The Making of In the Heat of the Night: A Look Behind the Scenes
On this date in 1967, the groundbreaking film In the Heat of the Night was released, forever changing the landscape of American cinema. This powerful drama, directed by Norman Jewison, not only tackled issues of race and justice but also faced significant challenges during its production. In this blog post, we’ll delve into some fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the film, including why it was filmed in the North, the unique challenges faced by Sidney Poitier, and the innovative lighting techniques used to capture the film’s iconic scenes.
A Cautious Decision: Filming Locations and Safety Concerns
1. A Location Choice Influenced by Real-Life Danger
Sidney Poitier, a trailblazing actor and civil rights advocate, insisted that In the Heat of the Night be filmed in the North. This decision was influenced by a harrowing experience he and Harry Belafonte had in Mississippi, where they were nearly killed by Ku Klux Klansmen. To ensure the safety of the cast and crew, Sparta, Illinois, was chosen as the primary filming location. However, the filmmakers did venture into Tennessee briefly to shoot the outdoor scenes at a cotton plantation, as no suitable location was available in Illinois.
2. Safety Precautions and Tensions
During the Tennessee shoot, Poitier took extreme precautions for his safety. He slept with a gun under his pillow due to threats from local racist thugs. The tension was palpable, leading to a shortened shoot in Tennessee and a return to Illinois. The filmmakers’ decision to relocate highlighted the pervasive racial tensions of the time and the risks faced by those challenging the status quo.
A Summer Setting Filmed in Autumn
1. Dealing with Seasonal Discrepancies
In the Heat of the Night is set in the sweltering summer heat of Mississippi, but it was actually filmed in Illinois during autumn. To maintain continuity and realism in the night scenes, many actors had to keep ice chips in their mouths to prevent their breath from appearing on camera. This small but significant detail exemplified the meticulous efforts made to create a convincing summer atmosphere despite the seasonal discrepancies.
2. Innovative Cinematic Techniques
The film’s director of photography, Haskell Wexler, implemented groundbreaking lighting techniques to ensure that Sidney Poitier’s dark complexion was properly represented on screen. Prior to this, standard lighting methods often produced an unwanted glare on actors with darker skin tones. Wexler’s approach involved toning down the lighting to highlight Poitier’s features more effectively, making In the Heat of the Night the first major Hollywood film in color to be lit with such consideration.
Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger in a tense scene from In the Heat of the Night. The film’s innovative lighting techniques and careful cinematography contributed to its critical acclaim.
A Lasting Legacy
In the Heat of the Night not only made a significant impact with its bold storytelling and compelling performances but also through its innovative approach to filmmaking. The film’s success was a testament to the dedication of its cast and crew, who navigated numerous challenges to bring this powerful story to the screen.
From its thoughtful choice of filming locations to its groundbreaking lighting techniques, In the Heat of the Night stands as a landmark in cinematic history, reflecting both the social issues of its time and the artistry of those who worked on it.
What are your thoughts on the making of In the Heat of the Night? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below. Let’s celebrate this classic film and the groundbreaking work that went into creating it!
