In the Heat of the Night (1967) 8.0
An African American police detective is asked to investigate a murder in a racially hostile southern town. Director:Norman Jewison |
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In the Heat of the Night (1967) 8.0
An African American police detective is asked to investigate a murder in a racially hostile southern town. Director:Norman Jewison |
|
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Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Sidney Poitier | ... | ||
Rod Steiger | ... | ||
Warren Oates | ... | ||
Lee Grant | ... |
Mrs. Colbert
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Larry Gates | ... |
Endicott
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James Patterson | ... | ||
William Schallert | ... |
Mayor Schubert
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Beah Richards | ... |
Mama Caleba
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Peter Whitney | ... |
Courtney
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Kermit Murdock | ... |
Henderson
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Larry D. Mann | ... |
Watkins
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Matt Clark | ... |
Packy
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Arthur Malet | ... |
Ulam
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Fred Stewart | ... |
Dr. Stuart
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Quentin Dean | ... |
Delores
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Detective Virgil Tibbs is caught up in the racial tension of the US South when he is arrested after the murder of a prominent businessman. Tibbs was simply waiting for his next train at the station in Sparta, Mississippi and the confusion is soon resolved but when local police chief Gillespie learns that Tibbs is the Philadelphia PD's number one homicide expert, he reluctantly asks for his assistance. The murdered man, Mr. Colbert, had come to Sparta from the North to build a new factory and his wife and business associates immediately point the finger at Endicott, the most powerful man in the county and the one who had the most to lose if a major new employer comes to the area. Tibbs' life is clearly in danger but he perseveres in a highly charged and racially explosive environment until the killer is found. Written by garykmcd
Rod Steiger won best actor, deserved it, and was matched eyebrow for eyebrow by Sidney Poitier's Unforgettable Creation of Mr. Virgil Tibbs, police detective. The supporting cast is perfect, with Beah Richards, William Prince, and Scott Wilson as special standouts. The dialogue by Siliphant is crisply written, the direction by Jewison is non-pareil, and the mystery is difficult and resolves things perfectly. As an overall American mystery, I must vote for this even over the Maltese Falcon (which of course is also great). Forget the hit-and-miss TV spin-off and treat yourself to the real thing.