Duck Soup Cinema Silent Film Series Comes to Overture

Relive the magic of silent cinema and indulge in an evening of laughter, music and nostalgia at Duck Soup Cinema. The three-show silent film series—starting with “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” on Saturday, Oct. 5—transports you back in time to the captivating world of silent film in the historic Capitol Theater.

Nationally known for providing an authentic silent film experience, Duck Soup Cinema includes local vaudeville entertainment with an emcee, door prizes and a classic feature film. A skilled organist masterfully plays live organ accompaniment on Overture’s original Grand Barton Organ, mirroring the actors’ emotions, just as it was done in 1928.

This season, Duck Soup Cinema takes you on an adventure through the theme of illusion versus reality, highlighting how our perceptions can shape our understanding of the world. “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” uses striking visuals to reflect a distorted mind, creating an unsettling atmosphere of reality just in time for Halloween. “Yes or No” delves into the complexities of truth and deception, challenging viewers to consider the ambiguity of what they see. “The Dragon Painter” tells the story of an artist whose passion blurs reality and imagination, demonstrating the power of creativity. Together, these films offer a compelling look at how our minds shape our experiences, making this season a thought-provoking journey into the world of silent cinema.

Duck Soup Cinema is curated by James Kreul. Jelani Eddington and Clark Wilson are the featured organists, and Joe Thompson returns as emcee.