Product Details

• Actors: Brian Dennehy, Colm Meaney, Fred Dalton Thompson, Ashley Johnson, Nathan West
• Directors: Tom Hines
• Format: Color, Dolby, NTSC, Widescreen
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: IMAGE ENTERTAINMENT
• DVD Release Date: November 8, 2011
• Run Time: 91 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B005K1VQF2
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #62,210 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Love and faith are put to the ultimate test in this stirring romantic drama set against the landmark Scopes "Monkey Trial" of 1925. Charles Anderson (Nathan West, Miracle) is a talented young reporter engaged to Rose (Ashley Johnson, The Help), who works with him at the Tennessee small town newspaper his late father founded. The "Trial of the Century" brings brilliant adversaries William Jennings Bryan (Fred Thompson, The Genesis Code) and Clarence Darrow (Brian Dennehy, Cocoon) to Charles' hometown. But as the trial unfolds, Charles is caught up in the media circus and becomes torn between his journalistic integrity and impressing his mentor, the colorful Baltimore Sun editor H. L. Menken (Colm Meaney, Star Trek: The Next Generation), who presses him to "make a story" instead of report one.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfectly Fine Family Fare: An Introduction To Complex Topics Suitable For Younger Viewers November 3, 2011

By K. Harris HALL OF FAMETOP 10 REVIEWER

Format:Blu-ray

As the first release of the faith based film label Slingshot Pictures, "Alleged" certainly tackles one of the largest subjects imaginable. In 1925, the Scopes "Monkey Trial" (famously depicted in Inherit the Wind) unfolded in a small Tennessee town and debated whether evolution should be allowed to be taught in public schools. A massive confrontation that pitted science against theology and two of the most famed orators/lawyers of the period (Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan) against one another, the case was branded as "The Trial of the Century." I, for one, think it's an inspired idea to revisit the Scopes Trial from a modern vantage point as the play "Inherit the Wind" was written in 1955 and didn't really evoke all of the complexities inherent in the situation. But while "Alleged" does offer some insight into the background of this notorious event, it really doesn't attempt to be a definitive and comprehensive study of it either. The movie really centers on an ambitious local reporter who faces difficult decisions about his values and principles when pressed by an unscrupulous editor.

Likable Nathan West plays our intrepid young reporter, and Ashley Johnson is his equally appealing gal pal. As the Scopes trial is being engineered by local dignitaries to bring tourism and prosperity to the dying town, West also sees it as an opportunity to achieve big city success and notoriety. But at what cost? When Brian Dennehy (as Darrow) and Fred Dalton Thompson (as Jennings Bryan) square off, Colm Meaney (as Baltimore Sun editor H.L. Mencken) pushes him to dish the dirt for maximum provocation. But being enticed to the dark side has its price, and right wills out every time.... The film lacks a bit of subtlety as Meaney is practically evil incarnate and the lead actors are too sweet and modernly sensible to be awarded anything but a happy ending. The film throws in a haphazard sideplot about eugenics and forced sterilization that happens to be dramatically and conveniently timed for maximum impact. It is just one of many important topics that take a backseat to the central gentle love story.

"Alleged" is certainly at its most effective when the trial is front and center. Dennehy and Dalton Thompson are a pleasure and their interactions with one another bring a livelihood to the proceedings. This being a family film, however, it paints a rather pretty picture of our past. Although racism is mentioned, no one in this little town seems the least bit prejudiced. Johnson's sister, in fact, is half black and there is relatively no reaction to that whatsoever (except by the evil character). Even though a certain character is slated for sterilization (as was common practice), a last minute injunction saves the day. Whew! Difficult topic over, never to be mentioned again. Few things can be more incendiary or heated than evolutionary debate, but most of the actual townsfolk don't seem to have an opinion one way or another. It's like they're gathering for an ice cream social.

Again, "Alleged" hints at a lot of topics without digging too deep. As an introduction, it's fine--but at 90 minutes (and most of that devoted to young lovers), important issues are given short shrift. The Special Features of the DVD include a Discussion Guide to be utilized in possible church or school settings. So that kind of gears you toward the targeted audience for the film and its intentions. It's all gently likable without being too challenging. I enjoyed the movie, but I still think there is a great film yet to be made that really digs into the Scopes trial in a relevant way. For my taste, the film rates about 3 1/2 stars for pleasantness. A good introduction, but strictly family fare--I'll round up for good intentions. KGHarris, 11/11. Read more ›

15 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must See Film October 27, 2011

By Darwin Researcher

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you like history this film is for you. This DVD will correct some of the many incorrect beliefs about the famous 1925 Scopes trial, such as those in the play Inherit the Wind. One fact that it covers was the importance of racism as a motivating factor of W. J. Bryan to involve himself in the trial. Those who have read the trial transcript will soon realize how distorted the public view of the trial is, especially the play Inherit the Wind. This film was embellished slightly, but such is necessary to get a story out of a trial. Nonetheless, the basic story is accurate and the acting and cinematography are great!!! In contrast to the play Inherit the Wind, no one is demonized except possibly the Baltimore Sun news reporter, and anti-just about every minority, H. L. Mencken. The fact that the evidence for human evolution in 1925 was pathetic is brought out well in the film. The examples include Nebraska man (named Hesperopithecus found out to be a pig's tooth, specifically a peccary), Piltdown man (found out to be a hoax in the early 1950s), Neanderthal Man (now considered just another race of humans) and Java man (regarded simply as an Australopithecus). I would have quoted more from the trial transcript, which included the written testimony of the leading scientists, to show this, but the producer had to get this information in the film into a brief segment to keep the story moving, so had to abbreviate. A must see film.

