Step into a bygone era for a season of old, silent movies (By Frank Sabatini Jr.)

Movie Outings in the Spirit of the 1920s

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

The vintage Wonder Morton Theatre Organ will come alive one Monday a month at the historic Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp Quarter for a series of silent movies ranging from slapstick humor to cult-status horror.

Although the monthly program doesn’t begin until Sept. 21, theater reps say tickets for the showings have been selling fast since going on sale in June. The series will run through April of 2027, except for the month of January.

The September kickoff will start with The Headless Horseman (1922), followed by Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1920) on October 26, and a Laurel & Hardy holiday triple feature on Dec. 7. Even though the movies offer no sound, the 1,800-pipe organ will provide the scoring, much like organs did for silent film screenings in their day at grand theaters across the country.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the San Diego Theatres Ticketmaster Portal at 858 Fourth Ave. near the theater. Prices range from $14.50 for early-bird packages to $24-$29 for general admission.