Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by kanesays on October 31, 2005 at 18:55:26

In Reply to: 2nd'd, portrays such an angry man, he really burns up the screen posted by grinagog on October 30, 2005 at 20:53:58:

The thing that I find fascincating is the scene in 'In the Heat of the Night' when Virgil and Gillespie have had dinner and are relaxing in his living room. Gillespie announces that Virgil is the first human being that has been to his home, socially. Virgil thinks that he can't be serious and continues listen to Steiger's character talk about his personal life and they are starting to connect.

Gillespie: 'Now look. I got no wife. I got no kids. Boy, I got a town that... don't want me. And I got an air conditioner that I have to oil myself, and a desk with a busted leg. And on top of that, I got... this, uh..place.
Now, don't you think that'd drive a man to takin' a few drinks?
I'll tell you a secret. Nobody comes here. Never.'

They talk a little more and then Gillespie asks Virgil asks him:

'Don't you get just... a little lonely?'

Virgil:'No lonelier than you, man.'

Gillespie: 'Oh, now, don't get smart, black boy.
I don't need it. No pity, thank you. No, thank you!'

Virgil is immediately taken aback and the brief moment of bonding between these polarized characters is shattered by this outburst.

The awkward moment is interupted by a knock at the door, and Tibbs leaves with Packy to question Mama Caleba.

Gillespie is left standing alone in his living room.

This scene saddens me every time I see it, and never fails to break my heart for Steiger's character. A brilliant scene by two superb actors in their prime.