The historic 100-year-old theater will once again transform into a portal to the silent film era, offering audiences a chance to experience the timeless tale of Don Diego Vega, a seemingly frivolous nobleman who secretly fights injustice as the masked hero Señor Zorro. The event promises an evening of cinematic nostalgia, complete with pre- and post-show entertainment, following the success of last month's Charlie Chaplin triple feature that left audiences in stitches.
In The Mark of Zorro, Douglas Fairbanks stars as Don Diego Vega, a wealthy landowner's son in colonial Spanish California who dons a mask to become Zorro, a daring vigilante defending his community from the corrupt Governor Alvarado. Using his expert fencing skills, Zorro leaves his signature "Z" mark while winning the heart of the beautiful Lolita Pulido, who remains unaware of his dual identity.
The evening will begin with a VIP Prelude at 6pm, where ticket holders can hear Ken Double discuss the history of the theater's Wonder Morton organ and his approach to crafting a silent film score. Doors open to general admission at 6:30pm, with a pre-film performance by esteemed guitarist and San Diego Music Hall of Fame inductee Fred Benedetti. After the screening, Tonya Mantooth, CEO of the San Diego International Film Festival, will lead a post-film discussion with Double, exploring Zorro’s enduring legacy over a century later.
The last Silent Movie Mondays event on March 3 drew a near-capacity crowd to the Balboa Theatre for a Charlie Chaplin triple feature, showcasing The Adventurer, The Immigrant, and Easy Street. Local organist Russ Peck provided live accompaniment on the theater's historic organ, perfectly syncing his music to Chaplin’s slapstick antics, which had the audience roaring with laughter. The evening was enhanced by a pre-show performance from a Charlie Chaplin impressionist, Adam Meir, and organ music by Rosemary Bailey, setting a vaudeville-inspired tone. The event highlighted the timeless appeal of silent cinema, with Peck's charming introductions and musical talent elevating the experience into a communal celebration of film history.
Looking ahead, the Silent Movie Mondays series will continue on June 9 with a screening of the 1926 romantic drama Flesh and the Devil, starring Greta Garbo, once again accompanied by Russ Peck on the Wonder Morton organ. These events offer a rare opportunity to experience silent-era masterpieces as they were intended - on the big screen, with live music, in a theater built for the era.
Looking ahead, the Silent Movie Mondays series will continue on June 9 with a screening of the 1926 romantic drama Flesh and the Devil, starring Greta Garbo, once again accompanied by Russ Peck on the Wonder Morton organ. These events offer a rare opportunity to experience silent-era masterpieces as they were intended - on the big screen, with live music, in a theater built for the era.
Tickets for the April 14 screening of The Mark of Zorro and future events are available at sandiegotheatres.org/silent-movie-mondays, promising San Diegans a unique blend of history, entertainment, and cinematic magic.
Originally published on April 5, 2025.
