Inherit the Wind (1988 TV Movie)

Jason Robards: Henry Drummond

Quotes 

• Matthew Harrison Brady : Objection! This court can surely see through this subterfuge. Mr. Drummond, by his action, hopes to eliminate BOTH closing arguments. Surely this court will not even consider such a deception.

  Judge : Mr. Drummond?

  Henry Drummond : We claim the defendant not guilty. But since the court has excluded all testimony of scientific experts, we wish for a verdict from this jury now so that we can carry the matter to a higher court.

  Matthew Harrison Brady : I thought I knew every scheming lawyer's trick in the book. But this. From you.

  [Brady stops Drummond from filing papers into his briefcase] 

  Matthew Harrison Brady : Look at me! Henry, the magnitude of this offense demands that we move and muster every ounce of eloquence and conviction in our closing and then let the jury decide.

  Henry Drummond : [quietly]  The jury's already decided everything, Matt.

• 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!

• E.K. Hornbeck : Oh, come on, Henry! I know I'm rancid butter to you, but I'm on your side of the bread.

  [He winks knowingly] 

  Henry Drummond : I doubt very much if you're on anybody's side.

  E.K. Hornbeck : [Smiles]  You may have something there, Henry. I'm admired for my detestability.

  [Flipping an apple in the air and catching it] 

  E.K. Hornbeck : would you, uh, like a bite from the tree of knowledge?

  [Taking a bite] 

  E.K. Hornbeck : Awful good! Well, devil, welcome to Hell!

  [He leaves] 

• Henry Drummond : I'm here to defend a young man holding a candle. I don't want him to get burned.