Inherit the Wind

Main Plot

Inherit the Wind is a courtroom drama inspired by the real-life Scopes Monkey Trial, which centers on the conflict between science and religion. The story unfolds in a small town where a teacher, Bertram Cates, is put on trial for violating a law that prohibits the teaching of evolution in schools. The case attracts national attention, drawing two prominent figures: a famous defense attorney and a staunchly religious prosecutor. As the trial progresses, the courtroom becomes a battleground for contrasting ideologies, with passionate arguments about faith, freedom of thought, and the right to question established beliefs. The townspeople are divided, reflecting the broader societal tensions of the time. Through intense debates and dramatic testimonies, the film explores themes of intellectual freedom, the clash between tradition and progress, and the importance of critical thinking in the face of dogma.

Characters

• Spencer Tracy plays Henry Drummond, a defense attorney challenging a Tennessee law against teaching evolution in the famous Scopes "Monkey" Trial.
• Fredric March plays Matthew Harrison Brady, a prosecutor in a trial about a teacher accused of teaching evolution, representing traditional values and religious beliefs.
• Gene Kelly plays E.K. Hornbeck, a cynical newspaper columnist who provides commentary on the trial and represents the viewpoint of the urban elite and intellectual skepticism.

Ending Explained

Inherit the Wind concludes with the trial of Bertram Cates, who is charged with teaching evolution in a small town that upholds biblical creationism. As the trial progresses, the courtroom becomes a battleground for the clash between science and religion. The key events leading to the ending revolve around the intense debates between the defense and prosecution, culminating in a powerful confrontation of ideas. In the final moments, after a heated exchange, the judge delivers a verdict of guilty against Cates, but the focus shifts to the broader implications of the trial. The defense attorney, Henry Drummond, emphasizes the importance of intellectual freedom and the right to think, suggesting that the true victory lies in the ideas presented rather than the legal outcome. Cates is sentenced to a fine, but Drummond's passionate arguments resonate with the audience, symbolizing a triumph of thought over dogma. The film closes with Drummond reflecting on the Bible and Darwin's works, indicating a reconciliation of faith and reason. This resolution highlights the overarching narrative of the struggle for individual thought in the face of societal conformity, leaving viewers to ponder the ongoing relevance of these themes in contemporary society.