Zorro

Considering my age, I watched the series quite late. Having heard a lot about these series from my older sisters and friends, I decided to watch them all. I bought the whole series on DVD (total of 78 X 30 min and 4 X 60 min) in summer 2006 and watched the whole 83 hours in around a month.

Having watched 3 other Zorro versions, I do agree that Guy Williams version is the best along with the other two pivotal characters of Bernardo and Sgt Garcia being unique. Considering the fact that I am in 2006 and still enjoining these series, I tried to imagine how enjoyable these series were for the peoples of 50's!!!

Guy Williams was the best Zorro in my opinion. Playing Don Diego as both foppish and intellectual allowed his character to be warm and sympathetic both in and out of the mask. And if you have ever watched any 60's TV show you'll notice that old set staple, Bryce Canyon, used for, I think, one of the first times on a television show. But just think, on Zorro it's not supposed to be yet another alien planet, but exactly what it is! A canyon outside of LA! That to me was always the cleverest thing about the show. The fact that it was filmed (sorta) near where it would have taken place if Don Diego had been real. I have to say though, I prefer the episodes in black and white. I think it looks weird when you see a bright blue sky in a "night" scene.

Zorro created for itself a place in history not purely on the mass hysteria of a generation of 8 year old baby boomers, but it's a quality show. It was ahead of itself in many ways, for the 50s family show at least: casting an Armand Catalino in the title role (yeah, Guy Williams, though you probably didn't know it); having a tendency to be a squirmingly gory (the list is long); using oft time complicated plots (like the 20+ episode Eagle plot); and something that is still fascinating to watch till today, a unique glimpse of a different side of California- it's history. As a native San Diegan, I appreciate that, and having grown up watching the show on Disney channel (you're looking at a generation X-er) it's amazing to find that it still captivates you from episode to episode. There's depth and content in it and the swashbuckling swordfighting, debonair flash will keep anyone captivated for long enough. That's what made it what it is... plus that Z. Swish, swish, swish!

One might say this is quite possibly the most entertaining TV show ever created. "Zorro" has a rare combination of action, adventure, suspense, music, and even comedy. Though Guy Williams is only one of many men who have donned the mask of Zorro, he is considered by many, including me, to be the one true Zorro. Williams, though the true highlight of the show, was just part of a great cast. Gene Sheldon is a convincing "deaf" mute and we can always rely on Sergeant Garcia (Henry Calvin) for a few laughs. This show also is unique because even though it holds enough action and plot for adults, it is still mild enough for even very young children to watch and enjoy.

When "Zorro" originally aired on ABC from 1957-1959, it was a smash hit, knocking 5 of the 7 shows airing at the same time off the air. Unfortunately, due to legal problems with the rights of the show, only two full seasons of the show and four one-hour episodes were completed. But, on the bright side, "Zorro" can still be seen nightly on the Disney Channel.

This show was a real treat, both on ABC from 1957 to 1959, and on the Disney Channel, with its blend of adventure and comedy. Excellent cast!

I am sorry that the series did not film further episodes, because it was superb. I saw it as a kid in syndication in 1965-66, and then again in 2002 on the Disney Channel.

"Zorro" had to have been the "Batman" of the late 1950s. Indeed, in the comic version of "Batman" it is Zorro whom Bruce Wayne considers his role model. After living in Texas and the Southwest, I can appreciate the series even more. I just wish Disney would bring it back, and that someone would revive the series. It was so interesting!