What do the Smothers Brothers and famed Olympic equestrian coach George Morris have in common?
They will be represented in two very different ways at the Nov. 1, 7 p.m. showing at the Tryon Movie Theatre of “Tales and Legends of Tryon Horse Country.”
The “Tales and Legends” documentary is filled with stories from horsemen such as Morris, who were in Tryon during its formative equestrian days. Morris recounts tales of what it was like to compete at the Olympic Trials course at Cotton Patch in Tryon.
“Tales and Legends” includes rare old Tryon and Olympic team movie footage of Morris, Bill Steinkraus, Frank Chapot and Hugh Wiley navigating challenging jumping courses.
Moviegoers are urged to get to the theatre early, before the 7 p.m. showing, to bid on silent auction items in the lobby, the proceeds of which will help create a condensed version of “Tales and Legends” to make available for community programs.
In addition to wine baskets, jewelry and riding lessons from Gerald Pack and Jeannie Smith, silent auction items will include a 1989 bottle of “Smothers Vintage Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon” from Smothers Brothers Wine in California. This bottle was presented to a local horsewoman from comedian Dick Smothers, whose former wife and daughter participated in equestrian events north of Tryon.
The Nov. 1 movie event follows the thread of original equestrian events, such as Steeplechase, Tryon Hounds and Tryon Horse Show, which were started by Carter P. Brown, as told by his son Austin Brown. Remembrances are also shared by Betty Oare and Bucky Reynolds, who grew up in Tryon. Tales are told about Carter Brown, Arthur Reynolds, Lefty Flynn, F. Scott Fitzgerald, David Niven, Mr. and Mrs. Ernst Mahler, Gordon Wright and others.
For reservations and tickets, call 828-817-3336 or email thebigpicture@windstream.net.
– article submitted
by Sally Walker