In the Heat of the Night (Criterion Collection)

Philadelphia homicide cop Virgil Tibbs (Sidney Poitier) was waiting for the train out of Sparta, Mississippi, when the local constabulary rousted him on a murder charge. After learning of Tibbs’ bona fides--and reputation--racist police chief Bill Gillespie (Best Actor Oscar-winner Rod Steiger) grudgingly asked his ex-suspect’s help in flushing out the real perpetrator. Five total Oscars, including Best Picture, went to Norman Jewison's compelling adaptation of John Ball's novel; Warren Oates, Lee Grant co-star. 110 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); audio commentary;"making of" documentary; featurettes; theatrical trailer.