In the Heat of the Night: The Best Scene

Mr.Tibbs, Mr.Endicott, and Gillespie. Probably the best scene in this fantastic film. The beauty of this scene is that the "victim" himself can be the perpetrator.

[@josephspring88]

Sidney Poitier was offered the lead in 'In the Heat of the Night' to be produced by Walter Mirisch (West Side Story, The Magnificent 7) Poitier said, "When I read the script, I said, 'Walter I cant play this. The scene requires me to be slapped by a wealthy man and I just look at him fiercely and walk away. That is not very bright in today's culture. It's dumb. "This is 1968. You can't do that. The black community will look at that and be appalled, because the human response would be different. You certainly won't do the movie with me this way. "'If I do this movie, I insist to respond as a human being; he pops me and I pop him right back. If you want me to play it, you will put that in writing. Also in writing you will say 'If this picture plays in the south, that scene is never removed.' "Walter said, 'Yeah, I promise you that and I'll put it in writing.' "But being the kind of guy Walter is, his handshake and his word are the same, so I didn't need to have it in writing, and he kept his word. That scene made the movie. Without it, the movie wouldn't have been as popular." 'In the Heat of the Night' won five Academy Awards: Best Picture - Best Screenplay - Best Editing - Best Sound - Best Actor Rod Steiger

[@mdirtydogg]

Thank you for the story behind this scene.

[@michaelgray1803]

One hit me in 1990 tore his ass up he was a farmer in Mississippi

[@MrWosclifton]

@@michaelgray1803 Love Gun.

[@justplainbrad7713]

@@michaelgray1803 Seeing as enunciation of your 2nd language(english) is difficult, why not use your native tongue, and let us use the enigma machine, or online interpreter to understand?

[@michaelgray1803]

@@justplainbrad7713 I'll get your ass to

[@CalebTrask]

The butler witnesses Virgil Tibbs slapping Endicott and thinks to himself, "I've been wanting to do that for years."

[@johngreen5590]

The actor who played the Butler was Jester Hairston who played Rollly Forbes on the sitcom Amen in the 80s

[@SuperAna1954]

​@@johngreen5590 thanks

[@Freddie1980]

"There was a time when I could have had you shot!" Endicott is crying because he's come to the realisation that the power he thought he had is just a facade and he's been hit a large dose of reality after being slapped by Tibbs.

[@sharonjensen3016]

Probably would have done worse.

[@jillmortlock8439]

And that is the power the rich white men are trying to claw back in America 2022 and they are succeeding. Sick.

[@davemarr7743]

The blatant racism of the plantation owner may be on the wain...But Vergil damn near gets killed by the bubba KKK later on in the movie...

[@europeanamerican7658]

Endicott probably thought he was in the antebellum South.

[@himwhoisnottobenamed5427]

@@davemarr7743 For real. If Gillespie hadn’t shown up, Virgil would be in an unmarked grave.

[@Huly241072]

Rip Sidney Poitier, and also Rod Steiger what a performance. Great film still holds up

[@BOSSLADY-cu8vs]

Yessssss... Superb acting.... I miss this from movies today

[@Dina_Darling]

Don't forget the man serving the lemonade. Did you see his face??? 😂

[@jimgeorge3273]

​@@Dina_Darling he's got this look onnhis face as if to say " did freedom come and if so why didn't anybody tell me , I would have quite decades ago"! lol.

[@light279]

@@jimgeorge3273 Bet ya he got fired the next day. Endicott would not be able to have him around after such an embarrassing incident.

[@rf396]

The slow almost painful look on Poitier's face when Steiger points out HIS prejudice is amazing. You can literally see the wheels turning in his mind. So much emotion in that one facial expression

[@nyterpfan]

GREAT post--(And the very painful reality is that we ALL carry some form of prejudice inside us--whether it be on social issues, political, religious, etc.) I think Poitier's expression was like a thunderbolt of truth striking him--as he deep down realized Steiger was right!! (Although you can't really blame an African American man in 1968 having contempt for whites in the US. We still have racial issues in society but they were VERY bad in those years!!)

[@LesterMoore]

@@nyterpfan Your words ring true with the clarity and impact of these two face slaps. The final slap is soundlessly administered to us, the audience when like Tibbs we're faced with the bald truth of our personal insecurities and fallibilities.

[@Gman6755]

"None of that for you, huh Virgil?" What a perfectly delivered line!

[@ras864]

…also, perfectly written. The Director was spot on!

[@JESUSISLORDforevermore888]

Why would that police sergeant think that Virgil would want a job working there. None of THAT for him bcz he was educated and had a job up North as an investigator already. Virgil was not there to look for a job but to find the killer. I think Virgil, at first, thought that it was Endicott. 8/31/2024.

[@feliciavalue5830]

Everyone in this scene is so good. But Steiger is superb immediately after that slap. Incredulity, admiration, fear, amusement, sheer disbelief. "I don't KNOW!" Fantastic!

