The 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival will open with a screening of Norman Jewison’s In the Heat of the Night to honor the film’s 50th Anniversary.
Virgil Tibbs himself, Sidney Poitier, will be in attendance for the screening – producer Walter Mirisch, director Norman Jewison, actress Lee Grant and composer Quincy Jones will be on hand to discuss the landmark film.
The 8th Annual TCM Classic Film Festival – set take place April 6-9 in Hollywood – will also honor Ms. Grant, director Peter Bodgdanovich, and actresses Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher with tributes.
Other notable appearances will include Mel Brooks, Buck Henry, John Badham and Donna Pescow.
50th Anniversary Screening of In the Heat of the Night (1967) To Open 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival
Festival To Celebrate Oscar® Winner Sidney Poitier, Producer Walter Mirisch, Director Norman Jewison, Actress Lee Grant and Composer Quincy Jones
Additional Appearances Include Oscar® Winner Mel Brooks, Oscar Winner Lee Grant and Oscar Nominee Buck Henry
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) will kick off the 8th annual TCM Classic Film Festival on Thursday, April 6th with a 50th anniversary screening of the Sidney Poitier and Rod Steiger classic In the Heat of the Night (1967). The iconic actor Sidney Poitier, who will attend the screening, broke stereotypes and new ground when he starred in this five time Academy Award winner about a black detective from the north who finds himself investigating a murder in a small-town in Mississippi. Producer Walter Mirisch and Director Norman Jewison along with actress Lee Grant and composer Quincy Jones will be on hand to discuss the film which is considered to be a landmark.
The festival, set to take place April 6 – April 9 in Hollywood, will also include tributes to the following industry legends:
- Actress Lee Grant will be feted with a tribute featuring a screening of her debut film Detective Story (1951), along with The Landlord (1970) and a conversation in Club TCM
- Actor-director Peter Bogdanovich will be celebrated with screenings of The Last Picture Show (1971) and What’s Up, Doc? (1972) as well as a conversation in Club TCM
- Actresses Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher will be honored with screenings of Singin’ In The Rain (1952) and Postcards from the Edge (1990) with family members Todd Fisher and Billie Lourd hosting extended conversations at both screenings
This year’s festival will include a multitude of special anniversary films, poolside screenings and talent appearances including:
- Mel Brooks on hand to introduce a 40th anniversary screening of his Alfred Hitchcock spoof High Anxiety (1977)
- Actor and screenwriter Buck Henry introducing the 50th anniversary world premiere restoration from Rialto Pictures of the seminal classic The Graduate (1967)
- 40th anniversary world premiere restoration from Paramount Pictures screening of Saturday Night Fever (1977) including appearances by director John Badham and actress Donna Pescow
- 75th anniversary screening of the Oscar® winning classic Casablanca (1942)
- Opening night poolside screening at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel featuring Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (1971)
TCM is pleased to announce the return of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures as an official festival partner as well as the co-host of the opening night screening and party. Returning as the Festival’s exclusive founding partner, Delta Air Lines will again serve as the official airline of the TCM Classic Film Festival. Additionally, Citi returns as the official card of the TCM Classic Film Festival and Bonhams returns as an official sponsor.
To view the latest festival spot and for complete bios for each of the artists appearing at the 2017 TCM Classic Film Festival, please visit