THE SIGNAL TOWER to Screen as Part of Overture Center's Duck Soup Cinema
The 1924 silent film stars Virginia Valli and Wallace Beery, with vaudeville acts by Wayne the Wizard.
The final showing this season of Duck Soup Cinema will be the 1924 film “The Signal Tower” on Saturday, June 13 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The evening is complete with vaudeville-style acts by Wayne the Wizard and Doc the Rube and a lively atmosphere that promises a unique cinematic journey for all.
Climb aboard for “The Signal Tower,” a gripping tale of love, loyalty and danger on the rails. Dave Taylor (Rockliffe Fellowes), a hardworking mountain railroad signalman, is devoted to his wife Sally (Virginia Valli) and young son Sonny (Frankie Darro). But when new colleague Joe Standish (Wallace Beery) moves in as a boarder, his barely concealed attraction to Sally threatens to derail their lives.
Filmed on Northern California locations—complete with an authentic signal tower built just for the movie—this rare screening showcases one of only two 35mm restoration prints from Photoplay Productions, meticulously dye-tinted to match the colors of the few surviving 16mm originals.
In addition to “The Signal Tower,” enjoy a special short film, “The Life and Death of 9413: A Hollywood Extra,” with live accompaniment by Nick Zoulek. The Signal Tower is presented by arrangement with Photoplay Productions and The San Francisco Silent Film Festival.
Please note: this film includes a storyline involving threat of assault and domestic threat that may be difficult or triggering for some viewers.
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.
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