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Inherit the wind

Threat advisory: Under evaluation

Movie propaganda

Since the Mayflower brought the first European settlers to the Americas in search of religious freedom, the land of liberty has also been one steeped in religious fervour. So when a young and courageous teacher, Bertram Cates (Tom Everett Scott), dares to introduce his students to Darwin's theory of evolution, the very fabric of his god-fearing American town is ruptured.

From the moment his students turn the first page of Darwin's momentous tome, the law steps in and soon the teacher finds himself embroiled in one of the most sensational trials the country has ever seen. Accordingly, Henry Drummond (Jack Lemmon) and Matthew Harrison Brady (George C Scott) come to town with their very famous legal guns ablaze, relishing the opportunity to debate the case before the sacred eyes of the law.

But as these two great lawyers unleash their collective wealth of eloquence and intelligence on the unsuspecting townsfolk, few could predict the trial's sensational conclusion.

Security censorship classification

M (Adult themes)

Surveillance time

109 minutes (1:49 hours)

Not for public release in Australia before date

VHS rental: 30 December 1999