13 of 18 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars ...from the Past to the Present ~ ALLEGED ~ October 23, 2011

By Gregory T. Garbulinski

Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase

In considering the Past we look towards Understanding the Present and the Future.

Superb dimensional blend adds quality enhancement to interwoven Historical context , flowing action , buildup , and visuals in 'Alleged.'

*Yesterday October 22nd 2011 I participated in viewing 'Alleged' at the Made in Michigan Film Fest , in Lapeer "at the PIX"...I'm glad I went and this film was a highlight work , Also a selected Award winner!*

It was a pleasure to watch this finely developed narrative unfold with depth , warmth and balanced sensitivity to issues of Religion , Regional locale , Science , Medicine , Evolution , Education and Human interaction. At 91 minutes 'Alleged' is right on schedule in drawing emotions and sympathies to the main "Love Interest" taking place as well!
( ...the timetable includes authentic old cars , trains and Antiques too!)

IN the "monkey trial" there are huge and famous egos participating in contrast to some of the more subtle personalities and the Issues taking place do get National Attention. Conflict , tensions , friendships, and enmity , Evolve to Growth although change is not always easy.

...veteran actors Brian Dennehy and Fred Thompson bring expected flair while the "young couple" does a range of nuance...

This feature contains a wealth of material , historical detail research and reference , with fine period piece Visual displays and could be seen and shared enjoyably a number of times. There are many pleasing surprises. Well, enough said ...it's simply best and worthwhile to just watch it yourself! Enjoy!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars PERFECT TIMING March 20, 2012

By Mark Turner

Format:DVD

It seems that the knowledge people have these days comes from the easiest source and that more often than not is the television. The sales of newspapers are down and it seems the art of discussion is rare these days. Fortunately the internet has changed some of this but even there a ton of misinformation can be found. So imagine what it must have been like years ago when the only source of information was the newspaper.

That's the basis of the story found in ALLEGED, a different takes than we've witnessed before concerning the Scopes monkey trial. For years the only way to learn about this trail was through the film INHERIT THE WIND. I've always loved that film, in particular the acting done by both Spencer Tracy and Frederick March. But that movie made it seem as if the trial was the result of the people's wills often depicting anyone who was religious as fanatical.

This time around we have a different story. Instead of the trial being brought about by a teacher who has a fire burning inside of him to teach students about Darwin we instead have a town that's slowly fading that needs a hook to get folks into town again. They recruit the local science teacher into saying he believes in Darwin so that they can get people riled up about the question of creationism versus evolution.

Pulled into the midst of this whole circus is Charles Anderson (Nathan West), a reporter for the local newspaper whose father was the owner years ago. He wants to move on to better things, to the big city where he can achieve fame like his idol, H.L.Menken (Colm Meaney). Menken was the leading journalist of his time and one of the most read. Getting him involved means more folks hearing about the town and then coming for the trial....

To make it an even bigger event, the townsfolk get the best speaker they can find for the prosecution, Williams Jenning Bryan (Fred Dalton Thompson). Bryan has already decried the idea of evolutionism and the trial seems like a slam dunk. But then Menken and his paper bring in noted lawyer Clarence Darrow (Brian Dennehy) for the defense. What seemed like a slam dunk is now a case that will be viewed and used across the country.

In the middle of it all is the story of Charles. He becomes caught up in the spectacle of the entire situation more interested in impressing Menken than in reporting facts. And while hanging around with Menken he is tutored in the art of twisting a phrase or creating a story where none exist. This was the state of journalism at that time and is represented much more here than in INHERIT. Charles becomes so invested in the lines and way of life Menken presents him that he nearly loses the most important thing in his life, his fiancé Rose (Ashley Johnson). It isn't until a crisis slaps Charles in the face where he must decide to either tell the truth or become a part of the bigger world where truth is not told but created.

The movie is well made but appears to settle into the made for TV format in feel and appearance. This movie would not have made much released to the box office. But it does offer a nice evening's entertainment as well as offer a new look at an old story.

It also has the ability to make you think differently when looking at the news. How much of what we are told these days is the truth and how much of it is twisted to suit the needs of those in charge of dispensing the news? Many claim that FOX is little more than this but the fact of the matter is that in these days EVERY news network has their own agenda when it comes to the news they disseminate. It is rare to find the absolute truth without digging deeper to find it.

Perhaps it is this reason that more people are turning away from the major news networks we all grew up watching and trusting. Too many fake stories, too many stories that turned out to be twisted and too many stories that were ignored to support one side or the other. I think that's a good thing. People need to look deeper than the surface no matter what the outcome. And with movies like this at least getting made, perhaps more people will take the time to do so. Read more ›