DVD Review: Inherit the Wind (1960)

Kino Lorber’s classics division has released an outstanding blu ray of “Inherit the Wind,” the screen version of the 1955 play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert Lee, which itself was based on the 1925 Monkey Trial.

Spencer Tracy plays Henry Drummond, a defense lawyer patterned after Clarence Darrow, who confronts, in court, Fredric March as Matthew Harrison Brady, based on William Jennings Bryant. Their conflict regards a teacher, Bertrand Cates, who is patterned after John Scopes and played by Dick York. Observing and reporting it all is E.K. Hornbeck, based on H.L. Mencken and portrayed by Gene Kelly in a rare dramatic role. The film is produced and directed by Stanley Kramer.

The story deals with teacher Cates being arrested and put on trial for teaching evolution rather than creationism in the classroom. This discussion of Darwin’s theories is against the law in his small southern town. The significance of the case is what attracts heavyweights like Drummond and Brady.

While there are historical inaccuracies in the original play that extend to the movie, “Inherit the Wind” remains one of the quintessential courtroom dramas in American cinema. Spencer Tracy plays his part with measured intelligence and insight that occasionally rises to angry passion. Fredric March chews the scenery with sheer gusto, playing his role with noisy bombast and almost comical zeal. March never drops his guard, even in quieter scenes featuring the character. The bluster is always evident. It might be the finest performance in his long and illustrious career.

The actors all connect here. Dick York exudes a certain innocent wonder as to why knowledge is against the law and is truly trying to learn a lot of whys and wherefores even though he has a background in education. His base intelligence is crowded out by surface confusion as to the people by which he is surrounded and how this event could attract such attention.

Claude Akins is positively frightening as a stern-faced, no-nonsense minister who is ready to disown his daughter in deference to the religious blarney that controls his entire being. Harry Morgan as the judge must display the sort of quiet control that anchors the tumultuous proceedings. The film's cast is further dotted by such familiar faces as Norman Fell, Hope Summers, Jimmy Boyd, Paul Hartman, Elliot Reid, Richard Deacon, Will Wright, and Snub Pollard.

Stanley Kramer extends the play’s scope with his direction, opening up scenes with sweeping tracking shots, expansive long shots, and concentrated medium shots and close-ups that are presented in the sort of succession that never distracts from the action. March’s blustery performance is framed by background townspeople who look upon him with starry eyed fandom as a sort of prophet. Tracy brilliant acts as his counterpart who tries with futility to prove reason to the unreasonable.

Gene Kelly’s delightfully sarcastic Menckenesque role allows the actor to convey the character’s cynicism but with the same discernible twinkle in his eye that accents every role he's ever performed. Working against type by playing drama opposite two of the greatest actors in movie history, Kelly holds his own and makes nearly as much of an impact.

It should be added that Leslie Uggams’ acapella singing over the opening and closing credits is absolutely stirring.

The play is said to have been using this premise in response to McCarthyism. The film continues to serve as a symbolism for so many ridiculous ideas that are somehow embraced by the masses while more educated, intelligent people are forced to stand aside and observe.

Kino Lorber’s blu ray is a beautiful transfer with excellent sound reproduction. There is a trailer among the extras, but the real highlight is the informative commentary by film historian Jim Hemphill.

“Inherit the Wind” is one of the finest films of its era, and for many reasons. Despite it enjoying critical acclaim and Oscar nominations, it was not a hit with audiences at the time of its initial release. In fact, it recorded a loss of $1.7 million according to Tino Balio’s book “United Artists: The Company That Changed the Film Industry.” That has changed, as the film has since emerged as a timeless classic that is deservedly respected at all levels.

The blu ray is available here. It is also available on DVD.