Inherit The Wind (1999)

Set in 1920's Tennessee, a school teacher (Tom Everett Scott) is arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution which is contrary to Tennessee state law. He is to be prosecuted by a famous attorney (George C. Scott) known to be a biblical scholar and to be defended by another famous attorney (Jack Lemmon), a believer in freedom of speech. Based on the 1955 play by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee (previously filmed in 1960 and 1988) and directed by Daniel Petrie (A RAISIN IN THE SUN). A fictionalized account of the famous Scopes trial with, thankfully, all the names changed so as not to be taken as historical fact. The play's authors weren't interested in a factual historical piece but use the Scopes trial as a starting point of addressing the similarity to the the recent McCarthy trials (much like Arthur Miller's THE CRUCIBLE). While not a great play, it's almost fool proof as a piece of theatrical drama. Even Stanley Kramer couldn't ruin it when he did the 1960 film. With one exception (Lane Smith's minister), the acting is good. Lemmon's later performances tended to chew scenery but he's perfectly restrained here. George C. Scott is also notable for his often blustery acting but that quality is perfect for the character he's playing. With Piper Laurie, Beau Bridges, Russ Tamblyn, John Cullum and Kathryn Morris.