In The Heat of The Night
With a fistful of Oscars (including Best Picture and Best Actor), and couple of sequels. This adaptation of John Ball’s thriller obviously qualifies as more than just another small-town murder mystery. Cool big city cop Sidney Poitier happens to land in a bigoted Southern town when a bizarre murder is committed and, after arguing with the local Sheriff (Rod Steiger), finds himself drafted in to help with the investigation.
The twist-filled storyline, which digs up nasty secrets and offers a range of suspicious suspects and a truly disgusting killer, remains gripping, and the excellent, understated lead performances don't damage the racial angle. Warren Oates, Scott Wilson, Lee Grant and (especially) Anthony James, offer great support, along with the excellent score from Quincy Jones.
In the Heat of the Night cleaned up at the Oscars in 1967, and deservedly so, especially the with standout performance from the late Sidney Poitier. A pioneer for African Americans.
The film is available to buy & rent on various platforms. The film is also currently on the BBC iPlayer.
