reason movie better known appreciated seems subject controversial subject movie never got proper big release still remains fairly unknown one day subject controversial anymore thoughbr br basically essence movie white man befriending black man friendship seem forced unrealistic way gets portrayed movie makes feel real see different ethnics mingle other completely normal unfortunately course back days really regarded anything normal seeing black man talking white girl fun friend must hard thing watch instance proportions  audiencebr br you really understand sidney poitier always still respected much hollywood society blackcommunity general course one reasons also received honorary award oscars  movies often fights discrimination prejudiced issues course in heat night best example this real role model certainly inspired many afroamerican actors day top that also great actor yes still alive pretty much retired completely movies seems since last credited role br br this movie martin ritts directorial debut also given much movie spend movie studios probably also bit reluctant mainly concept andor ritts first movie perhaps simply due fact mgm big anymore left best days behind them ever since s metrogoldwynmayer sort reputation making great cheap movies early years really one biggest studios lots stars acclaimed directors attached it made many award winning classic movies luckily reputation starting change whenever mgmlogo appears movie people longer expecting lessermovie anymorebr br anyway even restrained budget limited resources managed make great movie one movie simple characters simplistic plot it movie however still manages capture story subjects without ever starting become preachy anything it makes movie effective one well subjectsbr br really movie deserves seenbr br 