[@jshah1961]

Never in a million years did he think that he would be slapped back lol and he has no idea how to handle it. Most likely the last time he was slapped like that was when he was a child and I believe that's why he started to cry.

[@fredflintstone2958]

I stumbled onto a scene of this movie a few minutes ago, and it led me to here. It's all been so good, I can't stand it. This scene is so good, too, I gotta watch this tonight. Yeah, Rod Steigers delivery of that line was perfect....they were all perfect. Wow, this was TREMENDOUS stuff....Sydney Poitier of course, was, ya' know....Sydney Poitier. But everyone...EVERYONE....in this film was other worldly.....

[@jennymacallan9071]

Love the way he stops chewing that gum when the fernroot is named.

[@Locktwiste72]

Feel down I think Gillespie was waiting for the day when someone would out Endicott in his place. He just didn't expect it to be a Black man.

[@mencken8]

Felicia Value Yes- this is what the people who say Poitier should have got the Oscar don’t get. Virgil Tibbs is a strong character, well acted. But it is Gillespie who changes, and this is shown in several scenes, and THOSE are what got Steiger best actor.

[@freedom1597]

The slap is powerful, the Butler's (Jester Hairston) reaction is Legendary. RIP Mr. Tibbs.

[@JosephTSena]

Jester was also on the sitcom "Amen." He played Rollie.

[@maestroclassico5801]

@@JosephTSena Jester lived to be 99 years old and was a respected Choir Conductor, and Composer/Arranger of Spirituals..he worked in the Music Department for many movies...and around half the parts he had as an actor.....were Uncredited. This part here is one of the few where he was.

[@XTRABIG]

it was perfect!

[@riod7559]

The butler went home, told his family and laughed for 3 days..😂

[@humbertoflores2545]

Wrong.. laughted for years and also his next generation..

[@miltonprince4734]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@hereef1]

Naw, they thought he must have been drinking on the job.

[@marlonturner226]

The butler was like damn I've been wanting to do that for the past 45years 🤠🖕👌

[@jubalcalif9100]

Ha !!

[@sharonsmith5511]

🤣🤣🤣 oh yes sir!!

[@maxbrown9335]

But finally live to see a Willie slap the shit out of you ! Was worth more than the paid sweet 🍋?

[@johnwhitfield5376]

FACTS...LOL...

[@genearthur1960]

This is a perfect example of "there are no small parts, only small actors". The butler's reaction to the slap lasts only a second or two, but is unforgettable.

[@humbertoflores2545]

That slap did not hurt Endicott's face, it hurted his pride and reputation forever..!

[@Mr110074]

Sidney should have won an Oscar just for that slap alone.

[@gladecornelius]

Not only that but for Mr. Tibbs scene, the fact that he is a detective in that time, and his bravery.

[@bertcandela9250]

Mr110074 I loved how he started crying like a little white bitch. LMAO.

[@renegaderunner332]

You know it!

[@northeything8568]

I've read that it was an idea of Sidney Poitier himself to add this to the scene.

[@dwjoseph59]

Mr110074 1 of the best slaps ever

[@daschwah]

The speed in Poitier's movement with that backhand is always amazing. It seriously looks like it skips a couple frames, he's so fast.

[@inquest7]

@Uncle Buckle ikr-exhilaratingly so! gave him a serious Arthur Ashe backhand! 😲 😂 with such alacrity Poitier could've added tennis pro or pugilist to his vitae 😉 btw 👉🏼 Uncle Buckle too funny 😊

[@spikespa5208]

Looks like Poitier's was considerably harder.

[@kenlove1472]

This was 1967. Dr. King was still alive. As was Stokely Camichael, Eldridge Cleavor & Huey Newton. Yes, I can even see Dr. King cracking a wry smile at this scene.

[@martinhodge921]

@Brandi lord care to back that up by citing some reliable sources?

[@lwmson]

@Sharon Jensen Maybe not RFK's because no one would have thought that lightning would strike the Kennedy family twice. But King's was predictable. He even predicted it his self.

[@jedi69outcast]

He should have drank the lemonade and say " I worked up a Powerful thirst " and left 😂😂

[@sandrasanders706]

That would have been funny but it will ruin the whole moment that happened moments before and it would have been considered while Overkill

[@theguywhoisaustralian1465]

Nah

[@brianfergus839]

That will be in the remake

[@Bentom86]

Not only is it the best scene of this movie, but it's one of the best ever. The movie was filmed in 1966, just as race relations were at their most violent & the civil rights movement was finally overturning centuries' worth of oppression and slaughter. it took the utmost courage & vision for everyone involved--creators, cast, crew, the music of Quincy Jones & Ray Charles--all working together to produce a classic like this. That slap, that shoulder shrug before storming out of the greenhouse, & that proud line from earlier in the film, "they call me MISTER Tibbs!!"...each of them were ultimate statements that the days of back seats and inhumane treatment were over. I don't think that Sidney Poitier has ever gotten his proper respect & acknowledgment as Hollywood's very own civil rights leader. I really wish there was a book or documentary of some kind on the making of "In The Heat Of The Night"...it would be great to hear the stories, beliefs, & fears of everyone involved as it was being made. I also wish that Poitier & the great Rod Steiger worked had worked together again on another film. Not a sequel to "ITHOTN" , because it didn't need one...but in another film as different characters. They were the perfect team for a film of this time.

