Though the names were changed, the events depicted in Stanley Kramer’s Inherit the Wind were based on one of the most famous court cases in the first half of the twentieth century. Often referred to as the “Scopes Monkey Trial,” the case concerned whether Tennessee schoolteacher John T. Scopes had broken a state law forbidding the teaching of Darwin’s theory of evolution, including the notion that humankind evolved from apes. The film itself was based on a play of the same name, written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee, in the mid 1950’s as a means to discuss the defamatory activities of anti-intellectuals like Joseph McCarthy. More than fifty years later, a movement preaching anti-intellectualism exists in American politics, where so-called “elites” (in both liberal and conservative camps) are accused of having the audacity to think about problems, rather than relying on a knee jerk reaction.

Though Inherit the Wind clearly fictionalized characters and some events in the Scopes Trial, it’s obvious that prosecutor Matthew Harrison Brady (Frederic March) is patterned after William Jennings Bryan and powerful defense attorney Henry Drummond (Spencer Tracy) is based on Clarence Darrow. Here, mild mannered, but committed Bertram Cates (Dick York, a few years before he gained fame as the first Darren on Bewitched), stands in for schoolteacher John T. Scopes. In the middle of all this is a cynical newspaper reporter for the Baltimore Herald named E.K. Hornbeck (Gene Kelly) (based on real-life columnist H.L. Mencken) who supports Scopes’ plight if only because it makes for great copy.

It’s Hornbeck who not only provides consistent comic relief—largely at the expense of Harrison Brady, and the people of small town Hillsboro, where the events take place—and commentary on the overall action. He describes Hillsboro as “the buckle on the Bible Belt.” While he says this sarcastically, it’s not far off. This is a town that lives and breathes by their interpretations of the Bible without question.

When Bertram Cates is brought up on charges of violating a state law that forbid teaching evolution, publicity loving Matthew Brady is happy to help with the prosecution. Meanwhile, Hornbeck convinces his paper to Henry Drummond to defend Cates. The two legal giants have a long and complicated history together, which the screenplay by Nedrick Young and Harold Jacob Smith wisely touches on to better inform the two characters. It’s the interaction between Tracy and March that makes the film. Both are such accomplished actors they were able to make the distinct and heartfelt positions of their characters sound convincing. March continually plays to the audience in the courtroom with rolls of his eyes, a nod of his head, or an exasperated fanning of his face. Tracy’s efforts are less noticeable, but just as effective—lengthy pauses, introspective expressions. Watching March and Tracy in the courtroom scenes is to watch a master class in acting.

One must not forget the work of Gene Kelly. In a rare dramatic role, he is able to convey the mix of intelligence and humor required to play E.K. Hornbeck. Several small roles in the film are capably handled by familiar character actors: Harry Morgan as the judge, Claude Akins as Reverend Brown, Florence Eldridge [Fredric March’s wife in real life] as Brady’s wife, and in unbilled roles—Norman Fell, Ray Teal, Noah Beery Jr., and Earle Hodgins.

Presented in the 1.66:1 aspect ratio (the liner notes state the aspect ratio is 1.85:1), Twilight Time’s 1080p transfer is absolutely beautiful with stunning clarity, and sharpness throughout. Black levels are stable, and whites offer impressive shadow detail. Contrast is consistent, and age related artifacts are nowhere to be seen.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 1.0 sound mix offers an enjoyable listening experience. The dialogue has been expertly recorded, and shows no inherent issues. Ernest Gold’s background score, and the occasional spiritual (“Give Me That Old Time Religion” and “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” with altered lyrics) add some extra dramatic effect to the proceedings without imposing on the spoken word. There are no hisses, pops, crackles, or other audio disturbances to report.

English SDH subtitles are included.

The following extras are available:

  • Isolated Music and Effects Track is presented in DTS-HD Master Audio 2.0.
  • Original Theatrical Trailer (SD, 4:05) Stanley Kramer introduces the trailer, boasting about its impressive international reception.
  • MGM 90th Anniversary Trailer (HD, 2:06)
  • Six Page Booklet: Contains a collection of stills, poster art on the back cover, and film historian Julie Kirgo’s expansive analysis of the movie.

 

There are only 3,000 copies of this Blu-ray available. Those interested should go to www.screenarchives.com to see if product is still in stock. Information about the movie can also be found via Facebook at www.facebook.com/twilighttimemovies.