The 1960 film “Inherit the Wind” is a powerful drama that explores the controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution in schools, set against the backdrop of the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. While the movie takes creative liberties with the events, it is rooted in historical facts. Let’s delve into the accuracy of the film and separate fact from fiction.
The Real Scopes Monkey Trial
In 1925, John Scopes, a high school biology teacher in Dayton, Tennessee, was arrested and put on trial for teaching evolution in his classroom, which was in direct violation of the Butler Act, a state law that prohibited the teaching of any theory that denied the divine creation of man. The trial became a sensationalized media event, pitting two of the most prominent figures of the time against each other: Clarence Darrow, a renowned defense attorney and agnostic, and William Jennings Bryan, a three-time presidential candidate and fundamentalist Christian.
Historical Accuracy in the Film
- The Trial’s Setting and Circumstances: The film accurately depicts the trial’s setting in Dayton, Tennessee, and the circumstances surrounding Scopes’ arrest. The town’s enthusiasm for hosting the trial and the media frenzy are also well-represented.
- The Main Characters: The characters of Matthew Harrison Brady (based on William Jennings Bryan) and Henry Drummond (based on Clarence Darrow) are fictionalized versions of the real individuals. While their personalities and motivations are dramatized, their roles in the trial and their opposing views on evolution are rooted in history.
- The Trial’s Proceedings: The film accurately portrays the trial’s structure, including the jury selection, opening statements, and witness testimony. The questioning of witnesses, such as the prosecution’s examination of Scopes and the defense’s questioning of expert witnesses, is also consistent with historical records.
Creative Liberties and Inaccuracies
- Characterizations and Relationships: The film takes significant creative liberties with the characters’ personalities, relationships, and motivations. For example, the movie portrays Brady as a more arrogant and close-minded figure than Bryan was in real life. Drummond, on the other hand, is depicted as a more heroic and altruistic character than Darrow.
- The Trial’s Outcome: The film’s depiction of the trial’s outcome is inaccurate. In reality, Scopes was found guilty and fined $100, but the verdict was later overturned on a technicality. The film shows Drummond (Darrow) delivering a powerful closing argument, which is not entirely faithful to the real events.
- The Town’s Reaction: The movie portrays the townspeople as more hostile and close-minded than they actually were. While there were certainly tensions and disagreements, the trial was not as divisive or violent as depicted in the film.
Historical Facts and Context
- The Butler Act: The film accurately depicts the Butler Act as a law that prohibited the teaching of evolution in Tennessee schools. The law was passed in 1925, and its constitutionality was challenged by the Scopes trial.
- The Fundamentalist Movement: The film touches on the fundamentalist movement of the 1920s, which sought to defend traditional Christian values against the perceived threats of modernity and scientific progress.
- The Impact of the Scopes Trial: The trial’s impact on the national debate about evolution and education is well-represented in the film. The trial marked a significant turning point in the public’s perception of evolution and the role of science in education.
In conclusion, while “Inherit the Wind” takes creative liberties with the events surrounding the Scopes Monkey Trial, it is grounded in historical facts and provides a powerful exploration of the controversy surrounding evolution and education. The film’s accuracy lies in its portrayal of the trial’s setting, circumstances, and main characters, as well as its depiction of the fundamentalist movement and the trial’s impact on the national debate. However, the film’s characterizations, relationships, and trial outcome are fictionalized or inaccurate, reflecting the artistic liberties taken to create a compelling drama.
What was the main issue at the center of the Scopes Monkey Trial?
+The main issue at the center of the Scopes Monkey Trial was the teaching of evolution in schools, which was prohibited by the Butler Act in Tennessee.
Who were the main characters involved in the Scopes Monkey Trial?
+The main characters involved in the Scopes Monkey Trial were John Scopes, the defendant; Clarence Darrow, the defense attorney; and William Jennings Bryan, the prosecution attorney.
What was the outcome of the Scopes Monkey Trial?
+John Scopes was found guilty and fined $100, but the verdict was later overturned on a technicality.
In the context of the Scopes Monkey Trial, it is essential to understand the historical facts and the creative liberties taken in the film “Inherit the Wind.” By examining the trial’s setting, characters, and outcome, as well as the film’s portrayal of these events, we can gain a deeper understanding of the controversy surrounding evolution and education in the 1920s. The trial’s impact on the national debate about evolution and the role of science in education continues to be felt today, making it an essential topic for discussion and exploration.
