Inherit the Wind (1960, Drama)

Starring: Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, and Dick York. Director: Stanley Kramer; Play by: by Terome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee.

People v. Bertram Cates was a historical case for many reasons, and Stanley Kramer decided to transform this landmark play based on the actual trial into a legendary film production with an all-star cast. Spencer Tracy as Henry Drummond, the ingenious defender, argues with God's prosecutor played by Fredric March, yet another Oscar recipient. Their arguments in the courtroom are wonderfully portrayed by these gifted actors. The story is quite inspirational, relating the story of a man wrongfully imprisoned for teaching a controversial issue such as evolution in a public school. The following is perhaps my favorite line from the movie. Henry Drummond is an incredibly powerful speaker:

[Challenged to say if he considers anything holy.]

Henry Drummond: Yes! The individual human mind. In a child's ability to master the multiplication table, there is more holiness than all your shouted hosannas and holy holies. An idea is more important that a monument and the advancement of Man's knowledge more miraculous than all the sticks turned to snakes and the parting of the waters.

We cannot forget to mention Gene Kelly's exceptional performance as the sneaky, manipulating reporter, which fits the times:

Henry Drummond: You poor slob! You're all alone. When you go to your grave, there won't be anybody to pull the grass up over your head. Nobody to mourn you. Nobody to give a damn. You're all alone.

E. K. Hornbeck: You're wrong, Henry. You'll be there. You're the type.

Who else would defend my right to be lonely?

Of course, we have to have some type of witty closure, that has a modern philosophy that promotes that liberal agenda of freedom to be wrong and miserable. Phenomenal movie, but this could just be the lawyer side of me making his appearance.