The historic Tryon Theatre will present a week of classic movies from 1938-1939 to celebrate its 80th anniversary.

Eighty years ago this week, the front page of the Tryon Daily Bulletin proclaimed the grand reopening of the Tryon Theatre after months of renovations. To celebrate the movie theater’s 80th anniversary of that event, the Tryon Theatre will present a full week of classic movies from 1938 and 1939. 

Wednesday: “You Can’t Take It with You”

The film won the Oscar in 1938 for Best Picture, and Frank Capra picked up his third Oscar for Best Director. This romantic comedy about lovers from different classes stars Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore and Edward Arnold.

Thursday: “The Adventures of Robin Hood”

Errol Flynn takes to Sherwood Forest to rob from the rich and steal the affections of Olivia de Havilland’s Maid Marion. This 1938 swashbuckler was nominated for Best Picture, but narrowly lost out to Wednesday’s film.

Friday: “Gone with the Wind” 

A story about a spoiled Southern girl’s hopeless love for a married man, this four-hour Technicolor romance is widely considered one of the greatest movies of all time. It won 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture in 1939.

Saturday: “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington”

Frank Capra’s 1939 comedy-drama established Jimmy Stewart as a lead actor in one of his finest and most archetypal roles. He plays an idealistic and naive junior senator taking on Washington’s corrupt political machine. The screenplay won the Oscar for Best Story that very competitive year.  

Sunday: “Bringing Up Baby”

Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn lead this comedy, entangling a flighty and often irritating heiress, a mild-mannered anthropologist and a leopard named Baby. Brought to theaters in 1938, it is widely considered to be the quintessential “screwball” comedy and one of the funniest films ever. 

All of these films begin at 7 p.m. with the exception of “Bringing Up Baby” on Sunday, which will begin at 3 p.m.

More information, trailers and ticket information can be found on the Tryon Theatre’s website, tryontheatre.com.

– Submitted by Nick Wilson