Historic Film Club offers holiday comedy 'Grumpy Old Men'

The Museum at Central School Historic Film Club will present the holiday classic “Grumpy Old Men” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27.

Retirees John and Max (Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau) are lifelong friends and rivals, either arguing seemingly just to pass the time, or else trying to one-up each other in their favorite hobby — ice fishing. This dynamic duo gets pushed into overdrive with the arrival in town of Ariel Truax (Ann-Margret), a beautiful (and single) college professor. As both men vie for her attention, they are forced to answer difficult questions about their families, their personal history, and the nature of their friendship.

The film’s writer and native Minnesotan Mark Steven Johnson based the characters partially on his own grandfather, with both Lemmon and Matthau in mind for the two leading roles. Once Lemmon joined the project, he had to convince Matthau to accept the role of “Max” for the pair’s sixth feature-film collaboration, as Matthau originally disliked the screenplay. Director Donald Petrie suggested Sophia Loren to play “Ariel,” and although Ann-Margret was ultimately cast in the role, Loren later joined the cast for the 1995 sequel, “Grumpier Old Men.”

There is no charge for the film, and donations will be accepted to help defray the cost of showing the films. The movie and popcorn are free; wine, beer, pop and water will be for sale. Seating is provided, but film fans can bring their own floor pillows, portable chairs, or whatever is comfortable for viewing the film.

The Museum at Central School is located at 124 Second Ave E., in Kalispell. Call 406-756-8381 for more information.