Celebrating Mr. Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier

There are many good actors, but some are legendary.  Mr. Sidney Poitier is indeed one of the most iconic actor to ever speak a line on the big screen.  We're all aware of the obstacles he overcame to become one of the most popular actors of his time.  The movie roles he starred in were certainly groundbreaking for their time and they helped pave the way for many others after him.  I consider Mr. Poitier to be one of my favorite actors and in celebration of his 89th birthday weekend, here are my "Top 5" Sidney Poitier movies.  Before the list of my favorites, you will find the film that catapulted Mr. Poitier into legendary, Lilies of the Field.  After this, you will see two other films listed that I've also enjoyed.

1964 Oscar's Best Actor Acceptance Speech

Lilies of the Field (1963)

Honorable Mentions:

No Way Out (1950)

Uptown Saturday Night (1974)

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5.  Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Talk about completely flipping the script (pun intended).  Who could have imagined discussing the issue of interracial relationships during the 1960's, let alone making a film about the subject.  Moreover, to have the husband be a black man was truly nothing short of a suicidal mission.  While times might have been changing, I do not believe the country was at a place of complete acceptance.  Thus, it was quite wise to have the main characters be played by the Hollywood heavyweights.  Poitier, along with Tracy and Hepburn, were essential to putting this movie at the forefront of the cinematic world.  All three were Academy Award winners and the public would not be able to doubt their acting abilities in the film.  It truly was an amazing performance by the entire cast.

4.  To Sir, With Love (1967)

Another classic Poitier film.  The thing that impressed me the most with Poitier's role in this film was his immaculate demeanor, which I do not believe was a stretch from the actual demeanor of Poitier himself.  Needless to say, many schools would benefit from having a strong and nurturing instructor like Poitier's character.

3.  Separate But Equal (1990)

This story is one of triumph and great hope.  It's one that all should know, as it was one of the most pivotal moments in U.S. history.  Poitier truly embodied the essence of U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall, in his role in this film.  I'm not sure how many actors could have pulled off such an important character, but I'm glad that Poitier decided to accept this one.

2.  In the Heat of the Night (1967)

It's truly amazing that one film could result in so many wonderful things.  As you can see from the trailer, Poitier's  character was one that challenged the notion that black men were incapable of being in positions of authority.  Not only did his character challenge the societal structure of the time, his character also demonstrated the intelligence and professionalism that all real men have.

I believe the audience witnessed the mentality of Poitier's character during the infamous slap scene. This particular scene reminded me of a story line in many books and films about black people overcoming moments of racism.  In immediately returning the slap, Poitier's character represented an attitude that he as going defend himself against everyone, that he was not going to submit to the social ideals of the time and that he was not someone to take as a joke.  The attitudes of the other three men in the room during this scene, demonstrated that they too understood exactly who Mr. Tibbs (Poitier's character) was and that they were not going to be able to tie him into their expectations.

The Best Scene

Ray Charles - In the Heat of the Night

1.  A Raisin In the Sun (1961)

What a classic?  Both the original play and the many theatrical adaptions that have followed are nothing short of spectacular.  I've had the pleasure reading the play in undergrad courses, attending various theatrical productions and watching the two film versions several times.  I am elated each and every time I read or I see this story.  Hansberry touched on many of the important issues facing black people during the era in which the play was written.  Moreover, having actors like Poitier, Claudia McNeil and Ruby Dee (another favorite), only served to lift this film into a realm of pure greatness.  This film and story will always be a classic!