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From Amazon.co.uk
This 1967 film took home lots of Oscars for its fascinating drama about a Philadelphia detective (Sidney Poitier) who assists a redneck Southern sheriff (Rod Steiger) in solving a murder. A study in racism that ebbs a bit through the collective and shared need between a black man and a white man who don't want to be working together, In the Heat of the Night continues to strike a chord today. Steiger is a mass of snarling danger, Poitier a bundle of nerves covered in class. Norman Jewison (Moonstruck) directs with a keen feeling for the cultural and social atmosphere of the setting. --Tom Keogh
Product Description
Rod Steiger plays a small-town Mississippi sheriff who is forced to collaborate on a murder investigation with Virgil Tibbs, a black homicide detective from Philadelphia (Sidney Poitier). The pair at first find themselves totally at odds with each other, but as the investigation proceeds each learns to respect the other's talents. The film won five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Steiger.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By S J Buck
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:DVD
From the opening performance of "In The Heat of the Night", sung by the great Ray Charles, this film will grab your attention immediately and will grip you for the next hour and 3/4.
Poitier plays a black northern dectective Virgil Tibbs, who is arrested in the deep south for a murder he had nothing to with. Steiger is a bigoted local Sheriff eventually forced to work with Tibbs to solve the case. Both the lead performances are truly mesmerising. There are a number of classic scenes in this film of which perhaps my favourite is when the Sheriff interviews Tibbs for the first time and finds he's a policeman.
The film is very well directed by Norman Jewison and won 5 Oscars in 1967, including best actor for Rod Steiger. Quincy Jones also deservedly won a Grammy for his music score. The only extra is the original trailer, which is a shame. However the film itself is so good that the DVD has to have 5 stars regardless.
Poitier plays a black northern dectective Virgil Tibbs, who is arrested in the deep south for a murder he had nothing to with. Steiger is a bigoted local Sheriff eventually forced to work with Tibbs to solve the case. Both the lead performances are truly mesmerising. There are a number of classic scenes in this film of which perhaps my favourite is when the Sheriff interviews Tibbs for the first time and finds he's a policeman.
The film is very well directed by Norman Jewison and won 5 Oscars in 1967, including best actor for Rod Steiger. Quincy Jones also deservedly won a Grammy for his music score. The only extra is the original trailer, which is a shame. However the film itself is so good that the DVD has to have 5 stars regardless.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I can believe this film is forty years old !. The tension is there right from the start. It had me on the edge of my seat throughout. A fantastic thriller, it should also be on every school's citizenship curriculum. Only the ending I found a little flat, it could have been done better - more exciting. But the rest of the film is brilliant. Better than most modern films. Watch it !.
19 of 20 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
In The Heat Of The Night is a classic because of the way it shows the 'power' struggle between old world values still in practice and the progression of human rights. Sidney Poitier is a revelation in this film, although his performance was aided greatly by Rod Steiger. The duo brilliantly show the friction of differing education, both school and moral, coupled eloquently with their personality similarities. Rod Steiger's constant struggle against his instincts and common opinion as regards Virgil Tibbs, is a very open and intriguing one.
The direction in this film is remarkable and subtle, with the clever use of music accentuating at the exact moments an avid viewer would want them.
The supporting cast held their own, with handy contributions all around, all helping to add to the community resentment towards Tibbs.
The plot was powerful but the presence of certain characters seemed a little tenuous. The characters almost seemed an inclusive to emphasise the obvious. For example, the visit to the cotton mill seemed to have no eventual purpose to the plot except the show the blatant bigotry that was implied by the rest of the film in a somewhat more reserved approach.
Aside from that minor blip, the film flows brilliantly and I highly recommend this film to all who want a damn good film with quality acting and direction. A must see classic of the 60's era.
The direction in this film is remarkable and subtle, with the clever use of music accentuating at the exact moments an avid viewer would want them.
The supporting cast held their own, with handy contributions all around, all helping to add to the community resentment towards Tibbs.
The plot was powerful but the presence of certain characters seemed a little tenuous. The characters almost seemed an inclusive to emphasise the obvious. For example, the visit to the cotton mill seemed to have no eventual purpose to the plot except the show the blatant bigotry that was implied by the rest of the film in a somewhat more reserved approach.
