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In what year was the movie zorro filmed. Sorcerer with a sword

Once upon a time, cinema created really noble heroes, without sugary antics and assholes in character ... we are talking about, of course, about a character like Zorro, a kind of variation of the hero on the theme "Robin Hood, but with a rapier".

Initially, the image of Zorro appeared in the adventure novels of Johnston McCully (first mentioned in the story "The Curse of Capistrano" in 1919), later gained immense fame and popularity, thanks to numerous presentations on large and small screens in many countries. Waiting for you below full list pictures about Zorro with a description and, if possible, with trailers.

LIST OF FILMS ABOUT ZORRO:

- Sign of Zorro, 1920(The Mark of Zorro)
Dir. Fred Nible, USA

The first film on the topic. Naturally mute and black and white, however, it starred the then-famous actor Douglas Fairburns.
The events in the film unfold in the Spanish possessions, where he returns, in native home, Diego Vega. However, in the once peaceful and calm Spanish California, terrible orders reign, the authorities are fierce and atrocious. GG puts on a mask and rushes into the fight against injustice.

— Don Koo, son of Zorro, 1925(Don Q Son of Zorro)
Dir. Donald Crisp, USA

The sequel to "The Sign of Zorro" with the participation of the same Douglas Fairbe, we quote the official synopsis:

"The story of Don Cesar Vega, the son of the famous Zorro, and his adventures in Madrid, where he, like his father, went to study ... Although the film was conceived as a continuation of the sensational "The Sign of Zorro", Zorro himself appears only at the very end, and indeed then not for long. Besides, his disguise is no longer needed, because everyone has long known who is hiding under the mask.

- Bold Caballero, 1936

- Zorro is back in the saddle, 1937
Dir. John English, William Whitney, USA

- Sign of Zorro, 1940(The Mark of Zorro, released in the USSR in 1949 under the name "Mysterious Sign")
Dir. Ruben Mamulyan, USA

One of the early films about the noble robber Zorro. The idea is the same - at the moment when the authorities begin to spit on the law, inventing their own, a defender of the poor and humiliated appears, a mysterious masked man who calls himself Zorro.

- Dream of Zorro, 1952
Dir. Mario Soldati, Italy

- Zorro (1957 - 1959), TV series.

An American TV series with a bunch of directors that tells everything about the same Don Diego, who dresses in a mask and cloak and fights injustice under the name of Zorro.

- Zorro and the Three Musketeers, 1963
Dir. Luigi Capuano, Italy.

Yes, yes, and yes again. Directors can be on drugs too...

-Three swords of Zorro, 1963
Dir. Ricardo Blasco, Spain, Italy

- Zorro vs. Macist, 1963(Zorro contro Maciste)
Dir. Umberto Lenzi, Italy, Spain

We quote of. synopsis:

"Medieval Spain. King Nogara dies of the plague. His two nieces Malva and Isabella must decide which of them will take the throne of their father. The villainous Malva persuades the head of the guards Garcia to steal the will of the king. For this purpose, Garcia hires Samson. He has not the slightest idea, what Malva is up to. Meanwhile, Isabella asks Zorro to get the royal will as well…"

-Zorro - horseman with a whip, 1969
Dir. Ilmaz Atadeniz, Türkiye, western

- Zorro of the Monterrey family, 1971
Dir. Jose Luis Merino, Spain, Italy

- Zorro - the knight of vengeance, 1971
Dir. Luigi Capuano, Jose Luis Merino, Spain, Italy

- The love affairs of Zorro, 1972
Dir. Gilbert Passel, France, Belgium

- The Erotic Adventures of Zorro, 1972(The Erotic Adventures of Zorro)
Dir. Robert Freeman, William Allen Castleman, France, USA, Germany

- Zorro's Big Adventure, 1975(La grand aventura del Zorro)
Dir. Raul de Anda Jr., Mexico.

Here is a familiar and familiar "about the same" synopsis for you:

"A hard time has come in California - both bandits and soldiers are outrageous here. Don Diego de la Vega is a man of high birth, and cannot openly oppose tyranny, but like Zorro he spares no effort to protect the oppressed, marking his exploits with the letter Z. However When Pedro, Diego's brother, is attacked by a mugger and leaves the famous Z at the crime scene, Zorro must find the culprit and clear his name."

