The Mark of Zorro

Though lacking the high production values of its 1940 counterpart, the original "Mark of Zorro" is great fun. This adaptation of Johnston McCulley's "Curse of Capistrano" propelled Douglas Fairbanks from light comedian to adventure star. Inventive action sequences and a vigorous pace make this Doug's most enjoyable feature-length vehicle. For comic-book artist Bob Kane, the film was a major influence in the creation of Batman.

Johnston McCulley's first Zorro story "The Curse Of Capistrano" appeared in 1919. Douglas Fairbanks, known to audience for romantic comedies, adapted the story for the screen himself under an assumed name. The result set the standard for future adaptations of the masked bandit. This is a MUST for film buffs. Not Rated.

Fairbanks made this movie around 1920 when he was just starting out. He did all his own stunts, and knowing this made it that much cooler watching him go go go. Fairbanks plays painfully awkward nobleman Don Diego and his alter-ego Zorro - the champion of the downtrodden. In both disguises he courts the lovely Lolita.

This movie has the blend of action and humor that will be familiar from more modern Zorro movies. The very very geeky Don Diego provides some comic relief, especially when courting Lolita. And of course Zorro plays plenty of tricks on the Spanish Governor and his guards. But the real draw here are the stunts. There is lots of swinging on ropes and chandaliers and lots of sword fighting.

This is very watchable now and the stunts were frequent and impressive. It is an excellent and enjoyable movie. It is also silent, so be aware cause if you aren't expecting it that could be weird.

The only silent film I have enjoyed as much as I enjoy the best of modern film is Buster Keaton's The General, but Douglas Fiarbanks' The Mark of Zorro holds up better than most silents. The original music by Jon C. Mirsalis adds a lot. The sequal, Don Q., Son of Zorro, is even better than "Mark", so be sure to buy the two films on one DVD from King Video.

This is a great silent film and my first with Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. (I love his son - he's cool and looks a lot like Cary Elwes in Princess Bride). He is great in the part-daring and dashing about here and there as Zorro while yawning into his hankercheif like a 'fish' while a rich gentleman. (You'll note the story is very remniscent of the Scarlet Pimpernel.) The 'lines' are great, the acting very well done and a number of parts will have you chuckling (like when the girl slaps him not once, not twice, not thrice - and with both hands on either cheek!) I'll have to say that this is one of the most enjoyable silent films i've seen in a while. When I put it on, even my little sister came to watch it.