Review of Inherit the Wind (1960) by Mark L — 11 Jan 2008
An excellently directed and filmed fictionalized telling of the famous Scopes Monkey trial of 1925. The characters are based on the historical figures, and some of the narrative is closely tied in with the trial material, but this is a cinematic version of a play that deviates in many respects from the historical event.
This is one of Spencer Tracy's great performances, only seven years before his death. Tracy plays Henry Drummond who corresponds with the enlightened Clarence Darrow in the historical event. Some of his trial scenes are the best of the movie.
The character of Brady (corresponding to the real William Jennings Bryan) is a buffoonish caricature of the real figure. Boo. Hiss. The historical Bryan deserves better.
Anyway, this is still a fine movie and is recommended for fans of Spencer Tracy, Gene Kelly (as the cynical Baltimore newspaper man), and those who are interested in movies dealing with the struggle of fact against myopic religiosity.
This review of Inherit the Wind (1960) was written by Mark L on 11 Jan 2008.
Inherit the Wind has generally received very positive reviews.
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