Rent Inherit the Wind (1960)

Undermined Somewhat by Gross Caricature - Inherit the Wind review by CV

The theme of the film, that of the right to challenge Biblical fundamentalism with contemporary science in the school classroom, seemed to be undermined by gross caricature. This effect may have resulted from adapting a stage play to the screen. However, it revealed how close fundamental literalism is tied up with political power and the theme is as relevant to today as it was then.

Courtroom Drama. - Inherit the Wind review by Steve

Period recreation of the 1925 Scopes monkey trial (with the names changed) which prosecuted a teacher for explaining Darwinism in a Christian fundamentalist school in Tennessee. Spencer Tracy defends the jailed teacher against an unrecognisable Fredric March as a prosecuting lawyer who believes in a literal interpretation of the Old Testament.

But there is a deeper issue on trial. Matthew Brady (March) claims that religion is a comfort for communities made wretched by poverty. But Brady is a politician. He offers no insight into how suffering might be relieved by other means. And solace isn't the role of the faith we see in Hillsboro, Tennessee. Christianity is a means of suppression and of spreading ignorance, bigotry and hate.  

Some of the ideas pass by a little too quickly. But for a film which is about a contest for the supremacy of ideas, it is extremely entertaining and the performances are a lot of fun, including Gene Kelly as an acerbic, loquacious news journalist. The real flaw in the film is it seeks to find a balance between Christianity and science, which isn't possible. 

There is a caustic, witty conclusion to the film, which really sums up its themes in an instant: when the frenzied Matthew Brady collapses in court,  a voice shouts out "Pray for a miracle and save our holy prophet" and another yells "Get a Doctor"!