[@Hammerton32]

That shoulder shrug spoke volumes, 'oh really. try it now'

[@scottfrenz]

There's a Criterion edition (Bluray and DVD) of this movie that has audio commentary all about that. Plus it has interviews as well. Highly recommended

[@bobnolanthoughtprovokers1713]

well-said

[@jamesdubose5635]

I wrote a book back in 2006 on the making of In the Heat of the Night. It's available on lulu.com and it's called Searching for Sparta.

[@henrysettles7431]

WORD

[@kellyanneortega4073]

"Voted least likely to mourn his passing"... Lolol. Love it

[@johnklein6040]

There is a bit of diplomacy in that line. Lol

[@brianandrewleahy1]

Larry Gates, who besides being a very fine actor, was considered one of the sweetest and kindest men in Hollywood, had an awful time doing this scene because he just couldn't bring himself to slap Poitier. Director Norman Jewison had to stand in for Poitier and encouraged Gates to slap him(Jewison) as hard as he could till he was sure Gates could do it convincingly. Such an amazing movie. One of my favorites.

[@andredupuis5461]

brian andrew leahy Larry Gates a true Minnesotan at heart

[@enobongekong1112]

Aww😍😊

[@spikespa5208]

And for that, acting against one's own personality, maybe Gates should have gotten an Oscar nomination.

[@gavinreid8937]

It wasnt in the original script that Sidney hit him back, sidney thought he should.

[@cultclassic999]

Wow! Such an example of how a director can get the best performance out of an actor. Gate's reaction after getting slapped is not rage, or anger but sadness and shock, in realizing that the world has changed. If you hit a cop, you get hit back. Even if you are a wealthy old white man, and the cop is a young black man. And the white sheriff is right there with you. You can see the sheriff suddenly realizing how good a homicide expert Mr. Tibbs is, when at 3:56 he realizes Tibbs was right about Ozmunda, the fern root. At that moment, he became a fellow cop, an expert one at that. From that point on he was not going to anything about a fellow cop, black or not defending himself.

[@ronaldwynn8452]

Sydney Poitier’s performance in this movie is outstanding

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Sidney is amazing as usual. The butler's reaction is hilarious.

[@benrichey2593]

“No lemonade for you.”

[@audreycumby1075]

@@benrichey2593 😄

[@pinkrose1438]

😊

[@pinkrose1438]

Endicott: "you saw that?" Rod Stigier:"I saw it" Endicott: what you going to do about? Rod: "I don't k n o w" Endicott:"i'll remember that" Endicott: "there was a time I would've had you shot" That shoulder shuck and look on Sidney poitier's face as if, Try. Never underestimate anyone, because Mr Tibbs is the # 1 crime detective around and highest in their rank. Kind of embarrassing to Rod that a colored boy from up north is getting better pay than him. Don't ruffle him( Poitier) 😊epic!

[@tracysimmons3860]

O'l Henry ran and told EVERYONE at the plantation.

[@maxbrown9335]

Wouldn't you have its like slapping the taste out Trump For sure!

[@marciarandolph9659]

😂😂😂

[@KutWrite]

I don't know. Henry shakes his head to Mr. Endicott. It's not clear if he's disapproving of Endicott or of Tibbs. Maybe just noting the changing times from his POV as well. Or, sad at wasting that cool lemonade.

[@dixondiaz8448]

@@maxbrown9335 You must be a fan of Creepy Joe, the child molester.

[@hulkhogan2830]

After Henry told everyone, everybody on the plantation started bitch slapping Endicott just for the fun of it. Endicott could never stop crying from the humiliation and eventually hung himself in the Greenhouse.

[@MadAngel209]

"In The Heat Of The Night" was released during The Black Power Movement. At the time, younger blacks were starting to follow members of The Black Panther Party. Not to mention that they were starting to steer away from Martin Luther King's nonviolent approach. In the movie, watching a black man slapping a white man, in The Mid to Late '60's, was revolutionary in itself.

[@wudaddy]

Look at the butler's reaction when they slap each other. He's like, "Damn.....DAMNNN!" That was a powerful scene. That was real film art, as most were back then.

[@conjugalvisitor5532]

wudaddy - He was thinking of how HIS life will be fucked from now on.

[@mercedyzmarieguion292]

yeah, his expressions when they traded slaps was priceless!!! he could NOT believe it!!! butler played by JESTER HAIRSTON, "Rolly, the deacon" on tv show "Amen" starring Sherman Hemsley. Hairston was excellent on the show.

