Duck Soup Cinema
Why Worry?
Saturday, February 11
2pm & 7pm
Capitol Theater
$9 for adults and $3 for ages 12 & under
Age Recommendation
6 and up
In this 1923 comedy, Harold Lloyd portrays a wealthy and spoiled young man who is so obsessed with his health that he decides he needs to take a cruise to a southern climate and stay in “Paradiso,” a fictitious South American island off the cost of Chile. He goes there with his nurse and valet. He thought he would find peace, but stumbles into a revolution instead. Jelani Eddington will accompany the film on the Grand Barton Organ. Joe Thompson will emcee the series, complete with vaudeville acts, prizes and more. Film from The Harold Lloyd Trust.
The Duck Soup Cinema silent film series is nationally known for providing an authentic silent film experience in the historic Capitol Theater. Film showings include vaudeville entertainment with an emcee, door prizes and classic feature film with live organ accompaniment on the theater’s original 1928 Grand Barton Organ.
Film from The Harold Lloyd Trust.
BONUS: To help set the tone for the authentic silent film experience, prior to the film we will be showing a special newsreel from the early 1920s. It was part of a discovery in Milwaukee of over 150 reels of very old film found in a warehouse soon to be renovated into Condos. All the reels were acquired by Tim Romano. This 35mm film was preserved by Tim Romano/RGT Archives.
UNPACKING THEMES IN THE FILM
Overture’s Duck Soup Cinema silent film series is nationally known for providing an authentic and rare silent film experience in the historic Capitol Theater, which opened in 1928. As these films were released nearly a century ago, some films may depict theatric and social conventions of the time related to race, gender, socio-economic status and identity which are unacceptable. In response to and in alignment with our justice, equity, diversity and inclusion commitments, we will provide resource material to explore key themes throughout the season.
Paradiso or Mexico?
Although Why Worry takes place on a fictitious island, it was originally set in Mexico. Lloyd made the change in response to concerns from the Mexican Embassy that using Mexico as the setting perpetuated stereotyping. However, as you watch, you can still find tropes and cultural references to Mexico in the film such as the tricolor flag and portrayal of Mexican people as stereotypes. Before or after the film we encourage you to learn more about the context of Mexican American relations at the time of the film’s making and the notable contributions of Latinos in Silent Film era Hollywood here:
This page also includes information about some of the stereotypes and casting practices that were common at the time of filming. We also invite you to listen to this NPR story about how Latino legends paved the way for Hollywood but still face significant challenges today:
On sale Friday, September 16 at 11am
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Upcoming Duck Soup Cinema Events
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February 21
Saturday
Duck Soup Cinema, Film, Variety Peter Pan
Capitol Theater
Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "Peter Pan." A spirited boy whisks the Darling children to a magical island for high-flying adventures and daring battles with pirates in this beautifully restored silent-film fantasy.
Multiple Showtimes -
June 13
Saturday
Duck Soup Cinema, Film, Variety The Signal Tower
Capitol Theater
Join us for Duck Soup Cinema's "The Signal Tower." A devoted railroad signalman’s life is thrown into turmoil when a colleague’s interest in his wife sparks a tense and dangerous clash, set against breathtaking mountain scenery.
Multiple Showtimes
The Duck Soup Cinema Series is sponsored by Capitol Lakes Retirement Center
