INHERIT THE WIND- #847
[Movie One] [Stanley Kramer 1960]
3/5
Synopsis:
Evolution is on trial, with Spencer Tracy defending Dick York's (B.T.Cates) right to teach Darwin's Theory of Evolution . A court case ensues, based largely on the real life trial from 1925. Frederic March argues that 'man' comes from the bible, whilst Gene Kelly portrays the smarmy newspaper reporter, wrestling with his prejudice.
Opinon:
A film , which I largely had stayed away from for many months, mainly because I expected this film to be very technical in it's explanation of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. however it is anything but, more so, a fiery battle of opinions and wits between Tracy and March.
Tracy is superb, totally convincing, in his laid back, matter of fact, deeply honest and humourous delivery. March's over the top, exaggerated performance of a lawyer - minister complements the story, and although at times he seems to overact his performance, it is always within the scope of the character he is playing.
Gene Kelly's appearance is quite surprising (he wouldn't appear in another movie for 4 years: 'What a Way To Go! (1964) . For me he is always associated with musicals, (in particular Singin In The Rain)- but his turn here as the brash talking, sarcastic newspaper reporter has shades of his Singin In The Rain character. At times you feel maybe he is out of his depth, and that his role is mainly to add humour to the film- but Kelly's power in this film lays at the end, when he questions Tracy's motive,and is on the receiving end of the moralistic Tracey's understanding of who we are.
'A giant once lived in that body, but Matt Brady got lost because he looked for God too high up and too far away' Tracy says about his courtroom opposition.
And it's this sincerity to humans, and Tracy's ongoing quest to urge the right to learn how you want to learn, by whatever means, and to be yourself, that is at the heart of this film.
'When you go to your grave there won't be anyone to pull the grass up over your head, nobody to mourn you, nobody to give a damn. Your all alone' Tracy assures the emotionless Kelly.
Kelly's responds : ' Your wrong Henry, you'll be there. Who else will defend my right to be lonely'
The film is also layered with the haunting song 'Give Me That Old Time Religion'- provocatively played at the film's startling crisp beginning and throughout in many musical guises. A song that remains with you long after the film.
Highliy Recommended and relevant today as it was in 1960.
Film Fact: In Spencer Tracy's previous film, and subsequent 3 films, he would play, a Mayor ('The Last Hurrah'), a Lawyer ('Inherit the Wind'), a Priest ('Devil at 4 O'clock) and a Chief Judge ('Judgement at Nuremberg')
Film Title: 'Inherit the Wind' is from Book of Proverbs 11:29 ' He that troubleth his own house shal;l inherit the wind'
3/5
Synopsis:
Evolution is on trial, with Spencer Tracy defending Dick York's (B.T.Cates) right to teach Darwin's Theory of Evolution . A court case ensues, based largely on the real life trial from 1925. Frederic March argues that 'man' comes from the bible, whilst Gene Kelly portrays the smarmy newspaper reporter, wrestling with his prejudice.
Opinon:
A film , which I largely had stayed away from for many months, mainly because I expected this film to be very technical in it's explanation of Darwin's Theory of Evolution. however it is anything but, more so, a fiery battle of opinions and wits between Tracy and March.
Tracy is superb, totally convincing, in his laid back, matter of fact, deeply honest and humourous delivery. March's over the top, exaggerated performance of a lawyer - minister complements the story, and although at times he seems to overact his performance, it is always within the scope of the character he is playing.
Gene Kelly's appearance is quite surprising (he wouldn't appear in another movie for 4 years: 'What a Way To Go! (1964) . For me he is always associated with musicals, (in particular Singin In The Rain)- but his turn here as the brash talking, sarcastic newspaper reporter has shades of his Singin In The Rain character. At times you feel maybe he is out of his depth, and that his role is mainly to add humour to the film- but Kelly's power in this film lays at the end, when he questions Tracy's motive,and is on the receiving end of the moralistic Tracey's understanding of who we are.
'A giant once lived in that body, but Matt Brady got lost because he looked for God too high up and too far away' Tracy says about his courtroom opposition.
And it's this sincerity to humans, and Tracy's ongoing quest to urge the right to learn how you want to learn, by whatever means, and to be yourself, that is at the heart of this film.
'When you go to your grave there won't be anyone to pull the grass up over your head, nobody to mourn you, nobody to give a damn. Your all alone' Tracy assures the emotionless Kelly.
Kelly's responds : ' Your wrong Henry, you'll be there. Who else will defend my right to be lonely'
The film is also layered with the haunting song 'Give Me That Old Time Religion'- provocatively played at the film's startling crisp beginning and throughout in many musical guises. A song that remains with you long after the film.
Highliy Recommended and relevant today as it was in 1960.
Film Fact: In Spencer Tracy's previous film, and subsequent 3 films, he would play, a Mayor ('The Last Hurrah'), a Lawyer ('Inherit the Wind'), a Priest ('Devil at 4 O'clock) and a Chief Judge ('Judgement at Nuremberg')
Film Title: 'Inherit the Wind' is from Book of Proverbs 11:29 ' He that troubleth his own house shal;l inherit the wind'
posted by Rhett (rhettrospective@hotmail.com) at 8:22 PM
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