Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind

Year: 1960

Runtime: 128 min

Language: English

Director: Stanley Kramer

BiographyDramaHistory

In 1925 Tennessee, a community is thrown into turmoil when a teacher is put on trial for teaching evolution. The case draws national attention, pitting the respected lawyer Henry Drummond against the fervent evangelist Matthew Harrison Brady. Drummond defends the teacher, challenging the town’s deeply held beliefs and sparking a heated debate about the balance between faith, reason, and the freedom to learn. The courtroom battle explores the complexities of scientific inquiry and the power of individual conviction.

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Timeline – Inherit the Wind (1960)

Trace every key event in Inherit the Wind (1960) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Bertram Cates' Arrest

In 1925, Bertram Cates, a schoolteacher in Tennessee, is arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution to his students. This act of defiance against the law sparks a major conflict between science and religion in the small town.

1925 Tennessee
2

National Attention on the Trial

Cates' trial for teaching evolution gains national attention, becoming a focal point in the debate over science and religion in American schools. The media coverage turns the trial into a spectacle, drawing in public interest far beyond the town's borders.

Tennessee
3

E.K. Hornbeck Arrives

E.K. Hornbeck, a sharp-witted newspaper reporter, arrives in town to cover the trial. He quickly becomes embroiled in the events, using his influences to highlight the absurdity of the situation and mocking the townspeople's rigid beliefs.

Tennessee
4

Henry Drummond Defends Cates

Renowned defense attorney Henry Drummond, an outspoken atheist, is brought in to lead Cates' defense. His reputation and dedication to defending intellectual freedom creates a dramatic showdown with the prosecution.

Tennessee
5

Matthew Brady Takes the Stand

The prosecution, led by Matthew Brady, a well-known evangelist and former presidential candidate, enters the courtroom with a strong public profile. His religious zeal sets the stage for a heated confrontation with Drummond.

Tennessee
6

Clash of Old Adversaries

As the trial unfolds, Drummond and Brady, who are old rivals, engage in intense exchanges in court. Their long-standing animosity fuels their legal battle, making it not just a trial but a personal vendetta.

Tennessee
7

Cates' Girlfriend's Dilemma

Cates’ girlfriend, the daughter of the town preacher, finds herself torn between her love for Cates and her father's strict religious beliefs. This internal conflict highlights the broader societal tensions regarding faith and reason.

Tennessee
8

Drummond Calls Brady to the Stand

In a bold move, Drummond calls Brady to testify on the stand. He challenges him to explain various biblical stories, like Jonah and the whale, forcing Brady to contemplate the complexities of faith versus interpretation.

Tennessee
9

Brady's Concession

Under Drummond's relentless questioning, Brady is eventually rattled and concedes that some biblical accounts require interpretation rather than literal belief. This moment signifies a crack in the unwavering faith that Brady represents.

Tennessee
10

Drummond's Defense of Cates

With Brady's concession, Drummond powerfully asserts that Cates has the right to his beliefs, regardless of popular opinion. He argues passionately for intellectual freedom and the importance of diverse perspectives in a democratic society.

Tennessee
11

Brady's Collapse

The stress of the trial and the intense scrutiny from Drummond lead to Brady collapsing in the courtroom. This moment is both a physical manifestation of his mental strain and an indication of the personal toll the trial is taking on him.

Tennessee
12

The Verdict

Despite Drummond's compelling defense, the judge issues a $100 fine against Cates for violating the law. This outcome elicits disappointment and outrage from many observers, reflecting the societal divisions surrounding the case.

Tennessee
13

Aftermath of the Trial

In the wake of the trial, Cates and Drummond reflect on the proceedings and the significant implications for society. The trial's outcome leaves lasting changes in how evolution and religion are viewed in education and law.

Tennessee
14

Public Reaction

The community's reaction to the trial is mixed, with some supporting Cates and Drummond while others align with Brady and the local religious authorities. This polarization marks a pivotal moment in the dialogue between faith and reason in America.

Tennessee

Last Updated: January 19, 2025 at 18:49

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Inherit the Wind

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