Review of Inherit the Wind (1960) by Matthew D — 29 Mar 2010

Inherit The Wind is based of one of the landmark lawsuits in history, the 1925 Scopes "monkey trial." This Stanley Kramer produced and directed gem is extremely well crafted and can entertain even the most jaded of modern audiences.

It has aged remarkably well, which is due, in part, to the fact that the creationism vs. evolution debate is still as controversial and hotly contested today as it was back then, but it's also a testament to the outstanding screenplay written by the often-blacklisted Nedrick Young and Harold Smith.

On Kramer's orders, they kept close to the transcript and descriptions of the trial at the time. The result is a beautifully worded script that delivers several fine exchanges between the two lawyers (Henry Drummond, played by Spencer Tracy, and William James Brady, played by the brilliant Frederic March) and by all accounts accurately captures the essence of the original event.

Both are such wonderful actors that they are able to make the positions of their characters sound convincing. They develop little sets 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.

It is, as Kramer noted, "... a remarkable experience to watch two great professionals, standing toe to toe, each staying within the limits of his strongest acting skills -- Tracy as an elegant expressive man of inner conviction, March as a vociferous, bombastic preacher and orator.

" Kramer wisely limited his camera work and he simply let these great actors duel. The result is a thought-provoking, intelligent, and endlessly entertaining debate between two passionate, committed lawyers and one of the greatest courtroom battles in cinematic history.

A must-see for history buffs and fans of the courtroom drama.