterfully performed, this movie deals with the conflict between evolution and the biblical account of creation. Certainly a controversial issue.

I can highly recommend this film to anyone who loves great films and great performances. Inherit the Wind is one of the best films of all times.