Stars: Sidney Poitier, Barbara McNair, Sheree North, Fred Beir, Allen Garfield, Raul Julia, Bernie Hamilton, Gerald S. O'Loughlin

Director: Don Medford

Summary: Detective Virgil Tibbs finds himself suspended when he uses the help of an anti-drug group...

Sidney Poitier makes his third appearance as Virgil Tibbs in this police thriller. While aiding a group of local vigilantes trying to bust an international drug ring, Tibbs uncovers evidence that ties the police department to organized crime. His discovery, and subsequent investigation, leads him into grave danger.

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The Organizationwas the second and final sequel to 1967's In the Heat of the Nightand sees Sidney Poitier's homicide detective Virgil Tibbs called in to investigate the murder of a factory manager. In a lengthy, dialogue-free opening (the film's best sequence), it appears that we are witnessing the culprits in action. However, this group turns out to be a gang of idealistic young vigilantes who knew that the factory was a front for an international drugs cartel--the Organization of the title--and have made off with a haul of heroin secreted there. Suspected of the manager's murder, they meet Tibbs and seek his cooperation. He agrees to help them, pitting himself not only against the Organization but his own police department.

Set in San Franscisco, The Organizationinvites invidious comparisons with Bullitt: its somewhat cheesy contemporary soundtrack, derived from Miles Davis' Bitches Brew, certainly marks it as a piece of its period, as do the occasionally less-than-convincing action sequences, risible acting and far-fetched plot. Poitier, as ever, lends the film a certain dignity and poise, worthy of better material to work with than this. The film is also notable for providing early showcases for two of Cop TV's most famous Captains: Daniel J Travanti (Hill Street Blues) and Bernie Hamilton (later Captain Dobey in Starsky &Hutch) are both assigned minor roles here.

On the DVD:The Organizationcomes to disc in an adequate transfer, though still a little grainy. The sole extra is the original trailer. --David Stubbs

Aspect Ratio:	1.85 Wide Screen, 16:9 Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Original Theatrical Trailer, Interactive Menu, Chapter Selection
Subtitles:	Dutch, French, Hungarian, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Year:	1971
Release Date:	February 3, 2003
Runtime:	106 minutes
Certification:
Catalogue Number:	19767 D V D
Keywords:	General, Thriller, Organization
Genre:	Thriller