“A Stop at Willoughby,” a 1960 episode of the “Twilight Zone,” focusing on a railroad commuter disillusioned with his life, is considered one of the most Westport-influenced installments of the classic TV show.

WESTPORT —  Writer Rod Serling lived in Westport for a few years in the 1950s, and the town and people he met here are reflected in various dimensions of “The Twlight Zone,” the iconic television show that debuted nearly 65 years ago.

Demystifying some of the program’s most famous episodes with Westport influences, both explicit and subtle, will be the theme of a four-day “Westport in the Twilight Zone: A Symposium” starting Thursday at the Westport Library, 20 Jesup Road.

The symposium, featuring “Twilight Zone” episodes and movie screenings, as well as panel discussions about the life and work of Serling, born a century ago. It will be led by author and “Twilight Zone” expert Arlen Schumer.

There is no admission fee. To reserve a seat, click here.

Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in black-and-white “Twilight Zone”-themed outfits, while the library provides black-and-white cookies  as refreshments throughout the event.

The schedule is: 

6-9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26: screenings of “A Stop at Willoughby” episode and the movie, “The Swimmer,” based on a John Cheever story and partially filmed in Westport.

“The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street” episode, thought to be influenced by Serling’s time in Westport, depicts how space aliens easily manipulate residents of a suburban community by undermining their insecurities.

6-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 27: screenings of “The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street,” “The Shelter” and “He’s Alive” episodes. Nick Parisi will discuss his latest book, “America’s Twilight Zone: How Rod Serling Foreshadowed the Age of Trump.”

5-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28:  screenings of “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” episode and the movie, “Jacob’s Ladder,” which was inspired by the episode. Mark Dawidziak will discuss his book, “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned in the Twilight Zone.”

1-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29: screenings of “Eye of the Beholder” and “Number 12 Looks Just Like You” episodes and the movie, “The Stepford Wives,” which was filmed in Westport. There also will be a pop-up show of artwork by Staples High School students inspired by the “Eye of the Beholder” episode.

For questions, call the Westport Library at 203-291-4800.

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