'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
In the Heat of the Night was released on August 2, 1967, premiering at a theater in New York. The film received widespread critical acclaim and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, at the 40th Academy Awards in 1968.
In the Heat of the Night is directed by Norman Jewison and features Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger. The movie is famous for its intense plot and impressive acting. It's set in a made-up town in Mississippi and deals with racial issues in the South.
The movie was filmed mostly in Illinois, with some scenes also shot in Tennessee and California instead of Mississippi. This article takes a closer look at the important filming spots that made this iconic film what it is.
Trending
Places where In the Heat of the Night (1967) was shot
1) Sparta, Illinois
A lot of In the Heat of the Night was shot in Sparta, Illinois, a quaint little town that served as a great stand-in for fictional Sparta, Mississippi. The filmmakers picked Sparta because it had that genuine small-town vibe and already had some signage in place, which helped them save money and time.
Some key spots in Sparta that you'll recognize from the movie include the Sparta Train Depot on 2nd St and the alley at Maple St & Broadway St, where Officer Wood finds the body.
Sparta is more than just a pretty backdrop. The decision to shoot here was also based on practical reasons and the need to steer clear of the South during a tumultuous time in America. Even though there were concerns about filming in that region, director Norman Jewison was able to capture the Southern vibe while minimizing any potential issues with racial tensions.
2) Freeburg, Illinois
The beginning railroad scene, which is important in the movie, was filmed in Freeburg, Illinois. This little town was just right for introducing Virgil Tibbs, played by Sidney Poitier. The train vibes and the town's cozy feel set the tone for the intense drama that follows.
Freeburg doesn't just show up at the beginning of the film - it sets the scene for the whole movie. The calm and laid-back vibe of the town stands out against all the drama and action in the story. This contrast brings out the theme of appearances versus reality in the towns we see on screen.
3) Dyersburg, Tennessee
Some scenes in In the Heat of the Night were filmed in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The cotton fields and Endicott's house in town gave a classic Southern vibe, making In the Heat of the Night feel authentic. These spots were key for showing the important racial and social themes.
Filming in Tennessee shows how committed the filmmakers were to getting the essence of the story right, even though there were worries about filming in the South.
Dyersburg's cotton fields represent the South's agricultural roots and the economic setting for the story's racial tensions. The scenes shot here are crucial, showing the characters dealing with deep-seated prejudices and conflicts.
4) Chester and Belleville, Illinois
Chester, Illinois, is famous for its bridge scene in the movie, which adds to the film's diverse range of locations. This scene, though short, helps set the mood and visuals for the movie. Similarly, Belleville, Illinois, features scenes that enhance the small-town vibe portrayed in the film.
Each location had something special to offer, adding to the film's realness and making viewers feel like they're in the story. Illinois gave In the Heat of the Night a mix of places that could show off the different sides of Sparta.
5) Raleigh Studios, Hollywood, California
A lot of In the Heat of the Night was filmed on set, but they also shot some scenes at Raleigh Studios in Hollywood, LA. The studio was perfect for those scenes that needed special setups or lighting. Raleigh Studios, at 5300 Melrose Avenue, has been home to a ton of famous movies and TV shows.
The filmmakers were able to nail down technical details and keep things consistent by using studio facilities, making it easier to shoot tricky scenes. The mix of on-location and studio filming played a big part in In the Heat of the Night's success.
Check out In the Heat of the Night on Tubi.
