Big Broadcast Bites: When Evolution Went to Court

On May 25, 1925, a grand jury indicted high school teacher John T. Scopes for teaching evolution, setting off one of the most famous courtroom battles in American history. This excerpt of The Big Broadcast features a dramatized reenactment of the trial’s key moments, introduced by Edward R. Murrow from his landmark I Can Hear It Now recordings. Host Murray Horwitz reflects on the cultural and historical significance of the Scopes Trial—and how debates over what can be taught in schools continue today.

Guests:
– Edward R. Murrow (archival audio)
– William Jennings Bryan (reenactment)
– Clarence Darrow (reenactment)
– Hosted by Murray Horwitz

The Big Broadcast is WAMU’s longest-running program. The show features a collection of  radio from the golden age, the 30s, 40s, and 50s, hosted by Tony-Award winning playwright, lyricist and director Murray Horwitz.