MovieChat Forums > In the Heat of the Night (1967) Discussion > One of Sidney's greatest films!!

One of Sidney's greatest films!!

posted 12 years ago by Belleluvsroses
4 replies | jump to latest

This film, along with "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "To Sir, With Love" are my very favorite Poitier flicks. "In The Heat of the Night" deals with southerners not wanting equality between black and white. Things had been a certain way for almost 350 years, and, even though changes had come, still, certain racist attitudes were still there, especially in the minds of those like Endicott. So glad was I when Sidney slapped the mess out of him, for deserve it he did. Happy 45th anniversary, movie!!

[–] athomed 12 years ago

I think A Raisin in the Sun, A Patch of Blue and The Defiant Ones also deserve to be on the list of Poitier's greatest films. This one is certainly on it. Great film and the scene you mention was one of the best in it. It was a turning point because it was the first concrete evidence that Gillespie's sympathies were beginning to change - in that he didn't arrest Virgil.

___
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[–] Belleluvsroses 12 years ago

Yes, those are great ones also. In "A Patch of Blue" he got to work with his good friend, Shelly Winters.

The scene you refer to MADE the film for me. At LONG LAST, it showed that a black man wasn't going to take s off of a white one. Yes, if he was slapped, he'd slap RIGHT BACK!!! I was so proud and pleased with Sidney's work in that film, with the fine, great performance he gave. A few years ago here in my town of Savannah, GA., he gave the commencement speech at SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design) Ah, Sidney, he's one in a million!!

[–] koffeenkreame41-1 12 years ago

Ahh, yes, definetely some of his BEST work! I'd definetely include The Defiant Ones, A Raisin in the Sun & Guess Who's Coming to Dinner on that list as well.

"I am the ultimate badass, you do not wanna `*beep*` wit me!"- Hudson in Aliens.

[–] spookyrat1 11 years ago

It's a true landmark film and deserved everyone of its five oscars.I don't feel it's really dated and of course its message is timeless.