Review of In the Heat of the Night (1967) by Michael R — 17 Jun 2008
Incredible display of race relations in a small Mississippi town. Virgil Tibbs is one of the great protagonists that I have seen onscreen, overcoming suffocating racism in order to solve a murder. Although the police officers are clearly racist, this film doesn't let anyone off easy: even Virgil Tibbs laughs when Mama refers to someone as a "cracker.
" The music in the film serves it well, adding to the southern feel of the movie. The theme from "Jaws" appears ripped off from the music from one of scenes in which racist whites are searching out Virgil.
Sidney Poitier gives an inspiredly understated performance, while Rod Steiger perfectly his character's slow evolution.
This review of In the Heat of the Night (1967) was written by Michael R on 17 Jun 2008.
In the Heat of the Night has generally received very positive reviews.
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