Virgil Tibbs Trilogy

Overview

In the Heat of the Night is a 1967 American mystery drama film directed by Norman Jewison. It is based on John Ball's 1965 novel of the same name and tells the story of Virgil Tibbs, a black police detective from Philadelphia, who becomes involved in a murder investigation in a small town in Mississippi. It stars Sidney Poitier. The film was followed by two sequels also starring Poitier, They Call Me Mister Tibbs! (1970) and The Organization (1971). It was also the basis of a 1988 television series adaptation of the same name.

Number of Movies: 3

Virgil Tibbs Trilogy

Number of Movies: 3

Overview

Featured Cast

Virgil Tibbs

Valerie Tibbs

Jack Pecora

Mrs. Morgan

Bob Alford

Benjy

Lt. Jessop

William Martin

Juan Mendoza

Joe Peralez

Stacy Baker

George Morgan

Featured Crew

Directing

Sound

Directing

Art

Costume & Make-Up

Production

Sound

Costume & Make-Up

3 Movies

In the Heat of the Night

August 2, 1967

African-American Philadelphia police detective Virgil Tibbs is arrested on suspicion of murder by Bill Gillespie, the racist police chief of tiny Sparta, Mississippi. After Tibbs proves not only his own innocence but that of another man, he joins forces with Gillespie to track down the real killer. Their investigation takes them through every social level of the town, with Tibbs making enemies as well as unlikely friends as he hunts for the truth.

They Call Me Mister Tibbs!

July 10, 1970

A police detective's investigation of a prostitute's murder points to his best friend.

The Organization

October 20, 1971

After a group of young revolutionaries break into a company's corporate headquarters and steal $5,000,000 worth of heroin to keep it off the street, they call on San Francisco Police Lieutenant Virgil Tibbs for assistance.