[@aarongranda7825]

Mercedyz Marie Guion didn't know who that guy was

[@knivez786]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@heavystarch100]

👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾😜

[@e.edgarbruce6613]

"Ooh boy! MAN, you're just like the rest of us, ain't ya?" The fact that he Gillespie changed from saying "boy" to thinking and saying "MAN" spoke volumes wrt respect and understanding of Tibbs, the man...equal human being...another cop.. I've long owned an original dvd of the whole movie. I just HAD to buy it!

[@nicholasbella7459]

I like how the butler was like, 'No lemonade for you, Sir." and he took it with him. LOL.

[@Rob774]

I took that scene differently. He shook his head like, "I can't believe that N-word did that to you." As the butler, you don't go against the boss.

[@paracleteconsult8677]

@@Rob774 Nah. That wasn't it. Hiw wisdom knows better than to offer a man that's just been deflated a glass of juice.

[@Shazam961]

To me as a Black Man seeing this scene brings such delight, cause the slap that Tibbs gave Endicott was saying you will not treat me like a second class citizen, no matter who you are and what race you are. Throughout the movie Sidney Poitier, just showed so much dignity and passion for justice as Virgil Tibbs. You felt as the viewer that this scene he could stand tall and strong whilst questioning him and then take that slap that Endicott dished out on him and responding back with a equally hard slap that was a little stronger. But without really knocking the crap out of Endicott.

[@MOGGS1942]

I'm a white man,for whatever that means,and I fully concur with you.

[@Villiago]

Julien Stewart Actually, it is important to remember Endicott is innocent of the killing and the scene is ironic in the sense that, in this instance, it is Virgil Tibbs who is being driven by his own prejudice .

[@robertlisternicholls]

+Julien Stewart For me as a white working-class man, I liked the scene right at the end when Mr Tibbs said 'I can pull that fat cat down' and the cop saying 'oh boy, man, you are just like the rest of us'. In other words, the issue was that of class as well as race. It is one of my all time favourite films - unsurprisingly not shown very often on television.

[@canopeaz]

+Julien Stewart +Robert Nicholls For me as an American, I liked the scene at the end where the Chief says "you're just like the rest of us", showing that for all his aloofness and dignified air, Tibbs' visceral hatred showed that he was no better than the man he just gave a retaliatory slap to. That they were basically two sides of the same coin, part of the American melting pot.

[@nyterpfan]

+EricAKATheBelgianGuy WOW!! I had no idea it went down like that---makes the scene that much more powerful!!

[@timothywatson7906]

NOW! My thoughts: I really enjoyed this movie because, not only did it reveal the reality of how things were in the mid 60's in which I was here then, and as much as it was hurtful to see those days again, but it was wonderful to see that people like the character, Mr. Tibbs was not affraid to stand up to this man. And show him that he was just as equal as he was! And it gave Black people like the ones that were watching him from the fields HOPE & COURAGE when they heard what he had done. One day they would come OUT of those fields and take charge of their own lives and not be bullied by NO ONE ANY MORE!

[@peckerdecker]

That's a very _rosey tinted_ view (about mr poutier/ mr tibbs being inspirational to the _field workers_ ). At the end of the day- you think oprah or lebrawn give a toss about their _poor_ brothers and sisters in the slums of Chicago? . People with influence (with money) only care for themselves. Thank you

[@jaywilson4520]

This scene is just so brilliant. It shows how pervasive the ingrained attitudes about race were and still are to some degree in the South - how they simply saw Black people as beneath them. The character of Endicott is a perfect means by which to display that. This isn't some frothing-at-the-mouth simple-minded food spouting off. This is a Southern gentleman who shows courtesy to Tibbs when they first meet. But when Tibbs steps over the line in questioning him, he reacts with that ingrained racist mentality, both in his slapping Tibbs and his reaction of pure indignation when Tibbs slapped him back; also the reaction of Gillespie too. So much going on here in this scene. I can only imagine how shocking that scene was to audiences on many levels when it first was seen.

[@barbaraburton8914]

I remember being so shocked that it almost felt like I'd been hit both times myself!!

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@barbaraburton8914 Southerners watching this for the first time in 1967 were surely shocked.

[@geraldgreen5371]

...The look on the butler's face after Endicott got slapped said so much...

[@busterhoodstar4447]

Haven't seen this since I was a kid. I'll be watching this again soon. The acting is captivating and superb.

[@spankyx8606]

The butler shaking his head and the look of pain on Endicotts face that he hides at the end are intense. Endicott is finished, even the help has contempt for him.

[@sandrasanders706]

I bet the help always had contempt for Endicott it's just that Virgil Tibbs slapped him in place of the help.. I was like that slap rang completely into my ears...

[@garyaugustus1009]

James Brummel ...Nah, the help already despises him. The shaking of the butler's head was a response sympathetic to his master...to diffuse the wrath that Endicott is going rain down on them all in the coming evening during his drunken rage.

[@skeena59]

@@garyaugustus1009 yes, the help is going to pay and pay dearly. They have to, Endicott cannot allow the shame and humiliation of that slap to go unpunished and the help as a collective, will reap his vengeance and retribution for what Tibbs did to him.

