coveted oscar for best actor. poitier never overcame the tone deafness lip syncing the singing. the scene writer actually did the singing. poitier was considered a bankable star in 1967 standing in a landmark film "to serve with life". >> those kids are devils. >> reporter: playing act ever ch characters to confront racist p prejudices but would challenge the hollywood establishment forcing a change in the 1967 academy award winning "in the heat of the night" because of a scene that would require him to be a racist character. >> i'll put you on the bus myself. >> you ain't taking me anywhere. you're holding the wrong man. >> reporter: that year he would