The Flying Ace

press release: 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.

Overture Center’s Duck Soup Cinema is a silent film series celebrating the heritage and legacy of Capitol Theater, originally built for silent film and opened in 1928.                                        

“It’s been an honor to grow this program from an idea to a full-blown series,” said Rudy Lienau, Overture’s VP of Operations and Duck Soup Cinema programmer. “Keeping an art form such as this alive and thriving within the historical Capitol Theater for our community is a privilege. The fact that we still have the original Grand Barton Organ in its original home really helps maintain the genuineness of the program.”

Local vaudeville-style acts open for a silent film screening. Each show features a skilled organist who mirrors the actors’ emotions on the magnificent Grand Barton Organ, just as it was done in 1928.