The American mystery drama film 'In the Heat of the Night', directed by Norman Jewison and starring Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger, was released.
The film 'In the Heat of the Night' won the Academy Award for Best Picture at the 40th Academy Awards.
John Ball's novel 'In the Heat of the Night', on which the film was based, was published.
Virgil Tibbs, a detective from Philadelphia, arrives in the small town of Sparta, Mississippi, to help investigate a murder case.
Virgil Tibbs is initially arrested and suspected by local police due to racial tensions and misunderstandings.
Chief Gillespie and detective Tibbs begin working together to solve the murder case, overcoming their initial prejudices.
The investigation uncovers several suspects and motives, increasing tension in the town.
Tibbs discovers crucial evidence that challenges initial assumptions about the case.
Tibbs and Gillespie confront and apprehend the true murderer, resolving the case.
After solving the murder, Tibbs prepares to leave Sparta, having earned respect from the townspeople and Gillespie.