By the way, this film is in 57th place in terms of popularity in the USSR among foreign films.

- Zorro (Zorro, 1975)
Dir. Duccio Tessari, France, Italy

A kind of perky fencing western with Alain Delon in leading role, where the GG acts as the best swordsman of the Old World, trying to restore justice in one of the South American provinces, where the military usurped power and commit atrocities.

- The Legend of Zorro (was on Western TV)
Dir. Mino Guchi, Italy, Japan, Switzerland

"The famous Zorro is back on your screens. He always stands up for the weak and ordinary people, severely punishing the evil and greedy. His brand name strikes fear into those who have unjustly offended the weak and defenseless. No one has seen the face of this man, but everyone knows about his brave heart. Get comfortable - the adventures of the famous avenger Zorro begin ... "

It is a children's cartoon.

- Zorro Blue Blade 1981(Zorro: The Gay Blade)
Dir. Peter Medak, USA

"After the death of the governor Don Diego, his place is taken by Captain Esteban, who immediately begins to oppress the peasants. Then the son of the legendary Zorro, Don Viego Vega, following in the footsteps of his father, puts on his suit, a black mask and begins an uncompromising fight against evil.

But an unexpected leg injury puts him out of action. To help Vega comes his twin brother Ramon, who came from England. He takes over all the functions of Zorro…"

- Zorro, 1991 - 2001

Another American series about Zorro...

-The Legend of Zorro, 1995(anime series, 52 episodes, broadcast from April 1996 to March 1997)

It is a Japanese-Italian co-production anime series best known in relevant circles, based on the Zorro novels by Johnston McCali. In Europe, it has gained incredible popularity.

- Mask of Zorro, 1998
Dir. Martin Campbell, USA

Antonio Banderas starred in the title role, largely deserving his popularity just by participating in this film and its sequel.
Quoting the official synopsis:

"The aging hero, who gave all his strength to the fight for justice, spent decades in prison, lost his wife and daughter, transfers his knowledge, skills and black mask to a young desperate fighter who will henceforth fight those who do evil."

Even then, Anthony Hopkins was old...

- Legend of Zorro, 2005
Dir. Martin Campbell, USA

Sequel to "The Mask of Zorro" with the participation of the same actors, we quote the official synopsis of the tape:

"After 10 years, Alejandro promises Elena and his son Joaquin to part with the mask and eternal adventures, but these plans cannot be brought to life, as the new conspiracy, which only the all-powerful Zorro can fight ... "

The film, although it received a warm welcome from the townsfolk, which resulted in fees of 141 American million (with a budget of 75), but critics reacted to the second film in history very cool, which is not surprising.

- Zorro: Return to the Future, 2006(Zorro: Return to the Future)
Dir. Stuart Evands, England

Another modern perversion, we quote the synopsis:

"The secret avenger has already changed his horse to a motorcycle, and his sword to a laser sword. One day he finds out that his father has become a hostage of malicious criminals, and goes to the very lair of the criminal mafia. He is a young descendant of Zorro, who has to uncover an insidious plot and free father."

-Zorro: Generation Z, 2006 - 2008(TV series, English title - Zorro: Generation Z - The Animated Series)

"Diego De La Vega these days. He is a descendant of Zorro and he has a reason to put on a mantle. The city where he was born is becoming more and more corrupt. To be a Zorro is to be on a horse and in this generation he has a powerful iron horse at his disposal Tornado Z. Also waiting for you laser swords, Cell phones and many other high-tech gadgets of Zorro in the fight against crime."

- Zorro: Sword and Rose, 2001 (TV series)
Dir. James Ordonez, Mauricio Cruz, Agustin Restrepo, USA, Colombia

In the center of this event, I'm sure, insanity - the series - love triangle between Esmeralda, Zorro and the gypsy Renso.

- Zorro, 2009(series)
Dir. Mark A. Reyes, Dominique Zapata

- Rebirth of Zorro

This is a modern perversion. We quote an approximate description of what this film will be about (perhaps someday, because the project is in production. The budget, by the way, is 40 green lames):

"The former Don Diego de la Vega, instead of the usual 19th century, will find himself in a post-apocalyptic world. Unlike his predecessor, the new Zorro will not so much be a defender of the unjustly offended as a masked avenger working for himself."