[@jeffreykaufmann2867]

@@skeena59 What will Endicott do to the Help ?

[@shaaronie]

@@garyaugustus1009 Yep!!

[@realPapaMidnight]

I loved watching him weep and whimper .

[@charlescollins1714]

Did you notice how Sidney "Rounded" his shoulders before he walked out? As to say: "Shiiii* now you know" The Absolute Best.

[@mikekillagreen9432]

Yes!!

[@sthompson4049]

in his contract,poitier stated that the slap scene would appear worldwide forever,no cuts

[@eifelitorn]

yea, he also apparently said he did the movie for just that scene heh.

[@greedyd5524]

s thompson wrong. His story but not the truth. It was always in the film

[@greedyd5524]

eifelitorn wrong.

[@eifelitorn]

Referring to the scene Poitier said, "[The scene] was almost not there. I said, 'I'll tell you what, I'll make this movie for you if you give me your absolute guarantee when he slaps me I slap him right back and you guarantee that it will play in every version of this movie.' I try not to do things that are against nature." However, Poitier's version of the story is contradicted by Mark Harris in his book, Pictures at a Revolution. Harris states that copies of the original draft of the screenplay that he obtained clearly contain the scene as filmed, which is backed up by Jewison and Silliphant. Could be either way

[@coreygriffin7425]

Poitier was brilliant in this role. He was one of the first pioneers, to educate other black entertainers about signing royalty rights.

[@knut-hinrichqwalter2463]

And Harry Belafonte as well !

[@upnorthvlogs]

Love this I was born in 83 but this show and Andy Griffith to my favorites

[@kevinhagan17]

The slap heard 'round the world

[@natanyaaberra4984]

They should've looped it!!

[@pbm6570]

i heared it,saw it and laughed at it...The famous line what goes around, comes around mr.slappy..Black slappy had to set you right, im no ordinary black man..I hit back bitch..hahahahaha

[@singingindark12]

The Tibbs won the Pennant!!! The Tibbs won the Pennant!!!

[@anthonythompsonsr1993]

@@singingindark12 lmfao..... Bobby Thompson would have been proud

[@MrGaberlunzie1]

Never underestimate Steiger’s work in this classic. He was magnificent!

[@mariafinnegan9865]

Steiner one of the best actors ever. Pure class.

[@R-L-I]

Steiger was good and he got the Oscar but it should’ve went to Sidney!

[@light279]

@@R-L-I Let’s be honest man. They were both great but Steiger won a well deserved Oscar.

[@mikebradt8080]

I think the way he played his own insecurities compared to mr tibbs professionalism, sophistication and expertise was brilliant. He knew he was outmatched and yet eventually comes to respect mr tibbs. Very suttle acting. Nuisanced

[@bigmassive69]

Endicott: There was a time, when I could of had you shot. Tibbs *Looks him in the eyes, shoulder roll, walks out leaving door open*

[@dreampopwavestudiob7282]

I wouldve left the state asap !!!

[@beneaththecrust4661]

I like when Gillespie stopped in mid chew.

[@olmose]

Helped my uncle sand the floors in this house in 1998. House is located in Dyersburg, Tenn. Bad storm had done some damage to the house and completely destroyed the green house. One of the few homes I've seen with a working elevator. Steiger and Poitier stayed at this house, they said, for the scenes in that area.

[@markanthony4655]

That slap by Poitier was one of THE defining moments of the 1960's, unlike a book, it was seen all around the world, It says I am an equal, no more and no less and you will respect me as such. It is also on a par in TV/Cinema history as the kiss between Kirk and Uhura in the original Star Trek (Plato's Stepchildren, November 1968) as the first interracial intimate scene, both scenes unique in their own way, but both carrying a very strong message.

[@stewartryall821]

Mark Anthony There was an earlier interracial intimate scene on UK TV in 1964, a programme called Emergency Ward 10.

[@censorshipsucks9493]

Uhura was hot.

[@russcooke5671]

@@censorshipsucks9493 I would have. 😂😂😂😂👌👌👌 especially in the uniform.

[@mikeberry2332]

Virgil's expression when the chief says 'none of that for you huh?' is just perfect. Two titan actors, making each other look good.

[@navydad8916]

Homeboy was thinking ,damn I just made this batch of lemonade for nothing ,but that sure was entertaining seeing the boss man get a good slap! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@edwardstanley2195]

This was a very powerful movie on many levels. I grew up during the 60s.

[@patriciadavidson6765]

I saw this movie in Belfast in a picturehouse called THE HIPPODROME. It was packed to the doors and there wasn't a sound from the audience. When the movie ended everybody there stood up and clapped and cheered. It was an amazing response and I have never encountered this again. Rod Steiger I adored and my respect for Sidney Poitier soared. When it is repeated on our channels I watch it again, just to experience the emotion I experienced over 50 years ago ... superb x

[@drwhetstone]

One of my favorite movies growing up. The continuous conflict and collaboration between Tibbs and Gillespie, in the time they were in, made for one of the most compelling relationships of any character duo IMO.

