[7]

Sidney Poitier plays a black Northern detective who reluctantly aides a white Southern sheriff (Rod Steiger) in solving a murder case. The mystery itself is a bit thin, but it’s bolstered by good performances from the leads and a commendable handling of volatile subject matter. (Though the film takes place in Mississippi, the film’s crew decided to shoot no further south than Tennessee for fear of everyone’s safety.) Fun, jazzy score by Quincy Jones.

Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Actor (Steiger), Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound, Best Film Editing

Oscar Nominations: Best Director, Best Sound Effects