There is probably no such person who has not seen at least one film about the legendary and mysterious Zorro - the master of the blade, the noble defender of the disadvantaged and offended, the elusive and lucky hero-lover. Could such a person really exist? It turns out yes!

Few people know that in real history there was a person who served as a prototype legendary hero in the mask - Zorro. His name was William Lamport. True, unlike Zorro, the enemies eventually overtook him, and the hero-lover ended his life on the scaffold.

Student, pirate, duelist

William Lamport was born in 1615 in Ireland to a wealthy and noble family. He received a good home education, after which he continued his studies at the Dublin Jesuit College. Then William improved his knowledge within the walls of the University of London.

But there, a handsome young man spent most of his time not studying Latin and philosophy, but conquering the hearts of young ladies. On this basis, he had several duels. One of them ended with the murder of an opponent. Unfortunately for William, the murdered man turned out to have influential relatives. To avoid serious
troubles, Lamport had to leave the shores of Foggy Albion for a while.

William on the ship "Black Prince" went to the shores of the New World. However, this ship turned out to be a pirate ship, and thus the young Irish dandy became a "gentleman of fortune." I must say that the pirate life was to my liking. young man. He famously boarded merchant ships (mostly Spanish), plundered coastal cities. Having saved up a decent amount, William decided to put an end to, though profitable, but too risky a craft. He went to the Canary Islands, where he bought from a wealthy merchant - a friend of his father - new documents in the name of the Spanish hidalgo Julio Lombarde.

In Spain, Lombardo took up what he loved most in this life - amorous adventures. Irresistible Don Juan won the hearts of many beautiful ladies. In addition, Lombardo met the all-powerful favorite of King Philip IV, Count-Duke Olivares. He appreciated the ability of the young hidalgo to deftly wield a sword. Besides former pirate he was not very squeamish and willingly undertook to carry out the dirtiest assignments of his patron. For example, he killed a certain lord Almagro Torrelier, who had the imprudence to anger the king's favorite with something.

One of these assignments, the victim of which was a nobleman from a noble and influential Spanish family, almost cost Lombardo's life. Even the all-powerful Olivares could not hush up this matter. The only thing he helped was sending his "killer" to Mexico, which in those years was a colony of Spain. In Julio Lombardo's pocket was a letter of recommendation from the Earl-Duke, which helped the Irishman get a good job in a new place.

Sorcerer with a sword

In Mexico, Lombardo continued to do what he had done in Spain. By order of the lieutenant governor, he killed those who had the imprudence to get into the black lists of the ruler of Mexico. And, of course, won the hearts of hot Mexican beauties.

In addition, Lombardo met the local Indians, learned their language and managed to gain confidence in the Aztec priests. They trained the Irishman ancient art healing, the secrets of astrology and everything that was called black magic in Europe at that time.

Lombardo attended the secret human sacrifices of Indian priests. They looked terrible - a man was thrown onto the stone altar of a pagan temple, the priests opened his chest with sharp obsidian knives and pulled out his still trembling heart, which was then burned on fire.

What Lombardo managed to learn from the priests of the Aztecs, subsequently almost ruined him. The Holy Inquisition found out about the strange hobbies of the Irishman. Julio was threatened with charges of witchcraft and black magic. A person suspected of such deeds was usually sent to the stake.

In addition, in 1645, the powerful patron of Lombardo, Olivares, died in Spain. The new viceroy of Mexico ordered the arrest of the Irishman on charges of preparing for a rebellion and practicing black magic. Lombardo was arrested and thrown into prison, where he spent eight long years.

The investigation into the case of the warlock and the conspirator lasted a long time. The holy fathers and noble dons finally decided that the troublemaker and womanizer Julio Lombardo, languishing in shackles in one of the prisons of Mexico City, was no longer dangerous to them. But it was not there! They were very wrong. Taking advantage of the fact that the regime of his detention in prison became more liberal, Lombardo, with the help of his Indian friends, escaped from custody.

Birth of a legend

From that moment on, his adventures began, which over time acquired the most incredible details. They told, for example, how at night a rider in a black mask rode through the streets of Mexico City and pasted outrageous proclamations on the walls of houses that ridiculed the local authorities and the most holy inquisition itself. Thus was born the legend of the elusive and noble Zorro!

