This is a classic film. Lead actor Sidney Poitier is luminous - he glowers with such intensity. He delivers in one of the first mainstream "leading man" roles offered to an African-American actor. The incessant racism on display in this film is a shock - these Southern Caucasians are appalling! They drop the N-word at every turn, but Poitier's Virgil Stubbs never buckles - he's heard it all before. Any plot twists that seem doubtful along the way are redeemed by Poitier. He is the beating heart of the film, and he sells everything, he is always believable. His repartee with his foil, small-town police chief Rod Steiger is acting of the highest calibre. A must-watch for any fan of cinema.
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