[@marshastapleton1148]

Sidney Poitier played a character who had a similar type of experience in the movie The Defiant Ones, with Tony Curtis.

[@eyvonne-ln3zu]

THANK YOU MISTER SIDNEY POITIER

[@barbaramaxwell7833]

Love that scene

[@paracleteconsult8677]

Yes.

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

"You're just like the rest of us. Ain't you?" Priceless!

[@sharonjensen3016]

Gillespie was calling Tibbs out for his own prejudice.

[@scottm8579]

"I can pull that fat cat down! I can bring him right off this hill!" "Oh boy. Man, you're just like the rest of us." Everyone only see's the slap. But no one understands the irony of these lines. He's telling Virgil that he's acting prejudice just like him.

[@randrand.]

Scott M, although that's true - you have to also take into consideration that the white man started all the contention - at least in this one particular instance.

[@alishabazz6717]

Naw, the Sheriff finally see’s the humanity in Mr. Tibbs when he say’s man you’re just like the rest us, ain’t ya.

[@yousernameish]

Virgil doesnt like what he's shown in the mirror. Steigers character lacks finesse, but he can see just fine.

[@JnEricsonx]

I thought it was more bias against rich assholes.

[@paulhughes525]

A great movie. For me the key moment - and certainly the bravest part of the script - is not the slap but the very end of this scene - 'Oh boy, man you're just like the rest of us, 'ain't you?' The script and Poitier's performance elevate Tibbs from a 'perfect' stereotypical victim/hero to a real human being: acknowledging then battling and overcoming his own prejudices, in a way most of us find impossible. Wonderful and important movie making.

[@nyterpfan]

EXCELLENT post--and I think Poitier's reaction makes his character even more relatable--as he has to battle internally the same things ALL of us do!! (This film is one of the all-time greats!!)

[@richmonroe203]

This was deep thinking filmakers of the 60s. That "rest of us" line would not survive the woke culture we now live in, nor would the writers ever think of it

[@Chris-k9k9c]

@@richmonroe203 Very well said. We live now in a fantasy-made world where the so-called victim of so-called injustice is morally perfect.

[@MrWriteright]

Thank you, Sidney.

[@WakandaBabe]

Yeah. Actually that slap was his idea.

[@greedyd5524]

ohsnapiam59 wrong. That's his story but every one else and the original script says different

[@nyterpfan]

The interplay between Rod Steiger and Sidney Poitier is just amazing--EVERY scene they're in together is electrifying!! (I wish Steiger and Poitier could have shared the best actor Oscar that year--two of the most intense dramatic performances you'll ever see!!)

[@pinkrose1438]

The look on the butler's face is priceless

[@edwardlittle5575]

That turn the other cheek thing is over man.

[@leafyutube]

I don't understand why they couldn't drink the lemonade before leaving.

[@radar0412]

After all he did go through all that trouble to make it. Seemed Odd?

[@BigSleepyOx]

Like how in Silverado Danny Glover made sure to drink the whiskey before leaving the saloon? ;)

[@mercedyzmarieguion292]

408Magenta 😂😂😂😂😂 that's putting it mildly...

[@jonathanjackson7020]

They had the taste slapped out of their mouth!🙄 That's why.

[@jennymacallan9071]

@@BigSleepyOx Perfect comparison!

[@mslooker29]

BEST scene in the WHOLE MOVIE!

[@renegaderunner332]

You are right about that! LOL!

[@bighanky8919]

Agreed

[@peterpaul6725]

I was just going to write the same words.

[@kengray3211]

I also like the scene at the beginning where Gillespie calls Virgil Officer for the first time. you just know that Gillespie blinked by calling him Officer.

[@bosnbruce5837]

no its the Foul owl on the prowl with a proper wolf working as a counterman and denying the policeman pie. Steiger and Poitier are great, but Anthony James steals the show

[@juncrow2007]

As I said elsewhere here... I logged in here to pay my respects. As a black kid going to a school in a racist part of London, this one slap by Virgil Tibbs truly left a lifelong impression on me. It was a deeply symbolic scene, for me and for non-white people worldwide! Endicott's sobs surely reflect his pain at realising that the days when black people "knew their place" were on their way out. What a classy, elegant, almost regal, figure Mr Poitier was. RIP, Sir Sidney. 🖤✊🏽

[@bak-mariterry5180]

TRUE !

[@BG-pd6os]

notice how quick the butler gets out of Poitier's way when he walks out, in complete, awe, shock, disbelief, you name it!

[@ah2552]

He slept the Mississippi out of that old man lol.

[@joannpriepke7938]

Well, now I’m hooked. Got to find and watch the whole movie.

[@omgbygollywow]

Great movie, great acting!

[@umberct]

One of my favorite movies, from a time when actors and actresses acted and not just merely read scripts like nowadays.

[@Rob774]

There are many fine actors who do more than just "read scripts."

