After Tibbs proves not only his own innocence but that of another man, he joins forces with Gillespie to track down the real killer. Their investigation takes them through every social level of the town, with Tibbs making enemies as well as unlikely friends as he hunts for the truth.

Poitier’s sharp dressed Tibbs is a wonderfully cool presence among the sweaty bigoted locals. Steiger won the Oscar, but the honours should have been shared.