Katherine Houghton hated it too.
Houghton would tell Larry King in a fascinating interview in 2003, audiences would have to believe that no less than Sidney Poitier was falling in love with “a Pollyanna idiot.”
I especially dislike Poitier's role. There is no doubt that this is a very strong movie thanks in part to Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Sidney Poitier’s role has always bothered me however for several reasons.
First of all was his disrespectful attitude towards his father. But more than anything it was clear Dr Prentice did not want to get married. I believe he would’ve been very relieved if Mr Drayton objected to the marriage which would have given him an excuse to leave.
His clear reluctance to get married was further identified when they met for drinks with Joanna‘s friends who suggested they both leave tonight. You could see the look of anguish and fear on his face at that idea. He was horrified, but he was trapped.
All in all, this was a very good movie with each individual going into great personal detail with everyone else as they try to work through this very tense situation. As for me, I’ve often wondered if that marriage even lasted a year. With a rich young white naïve wife interfering and in the way with a reluctant Dr. Prentice and his work.
A shame to put such a great actor in such a role. Poitier (and Rod Steiger) were unbelievably good in “In the Heat of The Night.” One of my all time favorite flicks.