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Both films free to the public

The Tryon History Museum’s 10th Anniversary Celebration will take place this next weekend, beginning Thursday, September 26, and running through Sunday, September 29. As part of this celebration, Tryon Theatre will be showing two films, both free to the public, on Saturday and Sunday. The museum has selected each of these films for its thematic or direct connection to Tryon’s history. 

The first film, “National Velvet” (Brown 1944), will play for one showtime at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 29. “National Velvet,” starring a young Elizabeth Taylor, is one of cinema’s most beloved equestrian films and a film of great historical significance. 

“National Velvet” follows Taylor’s character, Velvet Brown, a twelve-year-old horse-obsessed girl, and her relationship with a talented gelding she names “The Pie.” While this film has no direct ties to Tryon, its thematic connection is obvious, with the equestrian world a large component of Tryon’s history. Both horse breeding and numerous equestrian pursuits have long found a home in Tryon and thrive to this very day. 

For any community member who loves horses, loves that timeless bond between human and animal, or simply loves film, this acclaimed classic will surely satisfy! 

The second film, “Sherlock Holmes: A Play by William Gillette” (1916), will play for one showtime at 7 p.m. on Sunday, September 29. This film is a silent-era black-and-white adaptation of the identically titled stage play written by the multi-talented author, playwright, and actor William Gillette. 

Prior to this film recording, Gillette had worked directly with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, the creator of Sherlock Holmes, on the character’s adaptation to the stage. Additionally, Gillette had a long tenure playing the stage character and famously incorporated Sherlock’s iconic accessories, a deerstalker hat and a calabash pipe. 

The film version of Gillette’s four-act play is touted as one of the silent era’s most complex and modern works: a full-length, cohesive, and intelligent stage drama playing out on the silver screen, replete with creative production choices enabled by the burgeoning film medium. This film is directly tied to Tryon’s past, with William Gillette having been a resident of Tryon during the early 1900s. 

In 1890, William Gillette began purchasing property, eventually creating a sprawling rural estate named Thousand Pines (the present-day community of Gillette Woods). This drew many others to Tryon from his artistic world. 

Gillette’s time spent in Tryon is not accredited to any of his work with the Sherlock Holmes character, but his impact on Tryon was nonetheless of great historic value and influence. For any filmgoer curious to explore the silent era or appreciate the work of Tryon’s historic resident, join us for “Sherlock Holmes!”

Visit www.tryontheatre.com to reserve a ticket, or visit The Tryon Theatre’s box office during its open hours. 

These films are not the only fun for the 10th Anniversary Celebration! For a full schedule of the weekend’s events or to learn more about how to support The Tryon History Museum’s mission, please visit its downtown location (26 Maple Street, Tryon) or visit www.tryonhistorymuseum.org