Watch The Sign Of Zorro
- G
- 1960
- 1 hr 31 min
-
6.9 (1,247)
Set in 19th century California, The Sign of Zorro follows the story of Diego de la Vega, a wealthy and educated nobleman who secretly dons a mask to fight for the people's freedom under the guise of the legendary swordsman Zorro. Played by Guy Williams, Diego stands out as the epitome of a smooth and charming leading man. He is the son of a wealthy landowner, a man able to move with ease in high society, and possesses an education that finds him equally comfortable discussing Shakespeare or fencing techniques. His quiet life is turned upside down when he discovers that his father, Don Alejandro de la Vega, has been imprisoned by the corrupt Governor Alvarado (George J. Lewis) and his trusted henchman, the Sergeant Garcia (Henry Calvin).
Faced with injustice and unwilling to stand idly by, Diego realizes that to take down the corrupt government, he must become someone else. With the help of his loyal servant Bernardo (Gene Sheldon), who is deaf and mute but an accomplished swordsman, Diego dons a black mask and becomes Zorro, the fox. He uses his skills with the sword and his wits to champion justice and protect the people of California from the oppression of the Governor.
As Zorro, Diego not only fights for justice but also seeks to win the heart of the beautiful Lolita (Janet Munro). Lolita is the Governor's niece and initially loyal to her family, but as she learns more about the injustice in California, she begins to see the merit in Zorro's cause. Williams and Munro share good chemistry on screen, and their romance is a significant part of the movie's charm.
The Sign of Zorro combines action, romance and drama, and never fails to entertain. The fight scenes are exciting and well-choreographed, with the iconic Zorro flashing his sword and leaving his signature "Z" mark on walls as he escapes. The movie boasts some fantastic stunt work and a rousing score by Alfred Newman that adds to the movie's excitement.
At the base of it, the movie is a story of the people's struggle for freedom against a corrupt government. It is a theme that has resonated down the years, with Zorro becoming an enduring symbol of resistance against oppression. The Sign of Zorro is also a classic example of a swashbuckling adventure, full of intrigue and excitement. The movie has everything: secret identities, daring escapes, and romance.
The film's production values are excellent, with impressive sets, costumes and makeup. The movie captures the look and feel of Old California, with dusty streets and adobe buildings. The attention to detail in the costumes is notable, with every stitch and button adding to the authenticity of the time period.
In terms of performances, Guy Williams is the perfect choice to play Diego/Zorro. He carries the movie beautifully, moving between the smooth-talking nobleman and the masked avenger with ease. Williams adds depth to Diego through his performance, allowing us to see the conflict he feels as he fights against those he grew up with.
Janet Munro is an engaging presence on screen as Lolita. She brings warmth and depth to a character that could have been a bland love interest in other hands. Henry Calvin is memorable as Sergeant Garcia, providing the comic foil to Zorro's heroism.
Overall, The Sign of Zorro is a classic adventure movie that still holds up over 60 years later. It is a fun and exciting movie that will have you on the edge of your seat with every swash of Zorro's sword. If you're a fan of action, romance or just a good adventure, then The Sign of Zorro should be on your watchlist.
The Sign Of Zorro is a 1960 western with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.