Provocative mystery...

In the Heat of the Night is a genuine classic and one of the greatest films of the 1960s. The film is a provocative, enthralling mystery thriller that is atmospheric and entertaining.

The years have not dissipated the film's original impact in the slightest. The racial issues conveyed through the discriminatory characters are exact. At the time of the film's release, which was during the time when African Americans were fighting against racism, these were the typical police officers that you'd find on the streets. As one who has studied the decade in detail I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the period is portrayed with a great degree of realism.

In the 60s the film was an accurate representation of the time; now the film is timeless and a nostalgic trip back in time.

Sidney Poitier plays an African American homicide detective named Virgil Tibbs who becomes inadvertently embroiled in the murder investigation of a prominent businessman.

Tibbs is waiting for a train while police are searching for suspects. Due to the high level of racism he is first accused of the crime - then he is asked to solve it! The policemen that Tibbs finds himself working with are very unsupportive due to the colour of his skin. And hence as Tibbs attempts to find the killer it becomes a difficult task. But in order to solve the case they are forced to put their prejudices and differences aside, and join forces in a race against time to uncover the shocking truth.

In the Heat of the Night is a fantastic social commentary of the period of its release; it's also an unforgettable, enduring classic filled with fascinating characters to compliment the intriguing plot.

The experience is atmospheric, funny and engrossing. While watching the film I found it almost impossible to be bored.

Sidney Poitier's performance is triumphant and spellbinding. His character is shown to be smart and proficient when it comes to his profession. Poitier breaks through the conventions and stereotypes of African American characters; presenting the audience with something fresh and innovative. It's a shame the Academy overlooked Poitier for an Oscar.

Rod Steiger earned himself an Oscar for Best Actor as the racist Sherriff of the town of Sparta. There's little wonder as well. The rest of the policemen were conventional but real. At the time these were the people that policed the streets; lazy and quick to blame the closest black person in sight.

In the Heat of the Night delivers thoughtful, intelligent entertainment that is hard to beat. I personally didn't have much interest in watching the film. I ultimately loved it and detract all the negative things that I previously thought about it.

The film is a landmark production that is poignant and accurate. It's entertaining and confronting. Winner of 5 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Sound, Best Writing and Best Editing.