Zorro

I was introduced to Zorro by the Guy Williams version which were regularly repeated when I was a kid. Those Disney Zorro's will always have a special place for me.

Alain Delon starred in a curious Italian version filmed in Spain and set in South America.

Delon is Don Diego. When his friend Miguel is killed in the eve of his departure to the New World, Diego takes his place as the new governor who has arrived from Spain in order to avenge his friend's death.

Diego plays the Governor as prissy and fey in order not to be seen as a threat. He finds the people are oppressed by the cruel and corrupt Colonel Huerta (Stanley Baker) who has plans to become the new Governor and was involved in the death of Miguel

Inspired by the tales of the masked black fox by street kids he dons the mask of Zorro and fights for justice which enrages the Colonel and his militia.

Alain Delon enjoys playing the dual roles as foppish Diego and the devilish and dashing Zorro. He is matched in one of his last film roles by Stanley Baker as the mean villain but an expert swordsman which leads to a terrific and thrilling final duel between the two.

Minor characters provide humour such as the mute sidekick and Seargent Garcia.

The film does come across like a curious and campy B film with a diverse cast. The French actor Delon as the Main hero, Welsh actor Baker as the villain and the rest of the cast seem to be mainly Italian.

However the action scenes are well choreographed and it does feel like a Zorro movie and it is very unpretentious.