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Inherit the Wind (NR, 1960)

common sense media says

Knock-out courtroom drama has deft comic touches.

parents & educators say
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

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.

Positive messages: The movies raises issues of creatonism vs. evolution.
Violence: A threating scene in which a jailed teacher is burned in effigy might disturb sensitive kids.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Mild cursing.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Inherit the Wind

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In this classic, science teacher Bert Cates (Dick York) is jailed for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in the fundamentalist community of Hillsboro, Tennessee. The town is caught in the national spotlight when two legal heavyweights take on the case: former Presidential candidate Matthew Harrison Brady (Frederic March) for the prosecution, and ACLU founder Henry Drummond (Spencer Tracy) for the defense. Brady and Drummond, known in real life as William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow, mesmerize crowds as they wrestle with the still timely issue of the separation of church and state.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
INHERIT THE WIND is everything that a legal drama ought to be, but deft comic touches and a clear storyline make this sophisticated film accessible to kids. The lawyers are the heroes in this exciting retelling of the watershed trial, bolstered by impressive performances by Tracy and March. Each character eventually questions his beliefs. Brady's narrow interpretation of the Christian Bible is stretched to include modern science; the atheistic Drummond ends up reconsidering his doubts about God. But don't worry about heavy-duty moralizing, this courtroom story is surprisingly light, with a wry sense of humor. As curiosity seekers flood Hillsboro during the trial, residents imagine all sorts of ways of cashing in, each more preposterous than the next.

Because Inherit the Wind is about what teachers are allowed to teach, the film speaks to younger viewers more directly than an adult might suspect. Unlike most courtroom dramas, this movie refuses to reduce complicated issues into simplistic ones. It also shows that it is worthwhile to fight for your beliefs. As Drummond explains, the only pathetic person is the one who is too cynical to believe in anything, a worthy message to offer to kids and adults alike.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Stanley Kramer
Cast: Fredric March, Harry Morgan, Spencer Tracy
Genre: Drama
Run time: 126 minutes
Theatrical release: July 21, 1960
DVD release: December 11, 2001
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Ellen MacKay
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Tsion
parent of 15 year old
10
 
A Spectacular Court-Room Movie!
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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helped me decide (6) | had useful details (5) | read my mind (5)
otakucode
adult
 
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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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (5)
MovieGuy23
teen, 14 years old
12
 
Inherit the wind: A masterpiece
Inherit the wind is a fascinating debate film. The movie stars Spencer Tracy, Frederic Marsh, and Gene Kelly, who are all excellent. The movie focuses on the battle between religion and evolution, a perfect debate film that fairly judges both sides of the argument. Note to Parents: Kids may not be ready for a debate between religion and evolution, they must be willing to handle both sides of the argument. Yet if they are mature enough, a great film.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (2)

kid, 12 years old
10
 
should be PG-13 or R, but definitley not PG!
there is hate words like f--k on the list.
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

teen, 14 years old
10
 
should be PG-13 or R, but definitley not PG!
there is hate words like f--k on the list.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

kid, 11 years old
10
 
should be PG-13 or R, but definitley not PG!
there is hate words like f--k on the list.
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (2) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (2)

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