Along the way, Lombardo, who, during his eight-year term, never lost the habit of his Don Juan habits, had fun with local seigneurs and senoritas, who simply went crazy with love for a noble and mysterious hero. These amorous adventures eventually killed Julio Lombardo.

In a letter from the Bishop of Mexico City to the Spanish king, some juicy details of the capture of a fugitive troublemaker are reported. From this letter it follows that Lombardo was detained ... in the bed of the wife of the Viceroy of Mexico. Julio seduced the wife of the viceroy of the Spanish king in the New World!

For this alone, he was threatened with the death penalty. But for another seven years, Lombardo languished in chains in prison. In the end, in 1659, the court of the Holy Inquisition, to which the viceroy transferred the case of the Irishman, sentenced him as a heretic and a warlock to be burned at the stake. The execution was to take place in Mexico City's main square.

Even standing on the edge of the grave, Lombardo managed to avoid a painful death at the stake. At that moment, when the executioner was about to bring his torch to the firewood, generously poured with olive oil, Julio jerked sharply with his whole body and strangled himself with a rope with which he was tied to a post in the center of the fire.

William Lamport, aka Julio Lombardo, died, but his Indian friends kept their faith in the black-masked rider, elusive and invulnerable, defender of the poor and fighter against injustice. Stories about him were passed from mouth to mouth, acquiring the most incredible details.

In 1919, the American journalist Johnston McCully, who became acquainted with Mexican legends about the incredible adventures of Lamport-Lombardo, wrote a book about him. This is how the superhero Zorro was born. Later book McCully has been filmed several times. The role of Zorro was played by such wonderful actors as Douglas Fairbanks and Antonio Banderas.

And none of the viewers who watched these films remembered the impudent and loving Irishman William Lamport, the prototype of their favorite hero.

P.S. Robin Hood from California

As another prototype of the legendary Zorro, the Mexican robber Joaquin Murieta is called. For the first time, the American journalist John Ridge wrote about him in his story The Life and Adventures of Joaquin Murieta in 1854.

According to legend, Joaquin was born in 1829 in Mexico. During the Gold Rush, his family moved to California. There, Murieta became the protector of the Mexicans, who were ruthlessly exploited and robbed by greedy gringos. He became the leader of a gang called the Five Joaquins.

It was said that a thirst for revenge pushed him onto the high road. Gringos hanged brother Joaquin for a crime he did not commit, and his beloved Rosita was brutally beaten and raped.

Murieta got money by criminal means, but. California authorities hunted for the famous robber. He was eventually killed by Ranger Captain Harry Love. As proof, Love cut off Joaquin's head and put it on public display.

True, many Mexicans did not believe that their protector and benefactor had been killed. They believed that he was alive and went home to Mexico, where he hides for the time being.

Peregut Anastasia

Zorro

Summary of the myth

Poster for the film "The Legend of Zorro" (2005)

Zorro- a noble robber, dressed in all black and covering his face with a black mask, who protects people from the arbitrariness of the authorities and other villains.

The legend belongs to Johnston McCully, who devoted an entire cycle of his adventure books to Zorro.

…In the light of day they call him Don Diego, but as soon as the southern night falls, Zorro is transformed into wrestler with evil and rewards all the surrounding villains according to their deserts, regardless of ranks and titles...

Don Diego de la Vega - charming, handsome, but a little impulsive and reckless, born in the family of a Spanish aristocrat Alejandro de la Vega, returns from Spain to his native California, where his father was the mayor of Los Angeles. However, those days are long gone: now the new alcalde, Luis Quintero, is in charge in this area, supported by the troops of Captain Esteban Pasquale. They shamelessly raise taxes, plunging the already poor peasants into real poverty, and those who try to resist are subjected to severe punishments. However, soon after the arrival of Diego, a certain Zorro appears in the vicinity, who decided to challenge the injustices that are being created ... His smashing sword severely punishes the oppressors, and soon the masked hero becomes the only hope of the townspeople.

Images and symbols of myth

One of the posters for the movie "The Legend of Zorro"
2005 starring Antonio Banderos

The character has undergone changes over the years, but the image of a noble robber, a fighter for justice, has remained unchanged.

Contrasting the personalities of Don Diego and Zorro, you can see that during the day he is a stylish, handsome, but a little phlegmatic caballero, and at night he is a brave defender of the poor, who is not afraid of any danger.

