Duck Soup Cinema has become a cherished tradition at Overture Center, celebrating the legacy of the Capitol Theater's silent film heritage. Born from the vision to bring the Grand Barton Organ back into the spotlight, the series began as the Sounds of Silents before evolving into its current form in 2004. Each year, 2-5 films are presented with live accompaniment from a skilled organist, whose performance mirrors the emotions of the actors, just as it did when the theater first opened in 1928.  

This 45th anniversary season, Duck Soup Cinema continues to welcome all who wish to experience the magic of silent films, complete with vaudeville-style acts and a lively atmosphere that promises laughter, nostalgia and a unique cinematic journey for all. Explore a world where dreams take flight and lives are transformed. From a millionaire’s moral awakening to a boy who never grows up to a family tested by temptation, each silent film blends fantasy, heart and change—brought to life with dazzling restorations and live organ accompaniment.

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. 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. I look forward to providing similar moments and memories to film fans, young and old, in the Capitol Theater at Overture Center.

My film programming experience dates back to the 1990s. I was the first programming assistant for the UW-Cinematheque in 1998, and a programmer for the inaugural Wisconsin Film Festival in 1999. I received my Ph.D. in film history, focusing on distribution and exhibition of experimental film, in 2004. Many exciting developments have occurred in silent era cinema research in the past several years that will help guide us as we prepare Duck Soup Cinema programs.

I have contributed reviews and film related articles to Isthmus since 2000. Since 2018, I have programmed Mills Folly Microcinema, a monthly experimental film series at Arts + Literature Laboratory, and MMoCA Cinema screenings at Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. My website, jameskreul.com, features documents from Madison's film culture history as well as program notes for upcoming screenings. I'm firmly committed to broadening the range of film experiences here in Madison. See you at the movies!

Note: 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 be providing pre- and post-show resource material exploring key topics throughout the season.