Zorro: The Legend Through The Years

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Journey through the history of Zorro as the different versions of Zorro are compared and contrasted and see how the legend of Zorro has changed and developed throughout nearly 90 years of cinema, television, and stories.

"The Scarlet Pimpernel"-1905
This romantic novel of love, betrayal, and intrigue by the Baroness Orczy was most likely Johnston McCulley's inspiration for Zorro.

"The Curse of Capistrano" by Johnston McCulley-1919
This serialized story by Johnston McCulley first introduced the character of Zorro.  The story originally appeared as a serialized story in the pulp magazine All-Story Weekly in 1919.  It was later released as a novel under the name The Mark of Zorro.

"the mark of zorro"-1920
Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. brings fame to McCulley's creation by starring as Don Diego Vega and Zorro in this 1920 movie.  Fairbanks is lauded for his humorous portrayal of the lifeless Don Diego and the playful Zorro.

"Don Q,Son of Zorro"--1925
This film starring Douglas Fairbanks has very little to do with Zorro and was mainly a way to cash in on the success of the 1920 film.  Nevertheless, it is an excellent film and does have several great references to the 1920 Zorro film.
  
  
The Bold Caballero - 1936
Robert Livingston stars as the first talking Zorro in this 1936 film.  The story and setting are different from the typical Zorro; the film is set in San Diego where Zorro has been captured and is to be executed.
   
  
Zorro Rides Again - 1937
This first movie serial stars John Carroll as a singing cowboy Zorro.  This version bills itself as a "modern Zorro" in which Zorro is seen not only in an old west setting but also alongside cars, trains, and skyscrapers in the big city.
   
  
Zorro's Fighting Legion - 1939
Starring in what is considered to be one of the finest movie serials of all time, Reed Hadley plays a confident and decisive Zorro who faces some of the most difficult predicaments that any Zorro ever faces.
   
  
The Mark of Zorro - 1940
This film starring Tyrone Power is considered by many critics to be a cinematic masterpiece.  The film expands on McCulley's original Zorro legend and brings greater depth to the character.
   
  
Zorro's Black Whip - 1944
Linda Stirling stars as a Zorro-like character in this 1944 release.  Even though the name Zorro appears nowhere but in the title, this serial must be considered a version of Zorro since Johnston McCulley is mentioned in the credits.
   
  
Son of Zorro - 1947
George Turner stars as Jeff Stewart, a descendant of the original Zorro, in this movie serial set in post-Civil War America.  Jeff must fight bandits who have the entire county at their mercy.
   
  
Ghost of Zorro - 1949
Clayton Moore stars as Ken Mason, the grandson of Don Diego Vega, who resurrects Zorro to fight the men who are trying to keep the telegraph out of New Mexico.
   
  
Walt Disney's Zorro - 1957 to 1959
Guy Williams creates a new generation of Zorro fans with his memorable portrayal of Don Diego and Zorro in Walt Disney's adaptation of the legendary masked hero.
   
  
The Mark of Zorro - 1974
This made-for-television film starring Frank Langella uses much of the same script and music as the 1940 Zorro film with the most obvious difference being that several scenes have been removed.
   
  
Zorro - 1974
This foreign film starring Alain Delon incorporates several elements of McCulley's original story into a new setting in South America and heralds a return to the more playful aspects of the Zorro legend.
   
  
Zorro, The Gay Blade - 1981
This film starring George Hamilton is a satirical and comedic look at the legend of Zorro.  Hamilton plays dual roles as Don Diego and as Don Diego's flamboyantly gay brother Bunny Wigglesworth.
   
  
Zorro and Son - 1983 television series
This short-lived television series starring Henry Darrow is a situation comedy with rhyming lines and slapstick comedy which continues the new era of playful Zorros.
   
  
The New World Zorro - 1990 to 1993 television series
This adaptation of Zorro has the same general premise as the Disney series except that this Zorro is even more kinder and gentler.  Additionally, the ongoing romance plays a very important role in the overall premise.
   
  
The Mask of Zorro - 1998
Antonio Banderas plays Alejandro Murrieta who takes on the mask of Zorro as he helps Don Diego de la Vega seek his revenge for the loss of his wife and daughter many years ago.
   
  
The Legend of Zorro - 2005
Antonio Banderas reprises his role as Don Alejandro and Zorro in this sequel to the 1998 film.  Zorro faces the loss of his family as a group of religious fanatics threaten the statehood of California.
   
  
Zorro:  La espada y la rosa - 2007
Christian Meier stars in this Spanish telenovela which aired on the Telemundo network.  This story bends history and creates a fantasy setting in which anything can happen.
   


Summary:
A Comparison Between the Disney and New World Versions of Zorro

Opinions are requested from people who have viewed both the Disney series and the New World series.  I am most interested in hearing from Disney fans.

The Development of Zorro

The changes occurring in the legend of Zorro between 1919 and 1993 are summarized.