Review of Inherit the Wind (1960) by Familiar S — 20 Jul 2011

Stanley Kramer comes up with yet another masterpiece. I wish I'd heard of this movie earlier. IMO, it's a hidden gem. But (given its subject matter) I can understand why it's not so popular. If you can overlook some of its shortcomings (wherein its plot doesn't belong; even though it might offend a very few, depending on one's viewpoint) giving it the benefit of the period during which it was released, it's par excellence. For shortcomings, it has some cliches, a bit of overacting (intended and essential, but at times it sounds louder than necessary) and some unnecessary scenes (certain tracks between Drummond and Mrs. Brady, and the ones including Rachel seemed forced). Hope all/some of that was done keeping in mind the audience's taste at that time. Even otherwise, the rest of the movie doesn't merely make up for it but even offer a bonus entertainment. The dialogues and the dialogue delivery by Hornbeck (Gene Kelly) are mesmerizing. Can't understand why Drummond (Tracy) wasn't assigned such lines despite of having the opportunity in some sequences. He's kept mum while he could have fired back. The character was far less aggressive than I expected. Shoulda been intentional. I don't think it was owing to the dialogue writers going blank. Either way, it didn't fit in the picture.

It has its fair share of flaws, but I'd still very much recommend it.