In the Heat of the Night (1967)

It follows Virgil Tibbs, a black Philadelphia detective mistakenly accused of murder. Cleared of charges, Tibbs is reluctantly enlisted by the police chief to solve the case. Teaming up with a local detective, he faces bigotry and challenges while unraveling the truth. Directed by Norman Jewison, is a powerful exploration of race relations and justice, blending crime drama with social commentary during the Civil Rights era.