In the Heat of the Night

Easily the greatest film to come from Norman Jewison this tale of racial tension from 1967 is just as riveting today as it was upon release. A stellar performance from Sidney Poitier is amazing overshadowed the one turned in by Rod Steiger who earned himself a well deserved Oscar for his portrayal of a small town southern police chief. Though Jewison lost the best director here it did walk away with BEST PICTURE and really, the best advice I can give you is to see why for yourself. It is worth mentioning modern viewers may find the plot and stylings to be dated and stale...please keep in mind this is because it has been ripped off so many times since. Where the word "masterpiece" is so often overused it's nice to see when it duely applies.