Watch They Call Me Mr. Tibbs!
- R
- 1970
- 1 hr 48 min
They Call Me Mr. Tibbs! is a mystery-thriller film that stars Sidney Poitier as Virgil Tibbs, a San Francisco police detective who is assigned to investigate a murder case. The movie is a sequel to the 1967 film In the Heat of the Night and is directed by Gordon Douglas. The story begins when a prostitute is found dead in San Francisco's red-light district. The victim is a white woman, and the police department fears that the killing may spark racial tensions in the city. To handle the case, the Chief of Police assigns Virgil Tibbs, a highly competent and respected homicide detective, to lead the investigation.
Tibbs, who is African-American, is initially reluctant to take on the case as he fears that he may face racism and hostility from his white colleagues. However, he agrees to handle the investigation as he believes that justice should be served, regardless of the race of the victim. As Tibbs delves into the case, he discovers that the murder is more complex than he initially thought, and the investigation takes him through the seedy underbelly of San Francisco's criminal underworld.
Complicating matters for Tibbs is the involvement of influential white businessman Logan Sharpe (Martin Landau) in the murder case. Sharpe, who runs a construction company, has a history of shady dealings and is suspected of having ties to organized crime. He is also the husband of Valerie, an African-American singer (Barbara McNair) with whom Tibbs had a brief romantic affair in the past. With Sharpe as the prime suspect, Tibbs must navigate through a maze of corruption and cover-ups to find out the truth behind the murder.
The film expertly balances the themes of racial tension, crime, and corruption, all while maintaining a fast-paced and thrilling narrative. Sidney Poitier delivers a brilliant performance as Virgil Tibbs, showcasing the character's intelligence, resourcefulness, and strong moral compass. Martin Landau also gives an excellent portrayal of Logan Sharpe, a man who is convinced of his own superiority and privilege, but whose façade begins to crack under the weight of the investigation.
The film is also notable for its exploration of the relationship between Tibbs and Valerie, who share a romantic history but have since gone their separate ways. Tibbs resents Valerie for abandoning their relationship and becoming involved with a white man, while Valerie struggles with her own feelings about the situation. Their interactions are charged with tension and resentment, but also hint at a deep longing for understanding and reconciliation.
Overall, They Call Me Mr. Tibbs! is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes of race, crime, and justice in a nuanced and compelling way. Sidney Poitier delivers a powerful performance as Virgil Tibbs, and the supporting cast, including Martin Landau and Barbara McNair, provide excellent support. The movie is a worthy sequel to In the Heat of the Night and stands on its own as a thrilling and engaging mystery-thriller.
They Call Me Mr. Tibbs! is a 1970 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes.