55 years later, ‘In the Heat of the Night’ explores race

Above : Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger star in the 1967 film “In the Heat of the Night.” (Photo/United Artists)

We’ve come a long way in terms of racial consciousness. Clearly, though, we still have a ways to go.

Hollywood has helped with what progress we’ve made. For all the simple, silly movies that have come out of the industry, a number have strived to deal with important issues – race being prominent among them.

The movies haven’t always gotten the message right. But considering the times in which some were made, they deserve credit for their effort.

Take the 1967 film “In the Heat of the Night,” for example. Directed by Norman Jewison , and adapted from John Ball’s 1965 novel by the screenwriter Stirling Silliphant, the film starred two Oscar-winning actors: Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger .

Poitier stars as a Philadelphia homicide detective named Virgil Tibbs who, while visiting a small Southern town, is suspected of murdering a local white citizen – and is arrested. But the police chief Bill Gillespie (played by Steiger) has to let Tibbs go when he discovers who he is.

While investigating the murder (at first against his will), Tibbs faces further examples of blatant racism, along with ongoing resentment from Gillespie, who makes a number of ridiculous legal mistakes. Eventually, though, he solves the crime and leaves – earning some sense of respects from Gillespie.

It all seems so trite now. But a half century ago, “In the Heat of the Night” was considered ground-breaking. Nominated for seven Academy Awards, the film won five, including Best Picture, Best Actor (for Steiger) and for Screenplay.

(Poitier, who wasn’t even nominated, had won his Best Actor Oscar for 1963’s “Lilies of the Field.” )

In Newsday, Joseph Gelmis wrote, “ ‘In the Heat of the Night’ is really an excuse for Rod Steiger and Sidney Poitier to snipe and rage and hate each other. And the ferocious clash of these two fine actors in this racial drama transcends script and setting.”

Bosley Crowther of the New York Times wrote that it was, “A film that has the look and sound of actuality and the pounding pulse of truth.”

Paul Taylor of Time Out, though, was less impressed, writing that the film “Oozes sufficient Southern sweat and features enough admirably crumpled character faces to make up for its over-strident liberal rhetoric.”

Now, of course, you get your vote. “In the Heat of the Night” will celebrate its 55th anniversary with screenings at 4 p.m. on Sunday and 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Regal Cinemas theaters at NorthTown Mall and Coeur d’Alene’s Riverstone Stadium.

And remember this line: When asked by Gillespie what they call him up north, he answers – with obvious pride – “They call me Mister Tibbs!”

It ranks at No. 16 on the AFI top 100 quotes from American cinema.