Christopher Plummer (left) and Brian Dennehy in Lawrence & Lee’s Inherit the Wind..
Exactly how did they manage to botch this one? The Jerome Lawrence/Robert E. Lee warhorse, based on the Scopes Monkey Trial, is hardly a major work of art, but it usually delivers some old-fashioned dramatic kicks. But they're oddly muted in Doug Hughes lackluster production. Despite widespread praise for his performance, Christopher Plummer seems too doddering as the Darrow-like defense attorney, while Brian Dennehy isn't doddering enough as the old pol, based on William Jennings Bryan, making his last stand for God.
Tony Outlook: Could be a sentimental dark horse.