The Mark of Zorro to me is one of the Douglas Fairbanks classics, and its sequel Don Q Son of Zorro is just as great and even on par with it. It looks spectacular with sets that look lavish and expensive and photography that positively sweeps. The music score rouses the spirits well enough and there is a sense of humour that has a strong presence and in a way that is still fresh. The story is well-paced and compelling with thrills, fun and adventure galore. It's conventional for a film starring Fairbanks and as an adventure film as well in a sense but not to a routine or simplistic degree, it is always easy to follow and still offers enough surprises. The action is full of energy and rousingly choreographed, never too much or too little and they move the story forward rather than slowing down. If you are looking for stunts that will leave you in awe, as you often find in Fairbanks's films, you will not be disappointed in Don Q Son of Zorro, they're unmistakably Fairbanks but don't feel rehashed. Donald Crisp directs with a deft and imaginative touch, and the characterisations are vivid enough, with the exception of Mary Astor who doesn't have a lot to do and comes across as bland as a result(shame as she has done a fair amount of stuff that I like). Crisp is especially good in support, he has rarely been more malevolent though not in a blatant way, and Don Sebastian is easily one of the nastiest villains of any Fairbanks film. Warner Oland is solid too if occasionally resorting to histrionics. Douglas Fairbanks is the most impressive though, the athletic stunts look so effortless when he does them and the gallant charisma and infectious smile makes him a most likable hero. To conclude, Mark of Zorro is still a classic and one of Fairbanks' greatest but Don Q Son of Zorro is just as great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
