Trama:
An African American detective is asked to investigate a murder in a racist southern town.

Cast:

Sidney Poitier Virgil Tibbs

Rod Steiger Police Chief Bill Gillespie

Warren Oates Deputy Sam Wood

Peter Whitney Deputy Courtney

Lee Grant Mrs. Leslie Colbert

Anthony James Ralph

William Schallert Mayor Schubert

Scott Wilson Harvey Oberst

Larry Gates Eric Endicott

James Patterson Mr. Purdy

Quentin Dean Delores Purdy

Kermit Murdock Henderson

Larry D. Mann Watkins

Matt Clark Packy

Beah Richards Mama Caleba

Arthur Malet Ulam

Fred Stewart Dr. Stuart

Timothy Scott Shagbag

William Watson McNeil

Eldon Quick Charles Hawthorne

Jester Hairston Endicott's Butler

Stuart Nisbet Shuie

Khalil Bezaleel Jess

Peter Masterson Fryer

Phil Adams 1st Tough

Nikita Knatz 2nd Tough

Sam Reese Clerk

Alan Oppenheimer Ted Appleton (uncredited)

Clegg Hoyt Deputy (uncredited)

Buzz Barton Conductor (uncredited)

Supporto: Sconosciuto,

In prestito: No

Rapporto: Unknown