The Scopes Monkey Trial (1925)

In 1925, when Tennessee high school teacher John Scopes was arrested on a charge of teaching his students about evolution, The Sun's reporting (and legal aid) made the case a national cause celebre. Covering the hearing, H.L. Mencken coined the terms "Monkey Trial" and "Bible Belt," and derided prosecutor William Jennings Bryan (right, with defense attorney Clarence Darrow).<br><br> In the 1960 film "Inherit the Wind," the dapper Gene Kelly was cast to portray the character based on the notoriously unfashionable Mencken.

( Associated Press file photo )

In 1925, when Tennessee high school teacher John Scopes was arrested on a charge of teaching his students about evolution, The Sun's reporting (and legal aid) made the case a national cause celebre. Covering the hearing, H.L. Mencken coined the terms "Monkey Trial" and "Bible Belt," and derided prosecutor William Jennings Bryan (right, with defense attorney Clarence Darrow).

In the 1960 film "Inherit the Wind," the dapper Gene Kelly was cast to portray the character based on the notoriously unfashionable Mencken.

  • Email E-mail
  • add to Twitter Twitter
  • add to Facebook Facebook
  • add to StumbleUpon StumbleUpon
Comments are filtered for language and registration is required. The Times makes no guarantee of comments' factual accuracy. Readers may report inappropriate comments by clicking the Report Abuse link next to a comment. Here are the full legal terms you agree to by using this comment form.
Connect
Advertisement
John le Carre's 'A Delicate Truth' isn't gentle with war on terror

Le Carre's latest isn't gentle with war on terror

Dodgers' pen writes another bad ending in 8-5 loss to Braves

Dodgers lose to Braves as relievers can't hold lead

Going gluten-free more common, but not necessarily easier

Going gluten-free isn't always easy

<b>Opinion: </b>A corpse isn't just a body

Opinion: A corpse isn't just a body

Photos of the Week
More »

Video