The fall Classic Film Series sponsored by the Sippican Historical Society and the Marion Council on Aging will begin with “In the Heat of the Night” on Friday, Sept. 9 at the Music Hall, beginning at 7 p.m.

A big city African-American police detective sitting in a train station in Sparta, Mississippi happens to be at the wrong place at the wrong time. A murder of a prominent northern businessman has just taken place. The story pits this brilliant detective against the local police officers and local power brokers.

Stripping away extreme prejudice on both sides provides action packed excitement and memorable performances from Sidney Poitier as Virgil Tibbs and Rod Steiger as police chief Gillespie. The film won five Oscars including Best Picture and Best Actor for Rod Steiger. David Pierce will lead a discussion of the movie at its conclusion.

Admission is free and popcorn will be provided.