December 15: Holiday Double Feature
Old Scrooge (1926) starring Seymour Hicks and A Dog’s Life (1918) starring Charlie Chaplin, organist Ken Double
Silent Movie Mondays
Silent Movie Mondays brings an incredible lineup of iconic silent films as well as special guest theatre organists from across the country to the historic Balboa Theatre. Step back a century, to an era when cheers filled the air, the organ thundered to life, and silent films lit up the silver screen.
"Silent Film" is a bit of a misnomer. While the films themselves contain no dialogue, an accomplished theatre organist provides grand melodies, suspenseful sound effects, and other accompaniments on the theatre's historic Wonder Morton Theatre Organ.
Theatre organs were created to replicate the sounds of a full symphony at the fingertips of one player. It is not the austere, formal sound you may associate with the instrument - rather, theatre organs produce whimsical, atmospheric, and totally unique sounds. The Wonder Morton Theatre Organ inside the Balboa Theatre has more than 1800 pipes and instruments located in an organ chamber above the stage, providing an all-encompassing musical experience like none other.
This rare opportunity to see historic films on the big screen, accompanied by the best theatre organ players in the country, should not be missed. Join us for an experience like none other. See you there!
Schedule of Events
All Showtimes are 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted
February 9: Wings (1927)
starring Clara Bow, organist Russ Peck
March 30: The Black Pirate (1926)
starring Douglas Fairbanks, organist Ken Double
April 20: Metropolis (1927)
starring Brigitte Helm, organist Brett Miller
June 8: Safety Last! (1923)
starring Harold Lloyd, organist Russ Peck
Ticket Options
Single Tickets
Single tickets start at $28 ($24 for students, seniors, and military personnel).
Premium Seating
Premium seating is available for $38 ($33 for students, seniors, and members of the military) and includes access to the best seats in the house, VIP entrance and a complimentary bag of popcorn.
Series Packages
Enjoy savings when you lock in your seats to all eight events.
- Premium seating: $155 (saves $35 compared to single tickets, includes popcorn voucher for each screening and VIP entrance)
- General seating: $105 (saves $35 compared to single tickets)
Be a Part of History
The Balboa Theatre’s story began in 1924, when the theatre opened as a vibrant venue for vaudeville, music, and silent films in downtown San Diego. A century later, that legacy continues!
Silent Movie Mondays showcases timeless silent films accompanied by live performances on the celebrated Wonder Morton Theatre Organ. This popular series enhances San Diego’s cultural vibrancy, providing unique entertainment that enriches community life, promotes cultural tourism, and supports local businesses in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.