Beverly Todd and Sidney Poitier, They Call Me Mister Tibbs!
I’ve gotten on my soapbox before about films from the sixties, seventies, and even eighties and… don’t look now but I’m in the process of climbing up there again.
Online (and off), there seem to be fractions of film fandoms (groups of film lovers):
- those who pretty much exclusively watch silents -thirties
- those who pretty much exclusively watch thirties-forties
- those who pretty much exclusively watch black and white movies, saying “no thank you” to any with color
- those who pretty much exclusively watch movies pre-1950
- those who pretty much exclusively watch movies from 1990 through today
- those who watch only modern-era movies, never dipping their toes into anything pre-2000
While I would fight for anyone to watch what they choose to watch and love what they choose to love, as a card-waving member of the silents through modern-day fandom (there are a few of us!), I pretty much hate the fact that many wonderful movies and stars are tragically left out. So many gave such incredible performances and deserve to be remembered, cherished, and celebrated as… say… Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, Bette Davis, Charlie Chaplin, Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise, and Emma Stone.
Sidney Poitier and Barbara McNair
What’s more, there were some absolutely WONDERFUL films made between 1960 and 1980. If you fall within one of the groups mentioned above, I hope you’ll make a point to seek out more films from other eras. I have no intention of getting all up in your business, mind you… but as someone who wants very much for the stars of yesterday to shine for generations to come, I want all genres, all decades, and (most importantly) all stars to be embraced.
Ready to step into films of the seventies either for the first time or as a return trip? Have I got a great one to recommend?! The iconic 1970 movie, They Call Me Mister Tibbs! was beautifully directed by Gordon Douglas and boasts a cast most films would envy: Sidney Poitier, Beverly Todd, Barbara McNair, Martin Landau, and Ed Asner.
You can find They Call Me Mister Tibbs! on dvd (Amazon link) or watch the movie on Prime Video.
Sidney Poitier and Martin Landau
