WISE QUACKS

Howard the Duck hasn’t made his official screen debut yet. But he’s already found some supporters among the web-footed set.

The famed marching ducks of Memphis’ historic Peabody Hotel will be among Howard’s “special guests” at a shindig at the Beverly Hilton, following the Wednesday benefit screening of Universal’s “Howard the Duck.” The mallard quintet (one drake and four hens) will perform the act that has made them famous (and a Peabody tradition for more than 50 years): A waddle (to “Stars and Stripes Forever”) across a red carpet for a dip in a big fountain.

“We’ll have a $6,000 (portable) replica of our lobby fountain,” said the ducks’ publicist, who admitted, “We didn’t use the fountain when the ducks did Johnny Carson (in November), so they didn’t do it (perform) right. We think, this time, everything will be in order.”

Before committing their ducks to the evening, the Peabody insisted on screening the film. “We’re happy to say that Howard is a great role model for all ducks,” said the rep. “ ‘Course, our ducks didn’t get to see the film. But we told them about it.”

Meanwhile, beginning today, Universal is operating 1-900-410-DUCK (cost: 85 cents a call) with a two-minute recording of Howard’s wise quacks. (Kiddies should get “parental consent.”)