Aside from that minor blip, the film flows brilliantly and I highly recommend this film to all who want a damn good film with quality acting and direction. A must see classic of the 60's era.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
As well as the above reviews of the social comment on racism, and the incredible performances of the two main characters, one of the biggest things in this movie is simply the atmosphere the director creates. In the deep south of the USA the humidity is unbearable. The cicadas and crickets chirp, and in it's own way life goes that little bit slower.
The magic of the direction for me is that you could watch it in the antarctic, in winter, and still feel like you were slapping at mosquitos, melting like butter on a fried catfish, with the aircon full blast. If you haven't seen it, you have missed a classic.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
When this film first appeared it was seen as a major artistic statement on race and the issues of segregation. It was a return of American Film taking on contentious issues not really seen since the Macarthy era of blacklists and fear of offending the silent majority. It was a brave film and you sensed that the people involved knew they were making a significant film. Many of the phrases used in the film became instantly used 'call me Mr Tibbs' or more annoyingly Rod Stieger's 'speak to me' when he picked up the phone,try doing that as see the response. Importantly the film had impact, without becoming an ideological tract. The acting is outstanding and the relationship which develops between Rod Stieger and Sidney Poitier is one of the great film performances, the two great actors never bettered this. Having travelled through the Southern States during the sixties ,the film is a true reflection of that time, it is a wonder that Virgil was not killed,many died for far less. The film also shows weaknesses in all the characters, it is an adult film, Virgil Tibbs could be as wrong as the southern sheriff acted by Rod Stieger. The key point of the film is that it is what unifies us rather than divides that is important and this needed affirming at a very critical point in the history of the United States. Film is important.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
By LAB
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I really love this film, but be warned that this version has been cropped down the sides to alter the aspect ratio, losing the original compositions. Clearly (on a TV) this type of film would normally have black bars at the top and bottom but the authors of this DVD have decided to do a hatchet job instead. It is a great shame to see this in such a carfully composed story packed with visual metaphor, so if you're thinking of buying "In the Heat of the Night" for your DVD collection I suggest you look for a copy which contains the full image and correct aspect ratio.
In short, it's a truly wonderful film shoddily and uncaringly presented... I don't know what the DVD authors where thinking but for shame!
In short, it's a truly wonderful film shoddily and uncaringly presented... I don't know what the DVD authors where thinking but for shame!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good buy
This was ideal for a present, it was in good condition and was exactly what we needed. The present was well received.
Published 2 months ago by Levi
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Film
This has been one of my favourite films since it first came out but I have never had my own copy. I have now and I can enjoy it as often as I want.
Published 2 months ago by G. R. Ross
5.0 out of 5 stars
YEAH !!
Good story, good message, but forget all that and enjoy what is called " Acting ". If only movies today could be so worthy.
Published 2 months ago by G. Wilson
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of the best films ever
This is a really good film showing the situation for blck people in the US durung the 60ies. Fantastic actors!
Published 2 months ago by Per Rødøy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Film
Absolutely great film. Wonderful acting and a superb plot line. It may appear a bit clichéd these days but we must remember that this was made in 1967, well before the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Peter Cowman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
To say this film is nearly 50 years old it is absolutely brilliant. The two main characters are a superb foil for each other and it addresses the big issues of the day - it makes... Read more
Published 3 months ago by CH
5.0 out of 5 stars
lest we forget
pre ordered DVD arrived bang on schedule - superb film - uncomfortable but essential viewing especially for those born in the early 60's - described at the time as a very brave... Read more
Published 3 months ago by woodleywoman
5.0 out of 5 stars
excellent
Thought provoking, providing real insight into political situation and prejudice against black people. Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger are superb. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Jobeangood
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic
It's a long time since I first saw Sydney Poitiers in this film but it remains a classic as the very capable & experienced coloured Chicago homicide detective, in a racially biased... Read more
Published 3 months ago by C. Miller
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Sidney Poitier and Rod Stieger both gave outstanding performances in this Classic Film. Bought as a present for my wife who'd not seen it but enjoyed it very much
Published 4 months ago by Simon Kersley
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