The Organization

"The Organization" is a gripping American police crime drama released in 1971. The movie stars the legendary Sidney Poitier, alongside Barbara McNair and Gerald S. O’Loughlin. Directed by Don Medford, the film marks the last in a trilogy of police procedurals that feature Poitier reprising his character as Lieutenant Virgil Tibbs following "In the Heat of the Night" (1967) and "They Call Me MISTER Tibbs!" (1970). "The Organization" stands as a thrilling cap-off to the Tibbs series and effectively illustrates the darker, more uncompromising sides of law enforcement.

Set amidst the gritty backdrop of San Francisco, Poitier's own portrayal of Lieutenant Tibbs is nothing short of magnificent. He skillfully brings to life the relentless, analytical, and extremely competent police officer from Philadelphia who remains steadfast and unwavering in his quest for justice. Despite the harsh circumstances and moral dilemmas that surround him, Tibbs loyally upholds his duty to protect and serve.

Coming in at the height of Poitier's fame, "The Organization" places its focus on a group of vigilantes fighting against the drug trade in their city. They steal $5 million worth of heroin from a major drug syndicate that they nickname "The Organization." The vigilantes seek Tibbs' help as the only law enforcement officer they trust to handle the matter without unnecessary bloodshed, leading to a twisted cat-and-mouse game with the powerful Organization.

Barbara McNair plays Valerie, Tibbs' wife, bringing an understated strength to her role. Despite the limited screen time for her character, McNair succeeds in providing a strong voice of reason and support for Tibbs as he navigates the progressively complicated case. Gerald S. O'Loughlin, on the other hand, complements Poitier's character brilliantly as Inspector Chassman, taking on the role of the somewhat cynical, crusty cop with an air of disenchantment.

Beyond the star-studded cast, "The Organization" offers an insightful look into the societal impacts of drugs and organized crime through the lens of a lawman. While it remains largely a fast-paced action thriller, the film doesn't shy away from touching upon deeper themes like social justice, corruption, and the desperate measures individuals often resort to in their fight against systemic oppression. The movie efficiently links these broader themes to individual character arcs and the overarching narrative, adding a layer of substance to the intense action sequences.

Moreover, the cinematography and direction of the film enhance the suspenseful storyline. The gritty urban scenes of San Francisco enhance the noirish atmosphere of the narrative. And with a soundtrack from the maestro of 70s crime film scores, Quincy Jones, the tension and high stakes of the complex plot are perfectly underlined.

"The Organization" manages to keep the audience on the edge of their seats, not only with its thrilling plot twists but also with its moral complexity. It dares to question the extent of legality and morality in the face of grave injustice. These questions are beautifully framed within Poitier's performance, the crux of which lies in the dilemma faced by his character, Lieutenant Tibbs, as he grapples with maintaining a clear distinction between right and wrong amidst the murkiness of his circumstances.

In conclusion, "The Organization" is a compelling tale of raw street justice pitted against the world of organized crime, coming to its crescendo with the relentless pursuit of the truth by Lieutenant Virgil Tibbs. This movie perfectly balances hard-hitting social themes with the tense wire-work of a meticulously crafted police procedural, making it a must-watch not just for fans of Sidney Poitier, but also for lovers of classic crime dramas.