The original version of “The Odd Couple” starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau as the definitive Felix and Oscar, as defined by Nel Simon, will be shown at the Tryon Fine Arts Center on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m.

Adapted from the play by Neil Simon, the film combined black comedy with pure slapstick and brought together two of America’s greatest actors of their time in an unforgettable pairing: Jack Lemmon as the obsessive-compulsive Felix and Walter Matthau as slovenly, easy-going Oscar.  Critic Bill Gibron said of the Lemmon/Matthau combination:  “When critics discuss chemistry, that on-screen magic that occurs between perfectly paired actors, the electricity exemplified by Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon is a textbook illustration of same.”

Lemmon and Matthau were both nominated for Golden Globe Best Actor awards, Neil Simon was nominated for an Oscar for his screenplay and the film, and in 2000, the American Film Institute honored the movie as one of the greatest American Comedies.

The film will be the final screening of the Tryon Fine Arts Center’s fall film series. As an additional attraction to the evening and an opportunity to acquire an unusual holiday gift, the posters of all six comedies shown in the series will be auctioned off prior to the screening.  In addition to “The Odd Couple” posters for “Animal Crackers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein,” “Some Like It Hot,” and “The Pink Panther” will be auctioned.

The doors at TFAC will open at 6:30 to buy tickets, view the posters, get refreshments from the bar, and enjoy the pre-movie social hour.  For more information on upcoming events at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, visit www.tryonarts.org or call 828-859-8322.

~Submitted by Frances Flynn