Mix’s ‘Train Robbery’ Is Part of Silent Film Slate in San Gabriel

Youngsters may miss a lot of the historical significance of an evening of silent films but they know a giant picture book when they see it. Tonight’s 15th annual evening of silent films, presented by Heritage Square Museum at San Gabriel Civic Auditorium, is perfect even for 2-year-olds.

If the audience responds as it has in past years, there will be plenty of booing and hissing at the villain, cheers when the hero gets the girl.

There are two heroes tonight: Tom Mix and Gaylord Carter. Mix stars in the 1926 classic, “The Great K&A; Train Robbery” which features great scenes of Colorado’s Royal Gorge. Carter will play the auditorium’s prize Wurlitzer pipe organ, majestically rising out of the orchestra pit to start the program. Carter has played for such silent film greats as Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd.

The program begins with two shorts. “A Trip Down Market Street” was filmed in San Francisco just before the 1906 quake by a photographer who strapped himself to the front of a trolley and recorded everything he saw on his steep descent. It’s a fascinating view of street life of that era: the clothes, the cars, the horses.

Also featured: “Angels Flight,” which documents the history of the little funicular railway that ran up and down Bunker Hill until 1969.

The box office opens at 6 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show. The best strategy is to arrive early (last year there was a long line), buy tickets and eat a quick dinner at a nearby restaurant. Although there are plenty of seats in the auditorium, the program is especially thrilling from the front rows.

The auditorium is at 320 S. Mission Drive. Tickets are $10. Information: (818) 796-2898.