Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind

Matthew Harrison Brady

Henry Drummond

E.K. Hornbeck

Judge

Rachel Brown

Reverend Brown

Mayor

Lucy Brady

Davenport

Meeker

Dunlap

Mr. Bannister

Sillers

Bailiff

Howard

Radio Newssman

Radio Newsman

Man at Counter

Woman at Depot

Man at Depot

Man at Platform

News Photographer (uncredited)

In publicity for the television film, Kirk Douglas told reporters: "We went into the transcript of the real trial and found a lot more stuff (that is) much more dramatic, and much more pertinent to what's happening today. At the time this actually took place, you didn't have all of today's TV evangelists. There's no doubt that there is a tremendous and strong fundamentalist force in this country today, and we wanted to present this fairly, in dramatic terms."

Although Birdy dies from a heart attack at the play's conclusion, the real Bryant died five days after the trial from complications of diabetes and fatigue after giving a series of stump speeches.

The real William Jennings Bryant ran for President three times: 1896, 1900, and 1908. Bryant was the first Presidential candidate to extensively barnstorm during a Presidential campaign in an era when most candidates did not. Although it's suggested that he might be contemplating a run in next election, which would have been 1928, it's highly unlikely. He did serve in public office twice - as Congressman from Nebraska from 1891 to 1895 and as Secretary of state under Woodrow Wilson from 1913 to 1915, when he resigned over the country's policy toward Germany after the Lusitania was sunk. Despite his fundamentalist Christian beliefs, he was considered as Liberal and Progressive, supporting anti-Imperialist policies and trust-busting.

Henry Drummond: You smart alleck! You have no *right* to spit on another man's religion any more than you have a *right* to spit on my religion, or my lack of it!

Matthew Harrison Brady: They laughed at me, Lucy. They laughed at me. God forbid I should fail here and now.

E.K. Hornbeck: [to Drummond after the judge rules against the admission of scientific testimony] Step right up and get your tickets to the Middle Ages.