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Inherit the Wind

  • 19601960
  • PassedPassed
  • 2h 8m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
30K
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Inherit the Wind (1960)
A powerful and provocative re-creation of the most titanic courtroom battle of the 20th Century, starring Spencer Tracy...

Described by Steven Spielberg as "one of our great filmmakers, not just for the art and passion he put on screen, but for the impact he has made on the conscience of the world", the films of producer and director Stanley Kramer (The Defiant Ones, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner) frequently confronted social issues considered too controversial for the major studios. In INHERIT THE WIND he tackled the creationism vs. evolution debate.
 
When a teacher in a small Tennessee town is brought to trial for teaching Darwinism, attorney Henry Drummond (Spencer Tracy, Bad Day at Black Rock) faces off against fundamentalist leader Matthew Harrison Brady (Frederic March, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde) in an explosive battle of beliefs.
 
Also operating as a searing critique of McCarthyism, INHERIT THE WIND was nominated for multiple Academy Awards, and is rightfully recognised as one of the most entertaining, and provocative films of its era. Eureka Classics is proud to present INHERIT THE WIND for the first time on Blu-ray in the UK in a special Dual Format edition.
Play trailer2:17
1 Video
70 Photos
  • Biography
  • Drama
  • History
Based on a real-life case in 1925, two great lawyers argue the case for and against a Tennessee science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.Based on a real-life case in 1925, two great lawyers argue the case for and against a Tennessee science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.Based on a real-life case in 1925, two great lawyers argue the case for and against a Tennessee science teacher accused of the crime of teaching evolution.
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
30K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Stanley Kramer
  • Writers
    • Nedrick Young(screenplay)
    • Harold Jacob Smith(screenplay)
    • Jerome Lawrence(play)
  • Stars
    • Spencer Tracy
    • Fredric March
    • Gene Kelly
Top credits
  • Director
    • Stanley Kramer
  • Writers
    • Nedrick Young(screenplay)
    • Harold Jacob Smith(screenplay)
    • Jerome Lawrence(play)
  • Stars
    • Spencer Tracy
    • Fredric March
    • Gene Kelly
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 215User reviews
    • 74Critic reviews
    • 75Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 4 Oscars
      • 3 wins & 11 nominations total

    Videos1

    INHERIT THE WIND (Eureka Classics) New & Exclusive HD Trailer
    Trailer 2:17
    INHERIT THE WIND (Eureka Classics) New & Exclusive HD Trailer

    Photos70

    Gene Kelly, Spencer Tracy, Donna Anderson, Philip Coolidge, Florence Eldridge, Fredric March, Elliott Reid, and Dick York in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Claude Akins and Donna Anderson in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Gene Kelly, Donna Anderson, and Dick York in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Spencer Tracy and Fredric March in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Gene Kelly, Spencer Tracy, and Fredric March in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Harry Morgan in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Harry Morgan in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Harry Morgan in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Harry Morgan in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Harry Morgan in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Harry Morgan in Inherit the Wind (1960)
    Fredric March and Elliott Reid in Inherit the Wind (1960)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Spencer Tracy
    Spencer Tracy
    • Henry Drummondas Henry Drummond
    Fredric March
    Fredric March
    • Matthew Harrison Bradyas Matthew Harrison Brady
    Gene Kelly
    Gene Kelly
    • E. K. Hornbeckas E. K. Hornbeck
    Dick York
    Dick York
    • Bertram T. Catesas Bertram T. Cates
    Donna Anderson
    Donna Anderson
    • Rachel Brownas Rachel Brown
    Harry Morgan
    Harry Morgan
    • Judge Mel Coffeyas Judge Mel Coffey
    Claude Akins
    Claude Akins
    • Rev. Jeremiah Brownas Rev. Jeremiah Brown
    Elliott Reid
    Elliott Reid
    • Prosecutor Tom Davenportas Prosecutor Tom Davenport
    Paul Hartman
    Paul Hartman
    • Bailiff Mort Meekeras Bailiff Mort Meeker
    Philip Coolidge
    Philip Coolidge
    • Mayor Jason Carteras Mayor Jason Carter
    Jimmy Boyd
    Jimmy Boyd
    • Howardas Howard
    Noah Beery Jr.
    Noah Beery Jr.
    • John Stebbinsas John Stebbins
    Norman Fell
    Norman Fell
    • WGN Radio Technicianas WGN Radio Technician
    Gordon Polk
    Gordon Polk
    • George Sillersas George Sillers
    Hope Summers
    Hope Summers
    • Mrs. Krebs - Righteous Townswomanas Mrs. Krebs - Righteous Townswoman
    Ray Teal
    Ray Teal
    • Jessie H. Dunlapas Jessie H. Dunlap
    Renee Godfrey
    Renee Godfrey
    • Mrs. Stebbinsas Mrs. Stebbins
    Florence Eldridge
    Florence Eldridge
    • Sarah Bradyas Sarah Brady
    • Director
      • Stanley Kramer
    • Writers
      • Nedrick Young(screenplay) (originally as Nathan E. Douglas)
      • Harold Jacob Smith(screenplay)
      • Jerome Lawrence(play)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Stanley Kramer was advised against casting Fredric March and Spencer Tracy in the lead roles as it was felt young audiences would not want to see veteran stars.
    • Goofs
      When Rachel comes to the courthouse after Bertram is incarcerated, she hugs him and calls him "Dick" (as in Dick York, the actor who portrayed Bertram) rather than "Bert."
    • Quotes

