Here, in this film, we have a giant, a king of a genre. This is the greatest courtroom drama I have ever seen, towering at an apex of emotion and grand symbolism. The film, which is based on the famous 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, has a perfect script, brimming with enough sharp dialogue to satisfy any movie-goer. There is also perfect acting, especially from the amazing Spencer Tracy. There is no particularly objectionable content in the film, aside from a few "d**n"s and "h*ll"s. The whole films is about evolution vs. religion, and, though the film feels like it takes the side of evolution, in the end they are evenly weighed. There are many mature discussions throughout the film that will most likely bore kids, but anyone who can appreciate it should watch it. All characters fight for what they think is right, and bigoted people are portrayed in a negative light. Even characters who use underhanded means to get what they want are fully-fleshed out, sympathetic people who apologize for their actions.
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Inherit the Wind (1960)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Knock-out courtroom drama has deft comic touches.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 12 and Up
What to watch out for
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What Parents Need to Know
About Inherit the Wind (1960)
Parents need to know that kids will hear some mild swearing. A scene in which a jailed teacher is burned in effigy by a menacing crowd might disturb sensitive kids. The movies raises issues of creatonism vs. evolution.
Read our full review by Ellen MacKay
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the advantages and limitations of using movies to dramatize historical events. Can movies tell the story of events in ways that other media, such as books or radio, can't? How much of an event can you show in a couple of hours and how do you decide what to leave out? Do you think that the real lawyers arguing this case were swayed slightly towards the others' positions by the end of the trial, as is portrayed here? Or is this simply a device for tying up the story in a neat bow?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
A Spectacular Court-Room Movie!
- I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
Fantastic movie for older kids and teens
While you might have trouble getting a youngster to sit through this dialog-heavy movie, it carries important messages about the dangers of letting emotional pleas to continue the status quo drive the show. If they believe it, the movie should let them know that even when a lot of loud and powerful people around you are dead wrong, you have a chance to be heard when the truth is on your side.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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