Gladys:  remember you'r dealing with "kids" here.  ES was referencing the TV series "In the Heat of the Night" which, indeed, starred Carrol O'Connor.  I'm guessing you're likely a geezer like me and remember the movie.  Rod Steiger as Chief Gillespie and Sidney Poitier as Virgil Tibbs......and a great movie it was.  Both outstanding actors.  Gary Crum