I've seen three versions of the classic play Inherit the Wind, and the 1999 version is a very good one. Though nothing can compare with Fredric March's transformative performance from 1960, I never liked Spencer Tracy's "baked potato" delivery. In 1999, Jack Lemmon took over as the Clarence Darrow-type lawyer. Just as he did in the 12 Angry Men remake, he was much more likable and passionate about his predecessor. Even though I always felt playwrights Joseph Lawrence and Robert E. Lee gave the defense very weak arguments to present in court, Jack does his very best to give them strength and relevancy. Another improvement from the original is the constantly sarcastic reporter; Gene Kelly played it to the back row of the vaudeville theater, but Beau Bridges plays it to the small screen.
One aspect of this tv movie that is quite sad is the poor health of both leads. This was George C. Scott's last movie, and Jack Lemmon's second-to-last appearance in front of the camera. Both looked quite sickly, and George in particular was very frail. Perhaps because of their impending mortality, they poured their hearts into the play. They shared a friendly chemistry, probably due to having worked together before in 12 Angry Men, that the script required. No one can ever top Fredric March, but George was excellent. His loyal wife was played by Piper Laurie, as it was a tradition to take a classic actress who had worked with the actor playing Matthew Harrison Brady decades earlier. With Freddie, his real-life wife Florence Eldridge stood beside him. Kirk Douglas had his Spartacus costar Jean Simmons. George and Piper went back to 1961 with The Hustler.
In the supporting cast, you'll see Lane Smith as the overbearing reverend. Tom Everett Scott is the poor teacher on trial, and his conflicted girlfriend is Kathryn Morris. Keep your eyes open for Russ Tamblyn, who is in one of the opening scenes as the group of men talk about how the upcoming trial will affect their town, just before they read in the newspaper that Brady will prosecute.
One aspect of this tv movie that is quite sad is the poor health of both leads. This was George C. Scott's last movie, and Jack Lemmon's second-to-last appearance in front of the camera. Both looked quite sickly, and George in particular was very frail. Perhaps because of their impending mortality, they poured their hearts into the play. They shared a friendly chemistry, probably due to having worked together before in 12 Angry Men, that the script required. No one can ever top Fredric March, but George was excellent. His loyal wife was played by Piper Laurie, as it was a tradition to take a classic actress who had worked with the actor playing Matthew Harrison Brady decades earlier. With Freddie, his real-life wife Florence Eldridge stood beside him. Kirk Douglas had his Spartacus costar Jean Simmons. George and Piper went back to 1961 with The Hustler.
In the supporting cast, you'll see Lane Smith as the overbearing reverend. Tom Everett Scott is the poor teacher on trial, and his conflicted girlfriend is Kathryn Morris. Keep your eyes open for Russ Tamblyn, who is in one of the opening scenes as the group of men talk about how the upcoming trial will affect their town, just before they read in the newspaper that Brady will prosecute.