In the Heat of the Night Reflection

In the Heat of the Night  released in 1967 following a murder mystery in a small southern town is a wonderful film that shows life during the Jim Crow era. The movie follows the main character Virgil Tibbs, played by Sydney Poititer and is centered around the mysterious murder of a wealthy businessman named Philip Colbert.

In the beginning, Virgil Tibbs is the main suspect in the case. He is then put into jail by Police Chief Bill Gillespie. However, it is revealed that Tibbs is not the murderer and is set free. Eventually, he begins working with the local police department to solve the murder since he is a detective from Philadelphia. It was very uncommon for there to be black officers or detectives, especially in the South, creating many questions about his ability to perform his job. 

As the movie progresses, Virgil Tibbs and Officer Gillespie form a bond even though they are in the Jim Crow South, where a friendship like theirs is highly unlikely. At the beginning they didn't see eye to eye and Gillespie was cruel towards Tibbs, however he realises how good of a detective Tibbs is and how he is more knowledgeable than him despite his prior beliefs that black men are not as good as white men. 

One turning point in their relationship is when they go to speak with Mr. Endicott. When talking to him, Tibbs accuses Endicott of murdering Philip Colbert. Endicott slaps Tibbs out of anger and Tibbs retaliates, shocking everyone around them. Gillespie views Tibbs's anger and retaliation toward Endicott as a way that proves that Tibbs is just a man part of the middle class who doesn't want to put up with wealthy white racists aligning Tibbs and Gillespie's beliefs. This event further strengthens their bond and symbolizes how society should unite despite race and realize the similarities that bring them together. 

In conclusion, I really enjoyed watching In the Heat of the Night and would even watch the film again. I think the movie did a great job of showing what life was like in the Jim Crow South for black people. Which, was interesting since they were no longer enslaved but still being treated horribly by whites around them.