Inherit The Wind (1988)

In an unnamed 1920's Southern town, a science teacher (Kyle Secor, who's dreadful!) is arrested for teaching evolution which is against a state law. For the prosecution is Matthew Brady (Kirk Douglas), a three time presidential nominee and an expert on the Bible as well as an attorney and for the defense, Henry Drummond (Jason Robards), another nationally renowned attorney. Based on the popular 1955 play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee that has seen several film versions (as well as countless theatrical revivals), this is loosely based on the notorious Scopes "Monkey" trial which took place in 1925 Tennessee. Directed by David Greene (RICH MAN POOR MAN), this is a by the book workmanlike production. Adequate at best but with very little resonance. Douglas, cast against type (one would think Drummond more up his alley), is very good. He plays Brady as less a fool than Fredric March did in the 1960 Stanley Kramer film. Robards is also up to snuff as is Jean Simmons as Brady's wife. The supporting cast varies from nondescript (Megan Follows as Secor's bland romantic interest) to bad (Darren McGavin off his game as the cynical Philadelphia newsman).