The elegant costume of the hero has become hallmark Zorro, as well as his skill with the rapier, his favorite weapon, often used to leave his distinctive mark - the letter " Z» .

Name. Like a real robber, Zorro was cunning and dexterous, not without reason, his name in Spanish means "fox".

Black clothing color symbolizes the rebellious spirit of the protagonist, his desire to instill fear in the enemy.

Hat and mask- symbols of mystery and duality of nature.

Cloak is a symbol of the elusiveness of the seductive avenger.

Rapier- a symbol of power and fearlessness.

Letter "Z"» - a distinctive sign that symbolizes honor, dignity and courage.

Communication means creating a myth

Guy Williams as Zorro
in the ABC television series (1957-1958)
and Johnston McCully

The legend of Zorro was put to paper in 1919 by Johnston McCully, a crime reporter and novelist. His stories have been featured in every issue of the All-Story Weekly. Then the novel "The Curse of Capistrano" was published, which was a great success and sold out instantly. In the wake of his success, McCali published hundreds more short stories, dozens of novels, and many screenplays for film and television.

The image of Zorro, more familiar to us, was created by silent film star Douglas Fairbanks. Upon discovering the just-published McCully novel, the actor immediately saw great potential in this character. In 1920, Douglas Fairbanks created a sensation with his film The Sign of Zorro, which is still considered a classic of the time.
The success of the creative tandem of the writer and actor marked the beginning of the huge popularity of Zorro, turning him into a legendary superhero and making actor many movies, comics, cartoons, video games, etc.

In 1957, Disney presented its version of the adventures of the noble robber starring the inimitable Guy Williams, which became the most popular series that time. The image of Zorro was embodied on the screen by such world cinema stars as Tyrone Power, Alain Delon, Antonio Banderas and others.

Frame from the film "Mask of Zorro" (1998)

The most significant event of the late 1990s was the release of the film The Mask of Zorro. Steven Spielberg put together a great team led by Antonio Banderas as the new masked hero. Home female role starred Catherine Zeta-Jones. The film premiered in 1998 and grossed over $250 million. In the fall of 2005, the film "The Legend of Zorro" was released, which became a continuation of the sensational "Mask".

Today, the story of Zorro can be seen on stage: the musical "Zorro" is based on a legend described in the book of the famous Chilean writer Isabelle Allende. Traveling with the heroes to Spain and California, she tells the story of a young Don Diego, noble heart who cannot remain indifferent to the humiliated and oppressed, so he takes his fate into his own hands and becomes a fighter for justice, hiding his face under a mysterious mask...

Scientists assure that Zorro really existed, but only in the form of a group of rebels in Spanish California around 1820, who rebelled against their oppressors, because even then the government was corrupt. And so that everyone knew who was fighting for freedom, they called themselves the name of the Indian idol Zorro.

The social significance of the myth

After so many years, the theme of the fight against injustice is relevant in life and practically dominant in commercial cinema, and all kinds of masked heroes find their admirers.

Zorro is a hero who opposes the injustice around him. He is a role model, one might even say the ideal of a real man, because he combines such qualities as courage, impressiveness, bravery, self-confidence and self-confidence.

, Valery Kravchenko , Alexandra Kozhevnikova , more Composer James Horner Editing Tom Noble Cinematographer Phil Mayhew Translator Olga Voeikova Dubbing director Natalia Fedotova Screenwriters Johnston McCully, Ted Elliot , Terry Rossio , more Artists Cecilia Montiel, Michael Atwell , Graciela Mazon , more

Do you know that

At first, Anthony Hopkins turned down the role in the film due to severe back pain that tormented him, but after a successful laser operation, he was able to act.
Antonio Banderos performed almost all the stunts in the film himself.
The trainer who taught Antonio Banderos the art of handling swords and swords spoke of him as one of the most talented students he had ever taught.
Robert Rodriguez was originally going to direct, but the studio didn't like his vision for the film being too violent.
For the role of Elena, the candidacy of the singer Shakira was considered.

More facts (+2)

Mistakes in the movie

Alejandro tells Don Rafael Montero that he was in San Francisco. But in 1841, when the movie takes place, San Francisco was still called Yerba Buena. Modern name the city received only in 1847.
In the last scene, Elena's dress is zipped up. The clasp of this model was not yet used in the 40s of the 19th century.

Plot

Beware, the text may contain spoilers!

