INHERIT THE WIND (TV)

Summary

This adaptation of the courtroom drama by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee is based loosely on the famous Scopes trial of the 1920s. The program begins with Hillsboro, Tennessee school teacher Bertram "Bert" Cates teaching evolutionary science to his pupils. With Bert having failed to heed previous warnings from authorities, police barge into his classroom and place him under arrest for breaking public statutes with his anti-creationist teachings. Soon, noted attorney and "honorary colonel in the state militia" Matthew Harrison Brady -- along with his wife, Lucy -- arrives in town amidst much fanfare, ready to prosecute the case for the state. Meanwhile, fellow teacher -- and the reverend's daughter -- Rachel Brown visits Bert in jail, where he discusses his refusal to stop teaching evolution. Reporters have also arrived in Hillsboro, eager to cover the trial defended by the "agile" legal mind Henry Drummond. The most notable reporter is the cynical, wisecracking E.K. Hornbeck of the Philadelphia Bulletin. The next day, the agnostic Drummond arrives from Chicago. The pre-trial activities begin with Brady and Drummond antagonistically trying to fill the jury with their preferred citizens: Brady with good Christians and Drummond with those that know a bit about Charles Darwin's work. As the jury slots slowly get filled, Brady and Drummond get under each other's skin, culminating when Reverend Brown announces that Brady will be speaking at that night's Bible reading. Drummond is outraged, thinking that Darwin's evolutionism is getting unfairly slighted.

After the jury is filled, Rachel pleads with Drummond to quit the trial, but Bert won't allow it. That night, the demagogue Brady stirs the locals with his religious pleas as Drummond watches from the back of the church. Afterward, Drummond speaks with Brady about his political ambitions and his desire to keep God at the forefront of American life. Once the trial begins, Drummond finds great problems with the way Brady is conducting his prosecution, injecting religious dogma into the proceedings. Nevertheless, Drummond must figure out a way to present his highly unpopular evolutionary "right to think" angle. He begins by wondering if Bert's beliefs in any way "hurt" Howard, one of his Bert's students who is testifying. That night, Drummond visits Bert in jail, with the two discussing what could happen in the case and Drummond discussing his history with "long shots." The next day, Drummond attempts to call Dr. Amos D. Keller, a zoology professor, to the stand. However, the witness is ruled irrelevant. Drummond's further witnesses, all noted scientists and thinkers, are denied by both Brady and the judge.

That night, Rachel pays a visit to Brady, revealing that she is soon to marry Bert, while wondering if there is some way "out of" the trial's controversy. The next day, Brady surprises all by calling Rachel to the stand. There, a nervous Rachel struggles to speak about Bert's negative feelings on religion. Next, Drummond tries further to present his case and -- when his "expert" testimony is yet again denied -- he is forced to advance his case via an "expert" on the Holy Bible. He unorthodoxly calls Brady to the stand as that expert witness. There, Drummond finds via questioning that Brady has never read "On the Origin of Species." He further questions Brady on whether he believes -- literally -- in everything stated in the Bible. With Drummond on the verge of embarrassing Brady, Brady is forced to take a stand for his religious beliefs and "faith." From there, Drummond displays a rock that he believes to be ten million years old, holding a fossil's remains; Brady believes it can be no older than 6,000 years old due to a Bible scholar's teachings on creation's timeline. Soon, Drummond has Brady on the ropes with his questioning about the length of the first day of creation, causing Brady to contradict himself. After Drummond has finished, an embarrassed and impassioned Brady tries to prove that he is a true believer -- but it is too late.

Afterward, reporters try to get a word with Brady, but Lucy refuses to let them. The next day, Drummond waives his right to a closing argument, infuriating Brady with his "subterfuge." Ultimately, the jury finds Bert guilty, though a humbled judge gives a lenient sentence. However, Drummond plans on appealing to the state Supreme Court. Nevertheless, Brady isn't finished with his grandstanding, even if it lands him in the grave. Finally, Rachel tells Bert that she is leaving her father and the town while Drummond details to the stunned Hornbeck why he doesn't begrudge Brady his beliefs. Commercials deleted.

Details

• NETWORK: NBC
• DATE: March 20, 1988 Sunday 9:00 PM
• RUNNING TIME: 1:36:23
• COLOR/B&W: Color
• CATALOG ID: T:19668
• GENRE: Drama, historical
• SUBJECT HEADING: Drama, historical; Trials; Evolution; Theater
• SERIES RUN: NBC - TV, 1988
• COMMERCIALS: N/A

CREDITS

• Peter Douglas … Executive Producer
• Robert A. Papazian … Producer
• Susan J. Spohr … Associate Producer
• David Greene … Director
• John Gay … Writer
• Jerome Lawrence … Based on the play by
• Robert E. Lee … Based on the play by
• Arthur B. Rubinstein … Music by
• Kirk Douglas … Cast, Matthew Harrison Brady
• Jason Robards … Cast, Henry Drummond
• Darren McGavin … Cast, E.K. Hornbeck
• John Harkins … Cast, Judge
• Megan Follows … Cast, Rachel Brown
• Kyle Secor … Cast, Bertram Cates
• Michael Ensign … Cast, Reverend Brown
• Don Hood … Cast, Mayor
• Jean Simmons … Cast, Lucy Brady
• Josh Clark … Cast, Davenport
• Scotch Byerley … Cast, Meeker
• Ebbe Roe Smith … Cast, Dunlap
• Douglas Dirkson … Cast, Mr. Bannister
• Richard Lineback … Cast, Sillers
• Thom McCleister … Cast, Bailiff
• Jason Marin … Cast, Howard
• Ron Hayden … Cast, Radio Newsman
• Richard Gilbert Hill … Cast, Radio Newsman
• Terry Wills … Cast, Man at Counter
• Kathy Kinney … Cast, Woman at Depot
• Glenn Robards … Cast, Man at Depot
• Robert Broyles … Cast, Man on Platform
• Charles Darwin