Silent Movie Mondays Return for Season Two!
Back by popular demand, Silent Movie Mondays returns with an incredible lineup of 9 iconic silent films as well as special guest theatre organists from across the country. Join us at the historic Balboa Theatre and be transported back a century ago, when audiences cheered, the organ roared to life, and silent films glow on the big screen.
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 Film" is a bit of a misnomer. While the films themselves contain no dialogue, an organist provides moody melodies, sound effects, and other accompaniment on our 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 - theatre organs are whimsical, atmospheric, and totally unique.
We hope you join us for this exciting second season at the Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp!
Schedule of Events
Schedule of Events - All Showtimes are 7:00 PM unless otherwise noted
- Peter Pan (1924) starring Betty Bronson, organist Brett Valliant – Saturday, August 9 @ 11:00 AM
- The Phantom of the Opera (1925) starring Lon Chaney, organist Russ Peck – September 29
- Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922) starring Max Schreck, organist David Marsh – October 27
- Holiday Double Feature: Old Scrooge (1926) starring Seymour Hicks and A Dog’s Life (1918) starring Charlie Chaplin, organist Ken Double – December 15
- Wings (1927) starring Clara Bow, organist Russ Peck – February 9
- The Black Pirate (1926) starring Douglas Fairbanks, organist Ken Double – March 30
- Metropolis (1927) starring Brigitte Helm, organist Brett Miller – April 20
- Safety Last! (1923) starring Harold Lloyd, organist Russ Peck – June 8
Additionally, all audience members are invited to stay for a post-show conversation with the featured organist and a special guest film expert.
Single tickets start at $28 ($24 for students, seniors, and members of our military).
For those who want the best seats in the house, complemented by a special VIP entrance and a complimentary bag of hot buttered popcorn, Premium seating is available for $38 ($33 for students, seniors and members of our military).
Series packages are also available!
Enjoy savings when you lock in your seats to all 8 events.
- Premium seating: $248 (saves $56 compared to single tickets, includes popcorn voucher for each screening and VIP entrance)
- General seating: $168 (saves $56 compared to single tickets)
This is a rare opportunity to see historic films on the big screen, accompanied by the best theatre organ players in the country. See you there!
Peter Pan (1924)
Sat, August 9 @ 11:00 AMThis is a special Saturday event, designed for the whole family. The first film adaptation of J.M. Barrie’s play, Peter Pan (1924) almost needs no introduction. The story of a joyous young boy, soaring over a magical land and refusing to ever grow up, has endured through the generations.
The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
Mon, September 29 @ 7:00 PMBack by popular demand - just in time to celebrate its 100th anniversary! The Phantom of the Opera stars Lon Chaney as the titular character, a talented but deformed virtuoso who haunts the halls of the Paris Opera House as he attempts to make his protégé and love interest, Christine, into a star.
Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922)
Mon, October 27 @ 7:00 PMOne of the first horror films in cinema history, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror tells the tale of the foreboding vampire Count Orlok and the real estate agent and his wife who become the objects of the count’s bloodlust.
Double Feature: Old Scrooge (1926) & A Dog’s Life (1918)
Mon, December 15 @ 7:00 PMCelebrate the season at Silent Movie Mondays with a special double feature! Old Scrooge, starring Seymour Hicks, is a British film adaptation of the timeless holiday tale A Christmas Carol. A Dog’s Life is a heartwarming short film featuring Charlie Chaplin as his famous “tramp” character with onscreen support from his canine companion, Scraps.
Wings (1927)
Mon, February 9 @ 7:00 PMClara Bow stars as Mary Preston, a sweet “girl next door” desperately in love with a young airman from her hometown. The airman, played by Charles “Buddy” Rogers, and his rival-turned-friend played by Richard Arlen, experience heart-stopping air battles during their time in the service.
Metropolis (1927)
Mon, April 20 @ 7:00 PMSet in a dystopian future, Metropolis story follows Freder, the son of the city’s mastermind, whose love for a working-class woman leads him to the city’s unpleasant underbelly. Metropolis is often cited as one of the first science fiction feature films, opening the door to the hundreds of movies in the genre that exist today.
Safety Last! (1923)
Mon, June 8 @ 7:00 PMGet ready for a night of raucous laughter! Harold Lloyd stars as a boy trying to make it in the big city – telling little white lies of “success” to his girlfriend along the way. When she shows up for a surprise visit, he attempts to earn $1,000 in the strangest way possible: scaling a building!
