"They got a murder on their hands. They don’t know what to do with it."
Director: Norman Jewison
Cast: Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger, Warren Oates, Peter Whitney, Lee Grant
In the Heat of the Night — Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
TheycallmeMISTERTibbs!
Context
Gillespie mocks Tibbs's name, condescendingly asking what they call a boy like him back in Philadelphia.
Meaning
Apowerfuldeclarationofdignityandademandforbasichumanrespectinthefaceofsystemicracialdegradation[1.3].
There was a time when I could've had you shot.
Context
Said to Tibbs with venomous disbelief immediately after Tibbs slaps Endicott across the face in the greenhouse.
Meaning
Highlights the horrific history of extrajudicial violence, white supremacy, and lynching in the American South.
Take care, y'hear?
Context
Spoken in the final scene, as Gillespie carries Tibbs's suitcase and sees him off at the train station.
Meaning
A subtle but profound expression of genuine care, newfound brotherhood, and mutual respect.
Explore More About This Movie
Dive deeper into specific aspects of the movie with our detailed analysis pages