      Matthew Harrison Brady: We must not abandon faith! Faith is the most important thing!

      Henry Drummond: Then why did God plague us with the capacity to think? Mr. Brady, why do you deny the one faculty of man that raises him above the other creatures of the earth, the power of his brain to reason? What other merit have we? The elephant is larger, the horse is swifter and stronger, the butterfly is far more beautiful, the mosquito is more prolific. Even the simple sponge is more durable. But does a sponge think?

      Matthew Harrison Brady: I don't know. I'm a man, not a sponge!

      Henry Drummond: But do you think a sponge thinks?

      Matthew Harrison Brady: If the Lord wishes a sponge to think, it thinks!

      Henry Drummond: Do you think a man should have the same privilege as a sponge?

      Matthew Harrison Brady: Of course!

      Henry Drummond: [Gesturing towards the defendant, Bertram Cates] Then this man wishes to have the same privilege of a sponge, he wishes to think!

    • Connections
      Featured in Viewpoint: Can We Bury the Hatchet? (1960)
    • Soundtracks
      (Gimme Dat) Old Time Religion
      (uncredited)

      Traditional spiritual

      Sung by Leslie Uggams at the start of the movie

      Reprised often by the Townfolks

      Variations included often in the score

    User reviews215

    Review
    Top review
    10/10
    If there is such a thing as a perfect movie, this is it.
    After recently watching each remake of this film, one can easily appreciate what an incredible film the 1960 version is. It is the perfectly made film and should be held up to all as the pinnacle of film making. It has the perfect director and the perfect actors. It probably has the best behind-the-scenes crew ever assembled including the perfect film editor. The choice of black and white is also perfect. This is one of those few gems where every element of film making came together to make the perfect movie.

    The story is very thought provoking from both points of view, the evolutionist and the fundamental Christian. While I am not even close to being a Christian of any kind, I am haunted by the speech given by Matthew Harrison Brady that says how our children will turn into a godless mob with no direction without the teachings of the Bible (paraphrasing). But, isn't that what has happened some 80+ years after the story takes place? The actors effortlessly sell each character's point of view.

    There is very little that can be said about Spencer Tracy, Frederick March and Gene Kelly that hasn't already been said. When you see the new version of this film, you can really understand why these actors are held in such high esteem. These guys are actors!

    In short, this is one of the finest films ever made and should be seen by everyone.
    helpful•105
    35
    • jcorkrum
    • Jun 18, 1999

    FAQ11

    • What is 'Inherit the Wind' about?
    • Is 'Inherit the Wind' based on a book?
    • Is the play based on a true story?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • August 30, 1960 (West Germany)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Wer den Wind sät
    • Filming locations
      • Courthouse Square, Backlot, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
    • Production company
      • Stanley Kramer Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $2,000,000 (estimated)
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 8 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.66 : 1

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