I was totally surprised at how great this film.You could feel your paranoia rise as the film went on and as you gradually learned the details of the real situation.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

The film may be flawed, but its message is not.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

I have enjoyed all of the shows very much starting from the original movie with Sidney. I am a southerner from close to Hammond Louisiana and was raised all over Louisiana and Mississippi. The characters and settings all take me back to childhood as they depict life as it was in that time. Carrol OConner is virtually unbelievable as an actor and writer. He literally folds himself into whatever role he is playing making it so real he could probably fool himself. Rollins,Autry, young Hugh and all the rest of the cast are by no means far behind. It's a shame to lose this show and sad for the actors that have gone on. I think one of my favorites of the show is Quincy Jones as I am into jazz music. His scores for all the scenes really brings out the edge in all they are trying to convey. Real bluesy. Hats off-Hands down. I,m a little puzzled by ITHOTN though. Could someone tell me about that? thanks tom s

I began watching this series shortly after it first appeared, and was grateful that it continued on in syndication for so long. I still watch any time I see it appear in a newspaper listing. I agree wholeheartedly with the 2 other comments I have read here on this site, and am glad to be given the opportunity to add to what is apparently consistent praise for the work done by the writers, directors, casting personnel, and the cast members themselves. Having had some limited law-enforcement experience, I can say that I have a deep appreciation for the character portrayed by Carrol O'Connor, not only for the quality of his performance as an actor, but for bringing us the very human side of law-enforcement officers everywhere, especially those in supervisory positions. It is the often conflicted needs of the duty-bound versus that very human element that was what brought us to the edge of our seats in these very well-written episodes, time and again, and yet humor was not forgotten as we shared in these peoples daily lives. I could go on for hours, but I will conclude only by saying, I miss it, sorely. I would be grateful to be notified at any time of any opportunity to purchase this series on VHF or DVD. While it is true, that I have enjoyed much of it in syndication ("re-runs") I am also aware that there are many episodes I have not seen, as I was traveling a great deal, and working odd hours during its "prime-time showings. I only just discovered this site, after having searched "Amazon" thoroughly and not found it. Again, thank you for letting me put my "two cents" in! Urfriend

in the heat of the night will always be my favorite show ever, i loved that show and still catch the syndicated shows, they show on tnt here in nyc, i wish they would come out on DVD already cause id buy the whole set in a second, chicef bill gillespie, was the greatest sheriff i have ever seen and the show as a hole was awesome, i remember waiting all week to see the next weeks episode, great great great show, bubba, virgil, jamieson, and all the rest did a great job on a great show, if anyone knows of DVD release of that TV show, please let me know asap..... thank you.... its a shame that virgil, howard rollins had 2 die, to bad he was mixed up w/that junk, and the day carroll o'connor died was a very sad day for me and for all fans, of the heat and all in the family and many other shows he did,

This show will always be one of my favorites. It takes a look at the so-called New South and shows the many ways it has gotten better and how in some ways it is still the same. In fact, I still prefer the television series over the movie any time. The late Howard Rollins was superb as Virgil Tibbs and the late Caroll O'Connor made the perfect Bill Gillespie. However, the real standout was Alan Autry as Seargent (and later Captain) Bubba Skinner. He is the perfect example of the tough guy with the heart of gold and he was what made the show special.