A biblical orator opposes a liberal lawyer defending a man for teaching Darwinism in the 1920s South.A biblical orator opposes a liberal lawyer defending a man for teaching Darwinism in the 1920s South.A biblical orator opposes a liberal lawyer defending a man for teaching Darwinism in the 1920s South.
- Won 2 Primetime Emmys
- 2 wins & 1 nomination total
Tom McCleister
- Bailiff
- (as Thom McCleister)
Richard Gilbert-Hill
- Radio Newsman
- (as Richard Gilbert Hill)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe real William Jennings Bryan ran for President three times: 1896, 1900, and 1908. Bryan was the first Presidential candidate to extensively barnstorm during a Presidential campaign in an era when most candidates did not. Although it's suggested that he might be contemplating a run in the next election, which would have been in 1928, it's highly unlikely. He did serve in public office twice - as Congressman from Nebraska from 1891 to 1895 and as Secretary of State under Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1915, when he resigned over the country's policy toward Germany after the Lusitania was sunk. Despite his fundamentalist Christian beliefs, he was considered as Liberal and Progressive, supporting anti-Imperialist policies and trust-busting.
- GoofsIn several courtroom scenes when the focus is on Bertram Cates, the actor, Kyle Secor, wears glasses in which you can see the reflection of the production lights as well as white flags used by the production staff to mute the lights. In the 1930s, courtrooms would have utilized electric lights with a milk glass lamp shade known as a "schoolhouse light".
- Quotes
Rachel Brown: I don't understand it, and what I do understand I don't like. I don't believe I came from apes and monkeys. You see, I really haven't thought very much. I was always afraid of what I might think. It seemed safer not to think at all. Maybe - maybe what Mr. Darwin wrote is bad. Bad or good I think ideas have to come out. I think they should be heard. I don't think they ought to pass laws against them.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The 40th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards (1988)
Featured review
This made for TV film version of the famous Lawrence and Lee Broadway success is a very enjoyable presentation, and captures two splendid veteran actors doing exceptional work in the twilight of their careers. During the years since its original theatrical release, there have been two more made for TV film versions of Inherit the Wind (IW). Each of the four performances has champions and critics. All of them are interesting and worth seeing. None is dull and to be avoided. That in itself is rather remarkable. The four versions are:
(1) 1960 theatrical film starring Fredric March and Spencer Tracy.
(2) 1965 made for TV film starring Ed Begley and Melvyn Douglas.
(3) 1988 made for TV film starring Kirk Douglas and Jason Robards.
(4) 1999 made for TV film starring George C. Scott and Jack Lemmon.
Something very interesting happens when these four versions are considered as one body of work. Let me explain. For simplicity, I'll refer to each version by its indicated number.
Item: Three of the eight actors who played leading roles in the four versions of IW also played the identical leading roles in either a theatrical or TV film version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They are Fredric March (1), Spencer Tracy (1) and Kirk Douglas (3).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in one version of IW also appeared in Days of Wine and Roses. The man starred in the theatrical movie version, and the woman originated the female leading role in the earlier TV version. They are Jack Lemmon (4) and Piper Laurie (4).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in one version of IW also appeared as co-stars in the film Spartacus. They are Kirk Douglas (3) and Jean Simmons (3).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in one version of IW also appeared as co-stars in the film The Hustler. They are George C. Scott (4) and Piper Laurie (4).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in two different versions of IW also appeared as co-stars in the film The Hustler. They are George C. Scott (4) and Murray Hamilton (2).
Coincidence? Of course. But interesting? You bet!
(1) 1960 theatrical film starring Fredric March and Spencer Tracy.
(2) 1965 made for TV film starring Ed Begley and Melvyn Douglas.
(3) 1988 made for TV film starring Kirk Douglas and Jason Robards.
(4) 1999 made for TV film starring George C. Scott and Jack Lemmon.
Something very interesting happens when these four versions are considered as one body of work. Let me explain. For simplicity, I'll refer to each version by its indicated number.
Item: Three of the eight actors who played leading roles in the four versions of IW also played the identical leading roles in either a theatrical or TV film version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. They are Fredric March (1), Spencer Tracy (1) and Kirk Douglas (3).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in one version of IW also appeared in Days of Wine and Roses. The man starred in the theatrical movie version, and the woman originated the female leading role in the earlier TV version. They are Jack Lemmon (4) and Piper Laurie (4).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in one version of IW also appeared as co-stars in the film Spartacus. They are Kirk Douglas (3) and Jean Simmons (3).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in one version of IW also appeared as co-stars in the film The Hustler. They are George C. Scott (4) and Piper Laurie (4).
Item: Two actors who had principal roles in two different versions of IW also appeared as co-stars in the film The Hustler. They are George C. Scott (4) and Murray Hamilton (2).
Coincidence? Of course. But interesting? You bet!
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