California early 19th century. The local Mexican population is severely oppressed by the Spaniards, and main enemy people - the governor Don Rafael Montero, who cares only about his own well-being. Only person, who is able to resist him, is a lone hero, whom everyone knows under the name of Zorro. He always appears out of nowhere, hiding his face behind a black mask.

Deciding to get rid of Zorro, Montero lures him into a trap. He suits public execution innocent peasants, waiting for a hero to come to their rescue. His plan worked, Zorro appears, cracks down on the executioners, saves the condemned and disappears. Only this time Montero's men manage to follow him. They break into his house, where Zorro, whose real name is Diego de la Vega, was resting, surrounded by his wife and daughter, and try to grab him. In the heat of the fight, Raphael kills Diego's wife and stuns him with a blow.

Zorro wakes up already bound and sitting in a cage. His house is set on fire, Raphael takes his daughter for himself. Diego is thrown into jail.

Twenty years later. Don Rafael, after a long absence, returns to California with adult daughter, Elena. The first thing he does upon arrival is visit the dungeon to look for Zorro. There, mistaking another person for his enemy, he kills him. The real Diego de la Vega manages to escape from prison. His goal is to avenge his family and get his daughter back.

Zorro accidentally meets a young guy, Alejandro, whose brother was recently killed by one of Montero's servants, General Love. Diego decides to make an acquaintance the new Zorro and his weapon of revenge.

Alejandro, pretending to be a nobleman, enters the close circle of Don Rafael. He also meets Elena, whom he immediately falls in love with.

Montero plans to annex neighboring lands rich in gold to California. And he plans to pay for the land with gold bars, which he has been illegally extracting there for a long time.

Diego meets with Elena and tells that he is her father, she does not believe at first, but then, from the details of his story, she realizes that this is true.

So that the land seller does not guess that gold is being stolen from under his nose, Rafael orders the mine to be blown up along with the workers. Alejandro and Diego save people. In the decisive battles, Alejandro kills General Love, and Diego deals with Rafael, but, having been wounded, dies in Elena's arms.

Alejandro and Elena get married and have a son.

Name: Zorro (Don Diego de la Vega)

A country: USA

Creator: Johnston McCully

Activity: noble robber, fighter for justice

Family status: widower

Zorro: Character Story

An elusive brave man, a fighter for the rights of the poor and an excellent swordsman - these are far from all the regalia of Zorro. The valiant robber, whose sword is aimed only at corrupt officials, has become the personification of a true caballero. Girl in trouble? Do not despair. A passionate Spaniard, under the cover of night, will free the beauty and punish the villains.

History of creation

For the first time, the masked hero appeared before the public in 1919. The writer Johnston McCully dedicated a cycle of novels to the hero, in which he described in detail the fate of the Spanish fighter for justice. The publishers of the All-Story Weekly magazine evaluated the image of the avenger and allocated five issues for Zorro.

After the initial success, McCully, a crime reporter, left his job and devoted himself to creating a full-fledged book about the hero in black. The cover of the novel "The Curse of Capistrano" is decorated with the inscription:

"When romance and the sword ruled old California."

The book marked the beginning of a series of various comics, short stories, short stories, television and film scripts.

For many years, disputes have not ceased, who became the prototype famous hero. Theories are put forward that the character is recreating an image that, like Zorro, fights injustice and upholds the honor of poor people. It is possible that the prototype of the avenger is William Lamport, an Irish adventurer who posed as illegitimate son King Philip III.

Zorro prototypes: Robin Hood, William Lamport, Percy Blakeney, Spring-heeled Jack

Researchers insist that the legend of Zorro originates from the Victorian novel The Scarlet Pimpernel. Main character during the day he pretends to be a pampered nobleman, and at night Sir Percy Blakeney puts on a mask and rescues the heirs of the French throne from trouble.

The most incredible prototype of Zorro is considered to be Jack-springs-on-heels. The character of English folklore masterfully wields a sword and prefers to dress in black. "Father" Zorro refrained from commenting, so the fans of the avenger will no longer know the correct answer.

Biography

Don Diego de la Vega was born into the family of a wealthy Spanish aristocrat, Alejandro de la Vega. Father of the future hero for a long time served as mayor (mayor) of Los Angeles. The young man's mother died, so Diego went to Madrid to get an education and learn manners.

