Where was Inherit the Wind filmed?
1960
City Locations
Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Location Types
Film Studio
Location Styles
Dated/50's-60's-70's, Building Dated/Retro, Old Hollywood
About Inherit the Wind
Delve into the heart of a historic intellectual clash in the 1960s stirring American drama film Inherit the Wind. Directed by the legendary Stanley Kramer, this compelling film recalls an era where the battle between science and religion took center stage.
Inherit the Wind, a film adaptation of Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee's 1955 play, was released in 1960, offering a gripping performance that enthralled audiences. Spencer Tracy embodies the sharp-witted lawyer Henry Drummond, while Fredric March plays his unyielding adversary, Matthew Brady. Their collective performance is genuinely compelling.
The plot is a fascinating exploration of intellectual freedom, focusing on a schoolteacher, Bertram Cates (Dick York), who was arrested for teaching Charles Darwin's theory of evolution. The ensuing trial captures national interest as renowned lawyer Henry Drummond comes to the defense of Cates, while Matthew Harrison Brady steps in to prosecute. The film effectively tackles the contentious issues of scientific progress, religious beliefs, and oppressive laws, leaving a lasting impression on every viewer.
Critics and audiences alike lauded the film, leading to several award nominations. Stanley Kramer's exceptional direction was recognized with the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 10th Berlin International Film Festival. Spencer Tracy and Fredric March received Academy Award nominations for their powerful performances. The film was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay and recognized by the British Academy Film Awards and the Golden Globe Awards.
Inherit the Wind Locations
Universal City, California's famous Universal Studios Backlot—Courthouse Square—was the principal location for filming the 1960 picture Inherit the Wind.
The courthouse stands tall and proud in the middle of this backlot, which is characterized by various buildings that combine to form a classic American town square. This site has been the setting for numerous famous films since its original 1948 debut in An Act of Murder. These include the Gremlins flicks and the Back to the Future trilogy.
This location was once known as Mockingbird Square, after its pivotal role in the film To Kill a Mockingbird, before it became associated with the Back to the Future movies. Fires in 1957, 1990, and 2008 all caused significant damage, but each time the set was painstakingly repaired.
Any movie buff would be wise to journey to this historic landmark. It is a captivating attraction due to its unusual architecture and rich film history. Visiting the sites where Inherit the Wind was filmed will be an exciting experience, whether you want to see the local sights or think about how the set has changed over the years.
Courthouse scene in Inherit the Wind
Universal Studios Backlot - Courthouse Square, Universal City, CA 91602, USA
When the decision is announced in the final courtroom scene, WGN Radio is there. As the word "guilty" reverberates throughout the room, the atmosphere is thick with tension. On the other hand, the judge just fines Cates $100 as there is no precedent. Brady tries to give a speech, but his words are unheard in the subsequent commotion. With his agitation mounting, he finally says, "Faith of our fathers... we shall be true to thee...'til death," before passing out.
These intense courthouse scenes were shot at the Universal Studios backlot, specifically in a large town square named after the grand courthouse building most famously noticed in Back to the Future. This square has served as a backdrop for hundreds of Universal films and those from other studios. Simple changes such as rearranging street furniture and signage can transform the set into a different location.
One can embark on the Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood to visit this iconic film location. First opened in 1964, the tour has evolved to provide a captivating, cinematic journey. Currently, the tram tour lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour, offering guests a unique opportunity to step into the world of their favorite films.
Starting from Hollywood, proceed north on the 101 Hollywood Freeway until you reach Universal Studios Boulevard. The journey will take around 20 minutes and there is ample parking available on the premises. For those preferring public transportation, Metro trains and buses offer regular services to Universal Studios Hollywood.
Conclusion
Inherit the Wind by Stanley Kramer examines the conflict between liberal ideas and strict biblical literalists insightfully and provocatively. The film's setting in a courtroom scenario allows for an engaging discussion of ideas and their worth; as Spencer Tracy's character puts it, "an idea is a greater monument than a cathedral."
Standing out among Stanley Kramer's social-issue pictures like On the Beach, Inherit the Wind continues to captivate audiences even after all these years have passed. The enduring character of its key topics is the reason for its durability; they still ring true in modern debate.
A standout performance in Inherit the Wind is Spencer Tracy's moving closing argument to the jury, which he delivers in one continuous shot. Not only does this image stick with you, but so does the last scene where all by himself in the courtroom, Drummond takes up Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" and the Bible and stuffs them under his arm.
Not only did Inherit the Wind have an excellent story and acting, but the movie also brought to light complicated social themes that are still hotly debated today. Visiting the set at Universal Studios Hollywood would be an unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to enter this timeless film's universe and marvel at the cinematography.