Friday, November 5, 2010

In the Heat of the Night (1967) - 4 stars

One sentence plot summary: A black police officer from Philadelphia is called upon to help solve a murder in a racist, Southern town.

Starring: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger

Best of: Great dialogue. Tension between Poitier and Steiger. Quincy Jones' music.

Worst of: The summer heat is supposed to be an oppresive element in the story, yet you can see both autumn leaves and fog on the breath of the actors.

Notable: Not only is this the first Best Picture winner to feature an African American lead, it is the first to feature a black role of any substance whatsoever.

Also nominated: Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, The Graduate.

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