Top cast assembled in a dramatized history lesson roughly based on the "Scopes monkey trial." Tracy defends the embattled high school teacher and March tries to stir up the local opposition. March is a bit too overstated as the Southern minister/politician (clearly based on William Jennings Bryant), but Spence is right on as the cynical worldwise lawyer who tries to defend people's rights to be different. Kelly shines as a smarmy newsman, the type of role best suited to his character-style acting (as in his debut as a star in the broadway play "Pal Joey"). Morgan is the judge, who seems more wearied by all of this than anything. Excellent atmospheric photography -- particularly memorable in the opening sequences.
Review of Inherit the Wind
