Despite living in the state of Tennessee, I have never bothered learning much about the Scopes "Monkey" Trial beyond watching Inherit the Wind. In this stellar production, I was treated to some of the lesser-known details of this fascinating and still-relevant case over the teaching of evolution: schoolteacher John Scopes was "set up" by the movers and shakers of his little town, which sought the publicity of just such a trial; neither Clarence Darrow nor William Jennings Bryan were the lead attorneys for their sides; the whole eight-day trial was broadcast over WGN; the prosecution called only four witnesses and presented its case in under one hour; the famous Darrow-grilling of Bryan took place outdoors; and there were no closing arguments. Via transcripts, excellent archival footage of the trial itself, first-hand accounts, expert contributions, and photographs, we are given a wonderful, step-by-step picture of the case, but beyond that, we are introduced to the larger issues of academic freedom, states rights vs. federal privileges, freedom of speech, the separation of church and state, and, even more interesting, the differences between traditional rural values and the more contemporary urban thinking that was taking its place in many areas around the country. The other titles in World Almanac Video's Landmark American Trials series are: Sacco and Vanzetti (1921), Scottsboro Boys (1931), and Julius and Ethel Rosenberg (1951), priced at $29.95 each or $99.95 for the 4-tape set. Most highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: J, H, C, P. (K. Glaser)
Landmark American Trials: Scopes Monkey Trial (1925)
(1998) 45 min. $29.95. Choices, Inc. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 1-930545-20-7. Vol. 15, Issue 6
Landmark American Trials: Scopes Monkey Trial (1925)
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