Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- gritty
- serious
- suspicious
- 1970s crime marathon
- sidney poitier retrospective
What critics said
Critics generally found it to be a routine, weaker cop thriller whose strongest asset is Sidney Poitier's performance, with the direction and domestic subplot drawing criticism.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Virgil Tibbs confronts stereotypes and prejudice within the police environment while investigating the murder.
Tibbs's murder investigation unfolds alongside his frustrated marriage and rebellious son.
A liberal street preacher and political candidate is accused of murdering a prostitute, placing public influence at the center of the case.
The San Francisco investigation centers on prostitution, policing, and the city's political and social environment.
Films like They Call Me Mister Tibbs!, and why
In the Heat of the Night
Shared police investigation, racial tension, social critique, and serious crime-drama tone.
The French Connection
Shared 1970s urban crime setting, morally pressured detectives, and gritty investigative atmosphere.
Serpico
Shared murder mystery structure, institutional pressure, and character-driven police drama.
Movie Details
- Director
- Gordon Douglas
- Release Date
- 1970-07-10
- Runtime
- 108 min
- Rating
- 5.9 / 10 (106)
Cast
- Sidney Poitier
- Martin Landau
- Barbara McNair
- Anthony Zerbe
- Ed Asner
- Jeff Corey
- Norma Crane
- Juano Hernández
- David Sheiner
- Beverly Todd
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- ScreenPix Apple TV channel, ScreenPix Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is They Call Me Mister Tibbs! about?
- A principled San Francisco police lieutenant investigates a politically charged prostitute's murder while his own family life begins to fracture.
- What is They Call Me Mister Tibbs! like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of They Call Me Mister Tibbs! as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is They Call Me Mister Tibbs! violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in They Call Me Mister Tibbs! as moderate.
- What did critics think of They Call Me Mister Tibbs!?
- Critics generally found it to be a routine, weaker cop thriller whose strongest asset is Sidney Poitier's performance, with the direction and domestic subplot drawing criticism.
- Which films are like They Call Me Mister Tibbs!?
- Films with a similar feel include In the Heat of the Night, The French Connection, and Serpico.
- How long is They Call Me Mister Tibbs!?
- They Call Me Mister Tibbs! runs 108 minutes.
- Where can I watch They Call Me Mister Tibbs!?
- In United States, They Call Me Mister Tibbs! streams on ScreenPix Apple TV channel, ScreenPix Amazon Channel .
