Page One: “In the Heat of the Night” (1968)

Screenplay by Stirling Silliphant, based on a novel by John Ball

A key scene from the beginning of the movie:

I just watched this scene. It reminded me of what I miss in contemporary movies. Quiet. Instead of every frame being filled with soundtrack music, here is an entire ten minutes with nothing but quiet in the background. It gives a viewer a chance to think … feel … process. Instead of being bombarded by incessant noise.

You may read the screenplay here.

FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY!

Page One is a daily Go Into The Story series featuring the first page of notable movie scripts from the classic era to contemporary times. Comparing them is an excellent way to study a variety of writing styles and see how professional writers start a story.

For more Page One posts, go here.