THE FLYING ACE Makes Duck Soup Cinema Debut

The Flying Ace (1926) makes its Duck Soup Cinema debut on Sat., Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. with accompaniment by Jelani Eddington on the 1928 Grand Barton Organ, one of the last of its kind. This inspiring film, featuring an all African-American cast, is set in World War I and tells the story of a fighter ace breaking through racial barriers to serve the nation and his return to the U.S. after the war.

Patrons are invited to attend a pre-show reception with discussion in the Rotunda Lobby Gallery on Sat., Nov. 4 at 6 p.m. Immediately following the film showing will be a talk-back with Vaunce Ashby, the Director of Education at the Wisconsin Historical Society, and Al Whitaker, exhibition donor, Vietnam Veteran and commercial pilot.

"We are honored to have received permission from the Library of Congress to show this film with such social and cultural significance in African-American and American history," said Ed Holmes, Overture's director of diversity and inclusion. "It is exciting to have the opportunity to provide a comprehensive experience for patrons, showing photos in the Rotunda Gallery with a pre-show reception to discuss of some of the first African-American aviators, as well as hosting a panel discussion immediately after the film showing to engage with attendees regarding the significance of their history. This is really a tribute to some of the first African-American aviators in our country."

Accompanying gallery:

A HISTORY OF BLACK AVIATORS

Rotunda Lobby Gallery | Oct. 16 - Nov. 12 | FREE

In association with Duck Soup Cinema's screening of The Flying Ace, Overture presents an exhibit highlighting the history of African-American aviators. From the daring pioneers of flight who inspired the film to contemporary leaders who have broKen Barriers in our lifetime, we recognize a few prominent individuals who represent the struggle faced by all African-Americans battling racial discrimination and demanding equality on the ground and in the skies.

Remaining 2017/18 Duck Soup Cinema schedule:

DSC debut: Mantrap (1926) | Sat., Feb. 17, 2 & 7 p.m.| Organist - Jelani Eddington

This film, based on the novel of the same name by Sinclair Lewis, features a vivacious manicurist who marries a backwoods trader and moves to frontier Canada, but comes to realize she misses the city when a NYC divorce lawyer, shows up...

DSC debut: Sunrise* (1927) | Sat., Mar. 7 p.m. | Organist - Clark Wilson

This mature drama, which won three Oscars at the 1st Academy Awards in 1929, is a tale about a farmer fighting good and evil within him - choosing between an urbane woman and his wife at home.

Sherlock Jr. (1924) | Sat., Apr. 7, 2 & 7 p.m. | Organist - Clark Wilson

Ranked #62 in American Film Institute's list of 100 funniest films of all time, this comedy stars Buster Keaton as a projectionist who longs to be a detective and tries his hand at it when framed by a rival for stealing his girlfriend's father's pocket watch.

For over 30 years, Overture has revived and celebrated the heritage and legacy of Capitol Theater, originally built for silent film and opened in 1928. The two series, 'Sounds of Silents' (1986-1998) and 'Duck Soup Cinema' (1999-Present), have engaged patrons in nearly 95,000 silent film experiences, garnering national recognition for authenticity complete with music on the 1928 Grand Barton Organ, one of the last of its kind, still in its original theater.

"Starting and growing this program over the last 31 years has been an incredible experience, and I'm thankful to continue my work on 'Duck Soup Cinema' in retirement," said Rudy Lienau, Overture's former vice president of operations and Duck Soup Cinema programmer. "By keeping this art form, complete with the original 1928 Grand Barton Organ, provides us the opportunity to share something very special and unique with our community."

Local vaudeville-style acts open for a silent film screening (with the exception this season of The Flying Ace and Sunrise). Each show features a skilled organist who mirrors the actors' emotions on the Grand Barton Organ, just as it was done in 1928.

Tickets are available in person at the Overture Center Ticket Office (201 State Street), online at overture.org or by phone at 608.258.4141.

Duck Soup Cinema is sponsored by Goodman Jewelers and generously underwritten by Robert N. Doornek. Additional funding provided by Madison Stagehands and Projectionists Union, I.A.T.S.E Local 251, contributions to Overture Center for the Arts, and by members of the Duck Soup Cinema Club.

OVERTURE CENTER FOR THE ARTS in Madison, Wis., features seven state-of-the-art performance spaces and five galleries where national and international touring artists, ten resident companies and hundreds of local artists engage people in nearly 700,000 educational and artistic experiences each year. Overture.org

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