Sidney Poitier was offered the lead in 'In the Heat of the Night' to be produced by Walter Mirisch (West Side Story, The Magnificent 7) Poitier said, "When I read the script, I said, 'Walter I cant play this. The scene requires me to be slapped by a wealthy man and I just look at him fiercely and walk away. That is not very bright in today's culture. It's dumb. "This is 1968. You can't do that. The black community will look at that and be appalled, because the human response would be different. You certainly won't do the movie with me this way. "'If I do this movie, I insist to respond as a human being; he pops me and I pop him right back. If you want me to play it, you will put that in writing. Also in writing you will say 'If this picture plays in the south, that scene is never removed.' "Walter said, 'Yeah, I promise you that and I'll put it in writing.' "But being the kind of guy Walter is, his handshake and his word are the same, so I didn't need to have it in writing, and he kept his word. That scene made the movie. Without it, the movie wouldn't have been as popular." 'In the Heat of the Night' won five Academy Awards: Best Picture - Best Screenplay - Best Editing - Best Sound - Best Actor Rod Steiger

The butler witnesses Virgil Tibbs slapping Endicott and thinks to himself, "I've been wanting to do that for years."

Rip Sidney Poitier, and also Rod Steiger what a performance. Great film still holds up

"There was a time when I could have had you shot!" Endicott is crying because he's come to the realisation that the power he thought he had is just a facade and he's been hit a large dose of reality after being slapped by Tibbs.

"None of that for you, huh Virgil?" What a perfectly delivered line!

The butler went home, told his family and laughed for 3 days..😂

The slow almost painful look on Poitier's face when Steiger points out HIS prejudice is amazing. You can literally see the wheels turning in his mind. So much emotion in that one facial expression

The slap is powerful, the Butler's (Jester Hairston) reaction is Legendary. RIP Mr. Tibbs.

Everyone in this scene is so good. But Steiger is superb immediately after that slap. Incredulity, admiration, fear, amusement, sheer disbelief. "I don't KNOW!" Fantastic!

Sidney should have won an Oscar just for that slap alone.

That slap did not hurt Endicott's face, it hurted his pride and reputation forever..!

This was 1967. Dr. King was still alive. As was Stokely Camichael, Eldridge Cleavor & Huey Newton. Yes, I can even see Dr. King cracking a wry smile at this scene.

The speed in Poitier's movement with that backhand is always amazing. It seriously looks like it skips a couple frames, he's so fast.

"Voted least likely to mourn his passing"... Lolol. Love it

Sydney Poitier’s performance in this movie is outstanding

"Ooh boy! MAN, you're just like the rest of us, ain't ya?" The fact that he Gillespie changed from saying "boy" to thinking and saying "MAN" spoke volumes wrt respect and understanding of Tibbs, the man...equal human being...another cop.. I've long owned an original dvd of the whole movie. I just HAD to buy it!

Larry Gates, who besides being a very fine actor, was considered one of the sweetest and kindest men in Hollywood, had an awful time doing this scene because he just couldn't bring himself to slap Poitier. Director Norman Jewison had to stand in for Poitier and encouraged Gates to slap him(Jewison) as hard as he could till he was sure Gates could do it convincingly. Such an amazing movie. One of my favorites.

"In The Heat Of The Night" was released during The Black Power Movement. At the time, younger blacks were starting to follow members of The Black Panther Party. Not to mention that they were starting to steer away from Martin Luther King's nonviolent approach. In the movie, watching a black man slapping a white man, in The Mid to Late '60's, was revolutionary in itself.

...The look on the butler's face after Endicott got slapped said so much...

O'l Henry ran and told EVERYONE at the plantation.

Sidney is amazing as usual. The butler's reaction is hilarious.

The butler was like damn I've been wanting to do that for the past 45years 🤠🖕👌

I like when Gillespie stopped in mid chew.

To me as a Black Man seeing this scene brings such delight, cause the slap that Tibbs gave Endicott was saying you will not treat me like a second class citizen, no matter who you are and what race you are. Throughout the movie Sidney Poitier, just showed so much dignity and passion for justice as Virgil Tibbs. You felt as the viewer that this scene he could stand tall and strong whilst questioning him and then take that slap that Endicott dished out on him and responding back with a equally hard slap that was a little stronger. But without really knocking the crap out of Endicott.

He should have drank the lemonade and say " I worked up a Powerful thirst " and left 😂😂

Look at the butler's reaction when they slap each other. He's like, "Damn.....DAMNNN!" That was a powerful scene. That was real film art, as most were back then.

Virgil's expression when the chief says 'none of that for you huh?' is just perfect. Two titan actors, making each other look good.

I loved watching him weep and whimper .

NOW! My thoughts: I really enjoyed this movie because, not only did it reveal the reality of how things were in the mid 60's in which I was here then, and as much as it was hurtful to see those days again, but it was wonderful to see that people like the character, Mr. Tibbs was not affraid to stand up to this man. And show him that he was just as equal as he was! And it gave Black people like the ones that were watching him from the fields HOPE & COURAGE when they heard what he had done. One day they would come OUT of those fields and take charge of their own lives and not be bullied by NO ONE ANY MORE!

