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Moviecut—Inherit the Wind

source: Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind

Showtime does an adaptation of the famous play which was inspired by the 1925 case. In the small southern town of Hillsboro, school teacher Bertram Cates (Tom Everett Scott) is arrested for teaching evolution. The case pits longtime friends Henry Drummond (Jack Lemmon) and Matthew Harrison Brady (George C. Scott) against each other. Cates' girlfriend Rachel Brown (Kathryn Morris) is pitted against her father Reverend Jeremiah Brown (Lane Smith). These are great actors. The veterans are putting their full selves into these classic roles. There are still aspects that I would change. I don't like the laughing. I don't want to change the play but the laughing saps out the seriousness of Brady's breakdown. I know he later says that they were laughing at him. They could cut out that line. I don't want celebration. I don't want laughter. I want shocked silence.

I don't know why there are so many bad comments about this remake, you can't really expect these actors to better the original 1960 version. George C. Scott and Jack Lemmon did an excellant job in their respective roles. I think Lane Smith (who is usually an excellant actor) did a poor job though as Rev. Brown. I think Scott went out with a bang! He will always be remembered as a great actor.

This production of Inherit the Wind is a fine attempt but just doesn't have the punch that the original 1960 one did. I would on the other hand rate this one over the 1988 version. Jack Lemmon gave a somewhat flat performance as did George C. Scott sadly in his last role. It's not completely bad but if you really want to watch this story then the 1960 Stanley Kramer production with Spencer Tracy and Fredrick March is the way to go. You'll notice the difference. One additional note: If Jason Robards portrayal of Henry Drummond from the 88 version would have been in this one now that would have made a difference.

This version is a very strong remake of the original. Through most of the film, I believe that George C. Scott's performance is much stronger than March's. Especially the ending scene. Scott's performance is much more in depth, especially towards the end.

I am sad that these two great actors are no longer with us. They both gave so much to us via Hollywood. This movie is one of many productions where their talent shined. Inherit the Wind -1999- is about a teacher who was tried for teaching evolution back in 1925. The writers and director portrayed both men as honorable, intelligent members of society who simply had a different viewpoint. Unlike movies like Runaway Jury -2003- which demonized the firearm industry, and portrayed the other side as kind and caring. This film, Inherit the Wind, handled both sides of the Evolution debate seriously. Runaway Jury for example, had a jury member initiate the pledge of allegiance in court. A silly stunt that took the credibility of the movie away. I highly recommend this film for the whole family and teachers should show this film for their students to watch. I am sure the discussions afterwards should be quite interesting. --shutterbug--

OK. I use classic as an adjective when I have good reason to believe it would stand the test of time. This one would. Lemmon and Scott clash again after 12 Angry Men. The movie is very relevant and a must see for school kids. Essentailly the part played by Scott as the theologian is much tougher to play and how he makes a complete fool of himself toward the end of the movie is very convincing. Despite the obvious mistakes he (the chracter) makes, you cannot help but feel sorry for the chracter. See it without commercial breaks (DVD?)!