Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind is an outstanding drama movie released in 1960, directed by Stanley Kramer. The film stars legendary actors such as Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, and Gene Kelly, whose mastery of their craft is on full display in this cinematic masterpiece. The movie is a fictionalized account, based on a 1955 play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, which in turn was inspired by a historical event: the Scopes "Monkey" Trial of 1925.

The story unfolds in a small Southern town named Hillsboro, etched into the annals of history due to an inflammatory trial that draws national attention. The trial is catalyzed by Bertram Cates (Dick York), a local school teacher who defies state law by teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution to his students – an act considered heretical and contrary to the Bible's teachings from the perspective of the town's conservative inhabitants.

The town prosecutes Cates—an act that sets off a legal battle that sparks national interest. Cates's defense is led by Henry Drummond (Spencer Tracy), a sharp, seasoned attorney from the North known for his agnostic beliefs and brave advocacy for controversial causes. Opposite Drummond, playing the prosecutor is Matthew Brady (Fredric March), a three-time presidential candidate and a revered national figure, known for his eloquent whisky-tinged speeches. Brady is a staunch believer in biblical literalism, and he sees this case as an opportunity to banish the so-called 'blasphemous' ideas of evolutionary theory in favor of traditional religious teachings.

The talented and versatile Gene Kelly assumes the role of E.K Hornbeck, a cynical and sarcastic Baltimore Herald journalist who adds another dimension of critique and wit into the movie. Although endorsing the defense team, Hornbeck seems less interested in the actual verdict and more in the gulf that exists between science and religion, modernism and tradition, and skepticism and faith. The movie does not directly proclaim the superiority of one view over the other; rather, it emphasizes the power of debate, freedom of thought, and the importance of challenging existing beliefs.

Under Kramer's brilliant direction, the clash of ideologies is unraveled through captivating courtroom dramas, gripping debates, and compelling monologues. The movie extensively uses metaphors and allegories, enabling it to tackle serious themes controversial for its time, such as freedom of speech, separation of church and state, and anti-intellectualism.

Despite the story's dark themes, Inherit the Wind manages to incorporate humor chiefly through March's and Kelly's performances, avoiding a total fall into grim discourse. There is a peculiar richness in the script and the dialogues, which manages to sustain tension, intrigue, and engagement right till the end. Kelly, in particular, adds a flavor of satire to the narrative with his acid-tongued remarks and wry humor, toying with the prejudices of the town's citizens and viewers alike.

Inherit the Wind enjoys an strength in its cast. Tracy's portrayal of Drummond manifests an uncompromising strength laced with a compassionate understanding of human nature, while March's Brady's character reveals a heartbreaking vulnerability beneath the bravado. The confrontations between March and Tracy make for the most arresting moments in the movie, imbued with intense emotional depth and intellectual rigor.

On a technical level, Inherit the Wind doesn't disappoint either. Each camera shot and angle adds nuance and depth to the plot, cultivating the atmospherics of the troubled town. The black-and-white format only heightens the sense of period, intensity, and drama.

Inherit the Wind, with its riveting storytelling, unflinching exploration of sensitive themes, top-notch performances, and sublime direction, continues to be a benchmark not only in cinematic courtroom dramas but in examining ideological conflicts and their impact on society.