09-08-2025
The Monkey Trial centenary
Yes, that's what it was called, as this notorious and era-changing event took place in Dayton, Tennessee in 1925. It was all about the possible illegality of teaching about Darwin and evolution in local schools – even generally across America. There was so much byplay – a girl dressed as a monkey riding a bike! – that a famous film was made about it in 1960, Inherit the Wind, starring Spencer Tracey, Frederic March and Gene Kelly. Peter Bernhardt takes us back in time to the trial as told by Brenda Wineapple in her book Keeping the Faith – God, Democracy, and the trial that riveted a nation.
Speaker
Peter Bernhardt
Presenter
Robyn Williams
