Inherit the Wind: Living or Dead?

About Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind, the 1960 film adaptation of the play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the conflict between science and religion. Set in the small town of Hillsboro, Tennessee, the film tells the story of a young teacher, Bertram Cates, who is put on trial for teaching evolution in his classroom. The trial becomes a national sensation, drawing in two of the most famous lawyers of the day, Henry Drummond and Matthew Harrison Brady, who battle it out in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion.

The film is a masterful piece of storytelling, with strong performances from its cast, including Spencer Tracy as Drummond, Fredric March as Brady, and Gene Kelly as the cynical journalist E.K. Hornbeck. The script is sharp and witty, with plenty of memorable lines and moments that still resonate today. Director Stanley Kramer does an excellent job of balancing the drama of the trial with the personal stories of the characters, creating a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.

At its heart, Inherit the Wind is a film about the struggle for intellectual freedom and the importance of standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. It is a timeless story that still resonates today, as debates over science, religion, and education continue to rage on. As Rolling Stone magazine noted in its review of the film, "Inherit the Wind is a powerful and timely reminder of the importance of free thought and open debate in a democratic society."

References:

- "Inherit the Wind." Rolling Stone, 1960.

- Inherit the Wind. Directed by Stanley Kramer, United Artists, 1960.