Zorro

Zorro created for itself a place in history not purely on the mass hysteria of a generation of 8 year old baby boomers, but it's a quality show. It was ahead of itself in many ways, for the 50s family show at least: casting an Armand Catalino in the title role (yeah, Guy Williams, though you probably didn't know it); having a tendency to be a squirmingly gory (the list is long); using oft time complicated plots (like the 20+ episode Eagle plot); and something that is still fascinating to watch till today, a unique glimpse of a different side of California- it's history. As a native San Diegan, I appreciate that, and having grown up watching the show on Disney channel (you're looking at a generation X-er) it's amazing to find that it still captivates you from episode to episode. There's depth and content in it and the swashbuckling swordfighting, debonair flash will keep anyone captivated for long enough. That's what made it what it is... plus that Z. Swish, swish, swish!

It is 1820 and a ship approaches the coast of Spanish California with young Don Diego de la Vega returning to his father's hacienda in the pueblo of Los Angeles. Recalled home after 3 years at University in Spain, Diego learns from the Capitan that the trouble his father hinted at in his letters is due to the political oppression of the new Commandante, Capitan Monastario. Realizing that he cannot hope to fight the soldiers as himself, Diego decides that "if one cannot wear the skin of the lion, put on that of the fox." By day he will appear to be a lazy, bookish, pacifist dandy. By night he will don the black clothes, a cape, and a mask and become the "Friend of the People", El Zorro, the Fox.

Although "Zorro" aired in the early days of television in B&W, it retains a fresh, modern quality, especially in the colorized version. In one half-hour show we get plot, action, comedy, drama, music, and even Spanish dancing. Everything was done under the guidance of Walt Disney and director Norman Foster with attention to detail, high production values, and Spanish flavor. The cast was wonderful, especially Henry Calvin as Sgt. Garcia, Gene Sheldon as the "deaf"-mute servant, Bernardo, George L. Lewis as Don Alejandro, Don Diamond as Cpl. Reyes, and co-star Britt Lomond as the evil Capitan Monastario. The author and inventor of Zorro, Johnston McCulley felt that the pages of his books had come to life in this show. Guy Williams, in the dual role of Diego/Zorro will never be surpassed as either. He remains for a generation of Babyboomers the real Zorro.

"Zorro" airs nightly on the Disney Channel. The 78 episodes are shown alternately all in B&W and then again in the colorized version. Even today it remains my favorite program on television.

One might say this is quite possibly the most entertaining TV show ever created. "Zorro" has a rare combination of action, adventure, suspense, music, and even comedy. Though Guy Williams is only one of many men who have donned the mask of Zorro, he is considered by many, including me, to be the one true Zorro. Williams, though the true highlight of the show, was just part of a great cast. Gene Sheldon is a convincing "deaf" mute and we can always rely on Sergeant Garcia (Henry Calvin) for a few laughs. This show also is unique because even though it holds enough action and plot for adults, it is still mild enough for even very young children to watch and enjoy.

When "Zorro" originally aired on ABC from 1957-1959, it was a smash hit, knocking 5 of the 7 shows airing at the same time off the air. Unfortunately, due to legal problems with the rights of the show, only two full seasons of the show and four one-hour episodes were completed. But, on the bright side, "Zorro" can still be seen nightly on the Disney Channel.

Guy Williams was the best Zorro in my opinion. Playing Don Diego as both foppish and intellectual allowed his character to be warm and sympathetic both in and out of the mask. And if you have ever watched any 60's TV show you'll notice that old set staple, Bryce Canyon, used for, I think, one of the first times on a television show. But just think, on Zorro it's not supposed to be yet another alien planet, but exactly what it is! A canyon outside of LA! That to me was always the cleverest thing about the show. The fact that it was filmed (sorta) near where it would have taken place if Don Diego had been real. I have to say though, I prefer the episodes in black and white. I think it looks weird when you see a bright blue sky in a "night" scene.

Thought I'd add my two cents. Along with Johnny Weismuller as Tarzan, Larry Buster Crabbe as Flash Gordon, Guy Williams is Zorro for me. He wasn't the first Zorro I saw in action, but after his, it is hard for me to watch some of the others. I believe he had a lot of potential and in the hands of the two directors he worked with, and the fencing master, they really brought a lot to the scripts and performance. Along with a wonderfully fleshed out supporting cast. I was also surprised to find Albert Whitlock's name in some of the end credits. He's the famous matte painter who has also work on many of Hitchcock's films. Also the stunt work for some of the episodes is quite impressive for a TV show, more of what I would expect to see in a feature film at that time.

I just bought the complete first season on DVD and I am surprised how much in tune my opinions are with the many positive things written about the show here already. If I'm ever blessed with a family, I truly look forward to watching these, along with Johnny's Tarzan, Buster's Flash and Clayton Moore's Lone Ranger with them. I have had the opportunity to watch a couple of the silent Super 8mm black and white films from the Zorro show with some kids I baby sat. If their reaction is any indication as to how my own family will enjoy and respond to watching these colorized versions on DVD, the experience will surely be a real treat for all of us.