The Spanish Dancer

media release: 

The Spanish Dancer 

Saturday, February 20, 2027, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Herbert Brenon | USA | 1923 | 106 minutes | Digital

Adventure and royal intrigue take center stage in this dazzling silent-era spectacle starring the magnetic Pola Negri. When a spirited dancer and a charming nobleman become entangled in palace politics, daring escapes and sweeping romance follow. Filled with striking costumes, grand sets and unforgettable performances, “The Spanish Dancer” is an exciting cinematic adventure for all ages.

Source: Kino Lorber Films

Organist: Jelani Eddington

Vaudeville: Doc the Rube, Wayne the Wizard, Tania Tandias Flamenco & Spanish Dance

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Madison, Wis. (July 20, 2026) — Duck Soup Cinema returns this season with three unforgettable films that bring the slapstick humor and dramatic performers of the 1920s back to life. For more than 45 years, audiences have gathered for this one-of-a-kind Overture series, where classic silent films are paired with vaudeville-style acts and live accompaniment on the historic Grand Barton organ, creating a lively energy that promises a unique cinematic journey for all. 

Duck Soup Cinema is 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 season, Duck Soup Cinema celebrates unforgettable characters who refuse to play by the rules. From Charlie Chaplin's lovable Little Tramp to Pola Negri's fearless dancer and Clara Bow's spirited Hula, each film follows a charismatic outsider whose humor, heart and determination turn convention upside down.

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

Tickets (under $15) go on sale on Friday, July 24 at 11 a.m. at overture.org. Join the Duck Soup Cinema Club by purchasing a package, which includes tickets to all three Duck Soup Cinema shows, priority seating and email newsletters with fun facts about each title.  

NOTE: 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.

Thank you to our Overture Presents Series Title Partners who help to make this series possible: Bell Laboratories and NGL Insurance Company.