The butler shaking his head and the look of pain on Endicotts face that he hides at the end are intense. Endicott is finished, even the help has contempt for him.

Did you notice how Sidney "Rounded" his shoulders before he walked out? As to say: "Shiiii* now you know" The Absolute Best.

Not only is it the best scene of this movie, but it's one of the best ever. The movie was filmed in 1966, just as race relations were at their most violent & the civil rights movement was finally overturning centuries' worth of oppression and slaughter. it took the utmost courage & vision for everyone involved--creators, cast, crew, the music of Quincy Jones & Ray Charles--all working together to produce a classic like this. That slap, that shoulder shrug before storming out of the greenhouse, & that proud line from earlier in the film, "they call me MISTER Tibbs!!"...each of them were ultimate statements that the days of back seats and inhumane treatment were over. I don't think that Sidney Poitier has ever gotten his proper respect & acknowledgment as Hollywood's very own civil rights leader. I really wish there was a book or documentary of some kind on the making of "In The Heat Of The Night"...it would be great to hear the stories, beliefs, & fears of everyone involved as it was being made. I also wish that Poitier & the great Rod Steiger worked had worked together again on another film. Not a sequel to "ITHOTN" , because it didn't need one...but in another film as different characters. They were the perfect team for a film of this time.

I like how the butler was like, 'No lemonade for you, Sir." and he took it with him. LOL.

Never underestimate Steiger’s work in this classic. He was magnificent!

One of my favorite movies growing up. The continuous conflict and collaboration between Tibbs and Gillespie, in the time they were in, made for one of the most compelling relationships of any character duo IMO.

This scene is just so brilliant. It shows how pervasive the ingrained attitudes about race were and still are to some degree in the South - how they simply saw Black people as beneath them. The character of Endicott is a perfect means by which to display that. This isn't some frothing-at-the-mouth simple-minded food spouting off. This is a Southern gentleman who shows courtesy to Tibbs when they first meet. But when Tibbs steps over the line in questioning him, he reacts with that ingrained racist mentality, both in his slapping Tibbs and his reaction of pure indignation when Tibbs slapped him back; also the reaction of Gillespie too. So much going on here in this scene. I can only imagine how shocking that scene was to audiences on many levels when it first was seen.

The look on the butler's face is priceless

The interplay between Rod Steiger and Sidney Poitier is just amazing--EVERY scene they're in together is electrifying!! (I wish Steiger and Poitier could have shared the best actor Oscar that year--two of the most intense dramatic performances you'll ever see!!)

The First in History. And Very Much Needed. Thank you Mr. Poitier!

That slap by Poitier was one of THE defining moments of the 1960's, unlike a book, it was seen all around the world, It says I am an equal, no more and no less and you will respect me as such. It is also on a par in TV/Cinema history as the kiss between Kirk and Uhura in the original Star Trek (Plato's Stepchildren, November 1968) as the first interracial intimate scene, both scenes unique in their own way, but both carrying a very strong message.

Poitier was brilliant in this role. He was one of the first pioneers, to educate other black entertainers about signing royalty rights.

"You're just like the rest of us. Ain't you?" Priceless!

That turn the other cheek thing is over man.

This was a very powerful movie on many levels. I grew up during the 60s.

Endicott: There was a time, when I could of had you shot. Tibbs *Looks him in the eyes, shoulder roll, walks out leaving door open*

The slap heard 'round the world

in his contract,poitier stated that the slap scene would appear worldwide forever,no cuts

"None of that for you huh Virgil" Great Line, frequently cut out of early TV showings.

Helped my uncle sand the floors in this house in 1998. House is located in Dyersburg, Tenn. Bad storm had done some damage to the house and completely destroyed the green house. One of the few homes I've seen with a working elevator. Steiger and Poitier stayed at this house, they said, for the scenes in that area.

notice how quick the butler gets out of Poitier's way when he walks out, in complete, awe, shock, disbelief, you name it!

I saw this movie in Belfast in a picturehouse called THE HIPPODROME. It was packed to the doors and there wasn't a sound from the audience. When the movie ended everybody there stood up and clapped and cheered. It was an amazing response and I have never encountered this again. Rod Steiger I adored and my respect for Sidney Poitier soared. When it is repeated on our channels I watch it again, just to experience the emotion I experienced over 50 years ago ... superb x

Haven't seen this since I was a kid. I'll be watching this again soon. The acting is captivating and superb.

A great movie. For me the key moment - and certainly the bravest part of the script - is not the slap but the very end of this scene - 'Oh boy, man you're just like the rest of us, 'ain't you?' The script and Poitier's performance elevate Tibbs from a 'perfect' stereotypical victim/hero to a real human being: acknowledging then battling and overcoming his own prejudices, in a way most of us find impossible. Wonderful and important movie making.

