Alleged

Alleged is a historical drama based on events that reportedly took place in 1925. The film depicts the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial that took place in Dayton, Tennessee, which was a landmark case that pitted science against religion. The movie was directed by Tom Hines and produced by Brian and Jason Skove.

The movie stars Nathan West who plays Charles Anderson, a young reporter who is sent from Chicago to cover the trial. Colm Meaney plays the role of William Jennings Bryan, the charismatic and influential statesman who leads the prosecution. Ashley Johnson portrays the role of Rachel Brown, a young teacher who teaches evolution, but is arrested for doing so.

The story begins with Anderson arriving in Dayton where he meets Rachel Brown, who has been accused of teaching evolution in her classroom. Brown is depicted as a passionately religious teacher who believes that science and religion can both coexist. She defends herself in the trial, knowing that she is facing charges that could lead to a substantial fine or imprisonment.

The trial of Rachel Brown soon becomes a media sensation, as Anderson and other reporters cover it nationally. The story becomes divisive and emotional, as the press and the public polarize on the topic of science vs. religion. As the trial proceeds, Anderson begins to question his own beliefs about evolution and the role of religion in the modern world.

Bryan is portrayed in the film as charming and powerful, a man who is both deeply religious and a skilled orator. He rallies the crowd and the jury with his speeches, and the movie captures the intensity of the courtroom drama as both sides try to prove their points. The movie also highlights the tension between Bryan and the defense's lead attorney, Clarence Darrow, played by Fred Thompson.

As the trial progresses, Rachel Brown becomes increasingly vulnerable, and the film portrays her as a sympathetic figure. Anderson and Brown develop feelings for each other, which adds a romantic element to the story. However, their relationship is complicated by the trial, and the movie explores the ethical issues of reporters getting too close to their subjects.

The film's title, Alleged, refers to the idea that the case was purportedly a setup by the town leaders, who were looking to increase tourism and improve their image. The movie suggests that the trial itself was a spectacle, a show put on for the benefit of the media and the public, with little regard for the truth.

Overall, Alleged is a well-acted and thought-provoking film that explores the intersection of science, religion, and the media. It presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of the trial, and the historical figures involved, avoiding simplistic answers or easy moral judgments. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in American history, or the ongoing debate about the relationship between science and religion.