In the Heat of the Night

1 How does the film relate to Chapter 25 in Foner? A solid answer should cover at least two themes from Foner.

Chapter 25 in Foner's book talks about the escalation of the civil rights protests in the 1960's  and America dealing with prejudice, one scene that showcases the ways that discrimination affected African Americans was the police chief's accusations of Tibbs with no evidence other than seeing he was black and had money in his wallet. Tibbs is later assaulted by thugs and told to leave the town, this is another example of the unfair treatment and harassment of blacks during this time.

2 What was the symbolism behind when Police Chief Bill Gillespie told Detective Virgil Tibbs “you’re just like the rest of us ain’t you?”

The police chief's statement symbolized the change in attitude that the filmmakers wanted to spread. Saying "you're just like the rest of us" is meant to show that even if people look different than one another that doesn't mean that they can't work together. It also shows the change of heart that Gillespie had from his experience with Tibbs and how learned to respect him as an equal.

3 In the Heat of the Night was released in 1967. Do you think it offers a pessimistic or hopeful vision for the future of race relations in the United States? Do you feel the film’s vision is realistic given what was happening during the time period? 

Race relations in the 1960's were still very tense and this film reflects how many people still felt animosity towards blacks during this time. The filmmakers produced a hopeful vision for the future of race relations, they saw that the attitudes of American's were starting to change and strove to push it forward. The message that the film portrayed was one of understanding and equality, it attempts to promote a future where people look past race and respect each other. Both police chief Gillespie and Mrs. Colbert represent an optimistic view on the world, Gillespie learns to accept Tibbs and respect him, and Mrs. Colbert asks for the help of a black man because of his capabilities and doesn't disregard him because of his race.

4 Pick one character from the film and explain what you think he or she “stands for”—what do the filmmakers want the audience to learn from thinking about the character and what does this depiction reveal about the American culture in the 1960s?   

Police chief Gillespie stands for progression. His character changes the most throughout the story, at first he shows racist behavior with his treatment of Tibbs but throughout the film Gillespie gradually amends his ways. The filmmakers wanted the audience to learn that everyone deserves to be treated fairly and that skin color doesn't make people that different. This shows that America was slowly moving past its racism and people were learning to be more tolerant.