[@lesnyk255]

@@Rob774 Like Taraji Henson in "Hidden Figures", or Tom Hanks in "Captain Phillips" - her meltdown after running a half mile through the rain just to pee in a colored bathroom, or his delayed shock reaction after being rescued by the USN, grab me every time....

[@bigpeaches1744]

Oh that was sweet! But did anyone notice that after they left, he started crying? I love it!

[@maldini883]

He started crying because a black man had slapped him not from the pain of the slap. Just n case you didn't know.

[@mikelheron20]

Maldini88 Where would we do without people like you to explain the bloody obvious?

[@renegaderunner332]

Me too.

[@morien5062]

@@maldini883 Those are tears of frustration, rage and impatience because a "Lesser man" in his eyes dared to expose his flaws. God I love it when a good plan comes together !

[@rexxgarvin7236]

The First in History. And Very Much Needed. Thank you Mr. Poitier!

[@PeekaPeep]

Virgil slapped him right into the 20th century, lol! XD

[@scholarlyanalyst7700]

Brilliant saying! Did you come up with that? Is it completely original? Or, a slight alteration of some other saying?

[@beatleman69]

Looked like Endicott was fixing to cry! He wasn't expecting Tibbs to retaliate!

[@CarlosEmilioEsq]

Ironic part is that Endicott and Tibbs are the ones having the "civilized" polite conversation, while Gillespie is the "hick" who can't hold his own. They exchange pleasantries and talk about orchids . . . almost as equals, if it weren't for the color of Tibb's skin. But that facade is quickly shattered when Tibbs says he likes epiphytics and Endicott explains his racial explanation. So in an instant, they go from two men talking as men . . . to master and negro . . . and culminating in Endicott trying to humiliate Tibbs and put him in his place, only to get SUPER humiliated himself . . . and in front of his man servant, too! Great idea for a scene, great pacing, great dialog . . . and so well acted by all of them.

[@gavinst.clairthedefiningmo9985]

Carlos Emilio Rivera Warner , In the original script, Tibbs was supposed to take it . Sydney insisted on the change felt 'round the world !

[@dengine10]

Fantastic analysis!

[@gordongiobanni7543]

thats why he did that so he could bring out the true character

[@paleo704]

Typical Hollywood PC garbage

[@kerentolbert5448]

@@paleo704 Did you watch it?

[@shanemathews4177]

A pure movie... just writing and acting and camera angles

[@NivaNiv89]

Slapped the taste out of him lol

[@daynechastant]

More like slapped the GUTS out of him. There's the moment when Endicott realized those "days" he spoke of were ending, and being white was no longer enough to do what you want. It was the beginning of the end.

[@DedicatedSpartan]

@@daynechastant more like people don't lay down to him anymore, nothing to do with time, only has to do with your feet, plant them and don't move.

[@garyunold2610]

TWO GREAT ACTORS REST IN PEACE.WE WILL NEVER SEE THE LIKES OF THEM AGAIN GOD BLESS

[@kevinnolan2374]

Still ground breaking, after 55 years. What a movie and has anything really changed..!!

[@joewhitehead3]

Do you think anything’s changed?

[@colinbaker3916]

It’s very rare for any film to contain two actors at the top of their game. Possibly the restaurant scene in Heat with De Niro and Pacino is one, but this film has numerous scenes where Poitier and Steiger are matching each other. Having said that, it was Steiger’s character that went through the bigger transformation, from naked racism to ultimate respect. Poitier’s character had as much contempt for his surroundings at the end as the beginning, though he had warmed to Steiger.

[@gittes98]

The way Jewison holds the camera on Endicott to show his utter humiliation was absolutely perfect. One more second more or less would have diminished its power.

[@michaeldelagarza6914]

"I can pull that fat cat down! I can bring him right off this hill!", said with all the gusto Poitier can deliver. And of course, elicits that great reaction from Steiger. Classic.

[@alfonsoportugal6754]

I could watch this master piece again and again and again!!

[@klackon1]

This is still a brilliant film and stands the test of time. Obviously it helped having two excellent actors in the main roles. Watching this film in the late sixties, my mates and I had no understanding of what it must have been like for black Americans. This film gave us pause for thought.

[@mbruce777]

I love the butler's reaction. Priceless

[@Gantana844]

Rod steiger and Sydney have such unbelievable duo and their acting is just out of this world... Steiger"s Oscars win is well desrved...

[@sallyoneill2336]

Eyassu G continue

[@MontgomeryMall]

+Sally ONeill It is the character of Bill Gillespie who transforms during this film, not Virgil Tibbs. Gillespie goes from being a near open bigot to realizing his limitations as a lowly educated southerner (note how he sits quietly in the background as Tibbs and Endicott discuss flowers) and ultimately respecting Tibbs for his intelligence and as man, without regard to color. Rod Steiger deserved the Oscar for Best Actor in this film.

[@mrunning10]

"None of that for you huh Virgil" Great Line, frequently cut out of early TV showings.

[@robertyates9500]

I’m just mad he never got to drink his cold, soft lemonade Henry brought them.

