Experience the magic of Duck Soup Cinema at Overture Center

For over three decades, Overture Center has brought the golden age of silent films to life with its beloved Duck Soup Cinema series. A unique blend of nostalgia, artistry and community, Duck Soup Cinema is more than just a movie screening. It’s a chance to step back in time to experience the magic of the silver screen just like it was done in 1928.

A History of Duck Soup Cinema

Before there was Duck Soup Cinema, there was the Sounds of Silents film series, started in 1985 by Rudy Lienau who at the time was serving as director of events at the Madison Civic Center.

When Lienau started his role at the then Madison Civic Center in 1983, he found himself working with volunteers, many of whom were old enough to remember Capitol Theater as a silent film house. The volunteers often expressed their dismay that the incredible Grand Barton Organ wasn’t being used, and they persisted that the Civic Center find a way to make use of the historical instrument.

Lienau brought the matter up with his colleagues, and together they explored ways to showcase the organ. They decided to reclaim the silent film heritage of Capitol Theater with the Sounds of Silents series.

A New Era of Silent Films

The Sounds of Silents film series began as a way to celebrate and preserve the art of silent films. The series showcases classic silent films accompanied by live music, much like audiences experienced in the early 20th century.

The series was renamed to Duck Soup Cinema in 2004 and is a playful nod to the classic slapstick humor often featured in silent films. While it shares its name with the 1933 Marx Brothers’ talkie “Duck Soup,” the program focuses on an earlier era, when films relied on visual comedy, exaggerated gestures and title cards to tell their stories.

Decades later, Duck Soup Cinema remains a cherished program at Overture, offering families and film enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy classics of the silent era in an authentic and immersive setting.

“I'm thrilled to continue the tradition of Duck Soup Cinema (and the Sounds of Silence before it) to keep silent film history alive in Madison. I have vivid memories of attending silent films accompanied by the Grand Barton organ, dating back to my high school days when my interest in film history was developing,” said James Kreul, Duck Soup Cinema Curator. “One of my biggest belly laughs ever in a theater was after a moment in ‘Three Ages’ (1923), when Buster Keaton looks up to the camera and blows a kiss as he falls off a cliff, like Wile E. Coyote.”

The Grand Barton Organ

No Duck Soup Cinema experience would be complete without the captivating sound of the Grand Barton Organ. In the years leading up to World War II, about 10,000 theater pipe organs were built and installed all over the world. Today, less than 20 remain in their original homes, in original condition. One is Overture’s very own Grand Barton Organ, built in 1927 by the Bartola Musical Instrument Company of Oshkosh, Wis.

Thanks to generous Overture donors and sponsors, the Grand Barton was recently restored by pipe organ professionals with no alterations. Only three unaltered Barton organs remain. The instrument functions and sounds exactly as it did when the first Capitol Theater audiences experienced it in 1928.

At Duck Soup Cinema events, skilled organists bring the Grand Barton to life, improvising scores that align perfectly with the action on screen. Their artistry transforms each film into a one-of-a-kind performance, showcasing the timeless connection between music and storytelling. For many attendees, the live organ accompaniment is the highlight of the experience!

A Community Celebration 

Duck Soup Cinema is more than just a series of film screenings; it’s a celebration of community and creativity. Each event features pre-show entertainment, including vaudeville-style acts by local performers who set the stage for the main feature.

By combining classic films, live music and interactive entertainment, Duck Soup Cinema creates an unforgettable experience that appeals to audiences of all ages. It’s a family-friendly outing, a history lesson and a cultural event all in one, making it a must-see for anyone who loves film, music or storytelling.

Join Us for the Next Performance

Duck Soup Cinema continues to honor the legacy of silent films while fostering a deep appreciation for the art forms that shaped modern entertainment. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of silent cinema or a first-time attendee, you’ll find something to love in this captivating program.

Check our calendar for upcoming Duck Soup Cinema dates—and join us for an experience filled with laughter, music and timeless cinematic magic. Don’t miss the chance to witness history brought to life through the sights and sounds of Duck Soup Cinema!

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