THANK YOU MISTER SIDNEY POITIER

Homeboy was thinking ,damn I just made this batch of lemonade for nothing ,but that sure was entertaining seeing the boss man get a good slap! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

TWO GREAT ACTORS REST IN PEACE.WE WILL NEVER SEE THE LIKES OF THEM AGAIN GOD BLESS

Ironic part is that Endicott and Tibbs are the ones having the "civilized" polite conversation, while Gillespie is the "hick" who can't hold his own. They exchange pleasantries and talk about orchids . . . almost as equals, if it weren't for the color of Tibb's skin. But that facade is quickly shattered when Tibbs says he likes epiphytics and Endicott explains his racial explanation. So in an instant, they go from two men talking as men . . . to master and negro . . . and culminating in Endicott trying to humiliate Tibbs and put him in his place, only to get SUPER humiliated himself . . . and in front of his man servant, too! Great idea for a scene, great pacing, great dialog . . . and so well acted by all of them.

Thank you, Sidney.

Looked like Endicott was fixing to cry! He wasn't expecting Tibbs to retaliate!

Mr Endicott getting slapped was GOLD 😊

BEST scene in the WHOLE MOVIE!

Virgil slapped him right into the 20th century, lol! XD

I love the butler's reaction. Priceless

Well, now I’m hooked. Got to find and watch the whole movie.

Oh that was sweet! But did anyone notice that after they left, he started crying? I love it!

I particularly like this scene where he says there was a time when I could have had your shot

Still ground breaking, after 55 years. What a movie and has anything really changed..!!

One of my favorite movies, from a time when actors and actresses acted and not just merely read scripts like nowadays.

"I can pull that fat cat down! I can bring him right off this hill!" "Oh boy. Man, you're just like the rest of us." Everyone only see's the slap. But no one understands the irony of these lines. He's telling Virgil that he's acting prejudice just like him.

Rod steiger and Sydney have such unbelievable duo and their acting is just out of this world... Steiger"s Oscars win is well desrved...

Love this I was born in 83 but this show and Andy Griffith to my favorites

This is by far the best scene in the whole movie

It’s very rare for any film to contain two actors at the top of their game. Possibly the restaurant scene in Heat with De Niro and Pacino is one, but this film has numerous scenes where Poitier and Steiger are matching each other. Having said that, it was Steiger’s character that went through the bigger transformation, from naked racism to ultimate respect. Poitier’s character had as much contempt for his surroundings at the end as the beginning, though he had warmed to Steiger.

That was the slap that was heard around the world the universe everywhere 17,000 times thank you I love the Heat of the Night the original Cedar Point gave his best ever we love that it represent what needs to be done and dealt with

When I first watched this in the 70" s that slap was solo good to me, me and my grandmother had the biggest laugh!

Love the look on a Butler's face classic one of my favorite movies

Poitier is the best representation of a film icon, husband, father and human being...This scene is, perhaps, the most poignant and powerful, in American film history...That, brilliant and bold slap was heard and seen, around the world...Thsnks, Mr. Poitier!

I’m just mad he never got to drink his cold, soft lemonade Henry brought them.

A pure movie... just writing and acting and camera angles

The way Jewison holds the camera on Endicott to show his utter humiliation was absolutely perfect. One more second more or less would have diminished its power.

"I can pull that fat cat down! I can bring him right off this hill!", said with all the gusto Poitier can deliver. And of course, elicits that great reaction from Steiger. Classic.

As I said elsewhere here... I logged in here to pay my respects. As a black kid going to a school in a racist part of London, this one slap by Virgil Tibbs truly left a lifelong impression on me. It was a deeply symbolic scene, for me and for non-white people worldwide! Endicott's sobs surely reflect his pain at realising that the days when black people "knew their place" were on their way out. What a classy, elegant, almost regal, figure Mr Poitier was. RIP, Sir Sidney. 🖤✊🏽

This sequence is perfection. Even the butler. After Tibbs and Gillespie leave, he looks at Endicott, shakes his head, and walks out. Was he thinking, "Well Mr. Endicott. It was a long time coming."

I really like this movie because I can feel the the character flaws of both of them, with the ending just making me wish we could see more of the two of them in their new found friendship.

Definitely an iconic moment on cinema screen History!

I don't understand why they couldn't drink the lemonade before leaving.

The end of the scene gives Mr. Tibbs a reality check ... on himself.

The slap heard all throughout Mississippi! LOL!

He slept the Mississippi out of that old man lol.

This is still a brilliant film and stands the test of time. Obviously it helped having two excellent actors in the main roles. Watching this film in the late sixties, my mates and I had no understanding of what it must have been like for black Americans. This film gave us pause for thought.

ACTION from 5.07 😂😂✊🏾🤛🏾 the slap from Sidney aka Mr Tibbs was FANTASTIC 🤣🤣🤣

Watch Tibbs eyes as he looks to Gulispie....than to Kennikott...perrrrfect timing..love THIS

Ppl keep saying the slap was the moment, I disagree...when Gillespie says "Man, you just like the rest of us. Ain't ya?" is the defining line. Think about it.

I LOVED IT

Possibly the very best film of the 60s

This was so powerful & made Sidney my hero for all time.

Slapped the taste out of him lol

I read that Virgil was not supposed to slap him back but Sydney Portier felt that there is no way that Virgil is not going to respond in kind.

My all time favourite scene from any movie when Sydney strikes back like lightning.

One of the most prophetic scenes in American cinema .