In the eyes of those around him, the young nobleman is a narrow-minded and phlegmatic person. Diego cares more about the outside than the inside. The young man does not care about problems in home country and is not interested in the fate of the poor:

“I don’t have the reputation of a man who, like a madman, rides a horse at the risk of breaking his neck, fights over a trifle with the first comer, plays the guitar under the window of any beautiful girl.”

The young man returns to California, where Alejandro de la Vega has been removed from his honorary position. Simultaneously with the arrival of Diego, a robber named Zorro appears in the vicinity. No one, except for a faithful servant, guesses that Diego de la Vega turns into a dangerous brave man at night.

“The moment I put on my hat and mask, the pampered Don Diego was dying in me. My body filled with strength, new blood flowed through my veins, my voice became loud and strong, I was filled with fire.

The rogue costume consists of inconspicuous clothing. The hero's face is hidden by a wide-brimmed hat and mask, his shoulders are wrapped in a cloak. Zorro's favorite weapon is a rapier, with which the hero leaves a mark on the places of exploits. The letter "Z" carved into a wall, a tree, or an enemy's face causes anger and irritation among the local police.

Zorro's sword is not the only weapon of the hero. The brave man is the master of the whip. In dangerous sorties, a man is accompanied by a faithful horse with the sonorous name of Tornado. The hero every day stands up for the offended and oppressed.

Like any brave caballero, Zorro follows a code of honor: the daredevil is courteous to the ladies, does not fight with wounded enemies, respects the representatives of religion. The brave man shows respect for his elders and does not use swear words. The only impoliteness allowed is a veiled barb that irritates but does not offend the opponent.

During his double life, Diego de la Vega will find love, save the country from many enemies and accomplish many worthy deeds. Early widowed, Zorro will direct all his energy to restore order in California. And having met a beauty who will again captivate his heart, she will retire.

Story of Zorro

Pampered Diego de la Vega returns home. The father of an aristocrat forces his son to marry. The choice falls on Lolita Pulido, the daughter of a famous nobleman. The head of the family is delighted with the idea of intermarrying with the de la Vega family. Lolita liked the young man, but Diego is too indecisive and lazy to win the girl's heart.

Simultaneously with Diego, Zorro begins to court the beauty. The man's face is hidden under a mask, but a fiery heart and decisive actions conquer Lolita. During a passionate explanation of the lovers, soldiers burst into the house, who have been trying to catch the robber for more than a year.

Captain Juan Ramon, who leads the detachment, loses his head from the beauty. Now there are three candidates for the place of Lolita's fiancé. But the girl's heart belongs only to Zorro. Diego calmly accepts the refusal of the Spaniard, and the treacherous soldier, not having achieved reciprocity, writes a denunciation to the governor.

Zorro tries to save his beloved, but fails to destroy the note. In addition, the daredevil is being pursued. Face to face with a detachment of soldiers, the robber calls them to stand on his side.

The Pulido family goes to jail. Diego de la Vega is idle. Under the cover of night, Zorro frees his beloved from captivity. In the final fight, the Spanish shrew kills the enemy, saves the bride from violence and reveals the truth to the world:

“In the light of day, they call him Don Diego, but as soon as the southern night falls, Zorro transforms into a fighter against evil and repays all the surrounding villains according to their merits, regardless of rank and title.”

Screen adaptations

A lot of books are devoted to the passionate character, but the hero became famous thanks to the cinema. The first film adaptation of the Spaniard's adventures was the film "The Sign of Zorro", starring silent film star Douglas Fairbanks. The picture came out a year after the "birth" of the character.

The success of the picture exceeded expectations, and in 2005 the continuation of the tape called The Legend of Zorro was released. The role of the protagonist again went to Antonio Banderas. The beloved of the passionate Spaniard in both parts of the picture was played by Katherine Jones (the actress is better known by her name).

In addition to films and TV series, the image of macho and protector of the poor is often exploited by writers, authors of musicals and comic book creators.

The Spaniard is a recognized prototype. Both heroes hide the name behind the nickname, have a brand name and fight bandits.
Bruce Wayne's parents are murdered next to a movie theater where Zorro is playing.
The hero's name comes from Spanish like "fox" or "sly".
The character is strongly associated with Spain, but the hero lives in California.
The creator of Zorro wrote 61 novels about the fighter for justice.