Zorro: The Gay Blade

31. ZORRO: The Gay Blade (comedy, 1981) When Major Don Diego dies his evil police commissioner Esteban (Ron Liebman) assumes his post. Before his death, Don Diego sent his son a casket containing the costume of 'El Zorro', a role he invented to fight injustice. Following in his father's 'boots' the new Zorro (George Hamilton) takes over. Injured whilst fighting Estebans' men, Zorro sends for his twin brother Ramon (George Hamilton again). There is just one problem, this new 'Zorro' is gay.

Critique: Send-up spoof of the legendary Zorro character was George Hamilton's follow-up to his delirious Count Dracula in 'Love at First Bite' (1979). A performance that revealed a hidden comic talent. Playing another fictional role, his Zorro is a treat to watch. When we first see Zorro he is the dashing, demeanor figure we've all come to know. But when 'Ramon' takes over, the fun starts.

It's fun to see him don a whip instead of the famous sword, mixing his heavy Spanish-accent with a gay lisp, and dress in an assortment of colorful get-ups ("he was dressed like a big banana"). Though Ron Liebman's 'Esteban' is sometimes off-putting with his overacting, its still fun for the whole family.

QUOTE: Zorro: "That's right, Zorro is back! To defend the defenseless! Befriend the friendless! And to defeat. . .the 'defeatless'."

George Hamilton is very funny, both as the "serious" twin and his outrageous brother. The script is witty and no more idiotic than any other Zorro movie. The score is excellent, stirring in the chase and fight scenes, appropriately dreamy in the tender moments. I believe that the main theme is lifted from a classical composition and adapted for the movie. This is one of those movies where a lot of the pleasure comes from the second rank of actors, like Ron Liebman and Brenda Vacarro as the alcalde and his dissatisfied wife. No one movie is going to appeal to everyone or at every time, but this is a good way to spend a couple of hours in light entertainment without having your intelligence or your taste insulted.

Say what you will about "Zorro, the Gay Blade." It's a silly send-up to the old cinematic standard of Zorro, made before our politically correct times. Sissy jokes aside, it is enjoyable. Granted, a lot of performances are over the top, particularly Ron Liebman's top-volume Alcalde, but quite a bit of the dialogue can still get a smile. It's worth a look and a laugh or two!

Tyrone Power in The Mark of Zorro plays a foppish character designed to throw off suspicion that he is, in fact, the legendary Zorro. George Hamilton in an Oscar-worthy performance (if they gave an award for comedy - which they don't!) plays Zorro who is injured and has to rely on his twin brother to stand in. George Hamilton as Bunny Wigglesworth is a riot. He is flamboyantly gay and wears lemon, plum, and scarlet instead of Zorro Black. He also likes to use a whip, which is not entirely out of character for Zorro, as he is as adept with the tail as he is with the foil. This is an entertaining farce that Zorro fans, Hamilton fans and others will enjoy. An excellent supporting cast includes Lauren Hutton, Brenda Vaccaro, and Ron Leibman.

Another great "Zorro" movie that has George Hamilton playing dual roles. The first role, being the suave Don Diego and the second role being the ummmmm.......not so straight Bunny (Diego's twin brother). After a leg injury to Diego it is up to Bunny to keep the peace. A hilarious parody/action-adventure/comedy that works because of quite possibly George Hamilton's greatest performance and a super supporting cast which includes the priceless Ron Leibman, Brenda Vaccaro and Lauren Hutton. Definitely unique to other "Zorro" films. 4 stars out of 5.