5/5 Inherit the Wind
  by Walter Bendick (California)
One of the top ten best films ever made. We are repeating this scenario today - very frightening!!

5/5 an intense drama - excellent delivery and never outdated
  by Classic Movie watcher
With Spencer Tracy, Federic March and Gene Kelly, I have high expectations of this film. And they raise the standard to such a high level! Credits must be given to the director Kramer, the cinematographer and the inspiring hymns.

Spencer Tracy was fierce, determined as ever. Like Bad Day at Black Rock, he is the lone man fighting for a cause. Here he has the upper hand, judging from his quick response and angle in the court. He plays the lone crusader and the underdog excellently. However, it is Fredrick March that impresses me even more. If you see Dr. Jerkll and Mr. Hyde, The best year of our lives, you will see how much he has changed for this role. If anything is flawed, it will be the make up for the baldness and wrinkles. However, his effort to portray the attorney with insatiable appetite, loud speech and thirst to advance his cause for the fundamental christians is undeniable. It is so un-Federick March! That said, it is a rare gem to see the two two-time Oscar winners, Tracy and March, opposite one another in the court. Another surprise is Gene Kelly. I wish to see more of him in non-dancing roles.

What makes the movie so special is that the script is so tightly woven and lines so well-crafted. It is unfortunate there is no subtitles. The movie should be shown in the classrooms for open discussions. Not to say which is right or wrong (for that matter, I do not think anyone can retrieve any new arguments which can change people's mind on christinaity vs evolution), but more to say that a person should believe in something deep, in themselves, rather than blindly follow a person. Even the idea or the person has a flaw found, one can still be themselves and not be lost. This is what convictions and giants are for. I would love to believe that both Spencer Tracey's and Federick March's roles are doing what they think is good for others and not for themselves. The crowd, on the other hand, changed sides rather too quickly.

The movie ended with a positive note. Great movie.

4/5 Buy, don't wait to inherit
  by The Weary Professor (NJ, USA)
Inherit the Wind should be viewed by anyone who cares about the art of film acting. Spencer Tracy's performance is simply stunning, effortless and natural despite the theatrical derivation of the script. The legal argument may be old news, but the movie's core subject matter (blind faith vs. thoughtful probing) is as relevant as ever and Stanley Kramer's effective direction helps maintain viewer interest for the lengthy 128 minute running time. The other performances are quite good, with the prominent exception of Gene Kelly. His uncharacteristic dramatic turn as an opportunistic journalist who speaks in flowery and elevated language fell flat, undercut by his own star persona. He simply looks like the same Gene Kelly who sings and dances and it's almost impossible to take him seriously as a cutthroat newsman. Perhaps if his costuming and makeup had been different the result would be better...which brings me to my only other criticism of the film itself. I'm not certain whether to place the fault with the makeup or the lighting, but Frederic March's clearly visible bald cap and padding often undermines his otherwise convincing performance as Bible-thumping prosecutor Matthew Brady. That does it for criticism of the film. The DVD itself, however, must be taken to task for its non-anamorphic widescreen transfer. This movie deserves better, but see it anyway to marvel at Spencer Tracy's stunning performance and enjoy the film's other sterling qualities. Recommended.

5/5 Inherit the Wind
  by Michael Knoll
Any spencer Tracy movie is worth owning! He certainly gives a powerful performance as the defense attorney in this show. The balck-and-white adds so much. Frederick March is somewhat bombastic, but that's the nature of his character. He also provides a powerful counterpoint to Spencer Tracy! My first impression was William ennings Bryan (as the prosecutor) and Clarence Darrow (as the defense attorney). A Powerful and haunting story that still has relevance today!

5/5 Inherit the Wind
  by James the Obscure (Sequim, WA USA)
Brilliant film, electric cast, gripping issue which was a true case. Put this in the prime list for films about injustice and bigotry. Ranks with To Kill a Mockingbird, altho not as grim.
J D Hodgson