[@mufdiver9406]

Love the look on a Butler's face classic one of my favorite movies

[@greenfordanger7736]

Did anyone notice the rooster crowing at 4:45? Whenever a rooster crows, look out.

[@sandrasanders706]

I was thinking the same thing when I heard that rooster crow this isn't going to go well lol

[@loveldlu426]

That was the slap that was heard around the world the universe everywhere 17,000 times thank you I love the Heat of the Night the original Cedar Point gave his best ever we love that it represent what needs to be done and dealt with

[@ronscala7484]

I LOVED IT

[@jonathaneffemey4892]

Thanks so much for posting.

[@julierobinson8173]

ACTION from 5.07 😂😂✊🏾🤛🏾 the slap from Sidney aka Mr Tibbs was FANTASTIC 🤣🤣🤣

[@renegaderunner332]

The slap heard all throughout Mississippi! LOL!

[@maxbrown9335]

It's still burning

[@JeffKubel]

I really like this movie because I can feel the the character flaws of both of them, with the ending just making me wish we could see more of the two of them in their new found friendship.

[@mcleodmichael1]

what a fabulous moment.

[@rayshardrobinson7878]

Definitely an iconic moment on cinema screen History!

[@danbhakta]

Ppl keep saying the slap was the moment, I disagree...when Gillespie says "Man, you just like the rest of us. Ain't ya?" is the defining line. Think about it.

[@russellcampbell9198]

It is.

[@enshk79]

Are you serious? That is ABSOLUTELY NOT the defining moment A strong and assertive Black man bitchslapping a nasty, toxic old racist on film was THE moment. What Gilllespje pointed out was nothing more than calling out someone who is riding on their high horse in the moment. A generalized character callout.

[@danbhakta]

@@enshk79 Get your ass out of the woke pc bullshit...regardless of Endicott's personal racist views, he was not guilty of the crime they were investigating, Tibbs was goading him..."I can pull that fat cat down" is Tibbs losing perspective, and revealing his own prejudice and weakness by assuming that those that hold racist views are AUTOMATICALLY guilty of everything by default. Probably like how black folk feel when they say guilty for being Black. "A strong and assertive Black man", wtf does that mean? I'm not Black or White, but if I got slapped, I sure the fuck would slap back...got nothing to do with being Black, or for that matter being a man...Assertiveness I can give you...reducing shit down to race is the fucking problem. What Gillespie called out was that bigotry and hatred is color blind.

[@hiawathaclemons]

Won't slap Tibbs again, will ya, Boy? 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😉😂😂😂😂😂

[@hiawathaclemons]

Amen.

[@zorro1955]

Hiawatha Clemons - nah!

[@sylviabranch3356]

Yes!!!!

[@fredflintstone2958]

Right on....

[@drexelhorne4082]

When I first watched this in the 70" s that slap was solo good to me, me and my grandmother had the biggest laugh!

[@LBF522]

I read that Virgil was not supposed to slap him back but Sydney Portier felt that there is no way that Virgil is not going to respond in kind.

[@JAG312]

This sequence is perfection. Even the butler. After Tibbs and Gillespie leave, he looks at Endicott, shakes his head, and walks out. Was he thinking, "Well Mr. Endicott. It was a long time coming."

[@shaaronie]

I think he gave him a "what is the world coming to, sympathetic look and then ran off to tell everybody how Endicott was beat up by a black police officer!

[@ronaldwynn8452]

This is by far the best scene in the whole movie

[@pagalley1]

Poitier is the best representation of a film icon, husband, father and human being...This scene is, perhaps, the most poignant and powerful, in American film history...That, brilliant and bold slap was heard and seen, around the world...Thsnks, Mr. Poitier!

[@twain103]

It was a HEY BROTHER,MOMENT FOR sure.

[@bailinnumberguy]

After Tibbs and Gillespie left the servant should've slammed the lemonade to the ground and given Endicott a few more slaps.

[@christopheradams5607]

Randy Bailin I laughed too hard at that.

[@buckwildjohnson1]

Dude wit the lemonade would have been hung. Gshit

[@pikiwiki]

the servant should've grabbed that mossy stuff and made Endicott a new moustache! And stuck it on him!

[@Kelly14UK]

Treats Blacks like pet humans. That can never be right. Any race, any human being.

[@hiawathaclemons]

Randy Bailin 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😂😂😅😅😆😅😆😆😆😅😆😅🤣🤣🤣🤣😅😅😅😆😆😂😂😭😭😭😭😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😆😆😆😅😅

[@raleighsanford5111]

The good part of the scene is the car ride at the beginning. The overwhelming best parts of the movie were with Sidney Potier and Rod Stieger. They fed off of each other better than most stars you will see, they made the movie.

[@stephensmith4480]

I agree with you there. The Condescending tone in Gillespie`s voice when he says, None of that for you, eh Virgil. This is one of the best Films ever made in my opinion, you just don`t see acting of this calibre today.

[@JACKnJESUS]

The end of the scene gives Mr. Tibbs a reality check ... on himself.