Leofwine_draca
THE MARK OF ZORRO is certainly a lively and entertaining film for its era, a movie that manages to surpass THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD in terms of spectacle and excitement. And it absolutely destroys the modern-day adaptations of the story starring Antonio Banderas that seem positively dreadful by comparison.The simple storyline sees Hollywood star Tyrone Power playing a double role: he's a mild-mannered aristocrat by day, and a vengeful, Robin Hood-style outlaw by night. Of course, this kind of narrative is entirely predictable, but the film's format is kept strong thanks to decent black and white cinematography and some good characterisations that feel reminiscent of a spaghetti western.Power proves himself a likable and athletic hero - it was the first time I'd seen him in action - and he's more than matched by the excellent Basil Rathbone as a villain. THE MARK OF ZORRO also contains the best bit of fencing ever put on film, an extended duel that easily becomes one of the best fight scenes ever put on film, a real highlight of a good-natured and thoroughly enjoyable movie.
Spondonman
And the unbeatable version of this story; after seeing this when young no other version made before or since would do for me. It's a masterclass in telling an exciting adventurous romantic story intelligently in an artistic not Arty manner, for popular not highbrow consumption.Dashing young swordsman Tyrone Power is recalled from Spain to his deflated father Montagu Love's ranch in California where he finds the downtrodden peons steeped in taxes and misery and ready to revolt against their oppressive rulers led by the incisive Basil Rathbone and his stooge J Edward Bromberg. Times don't change much. He decides to become a masked avenger for the People and plays a tired fop to all as a disguise for his unlawful machinations. It's a fantastic story delivered by a fantastic cast in a fantastic Mamoulian/TCF production, even down to Alfred Newman's splendid score and the gleaming nitrate black and white photography. Eugene Palette unfortunately reprised his Friar Tuck role but was completely forgivable whilst to put it charitably Linda Darnell added some new aspects to DeHavilland's Maid Marion character. The screen is full of big characters and big faces which really are best served on a big screen.It's a wonderful roller-coaster ride all the way to the Big Duel with Sir Guy, sorry, Captain Pasquale and climax; I've always preferred Flynn's Robin Hood but this is a heart-stirring companion piece to it and a film I've seen so many times I've lost count. It has certainly left its mark on me.
Armand
one of most impressive duel scenes. the mixture of humor and tension. and the lead role as the best cloth for Tyron Power. it is a film who shatters the nostalgic references and who gives a total entertainment , does an inspired example of adventure and has the rare gift to create a splendid portrait of joy. nothing, in this case, is not a sketch. the characters, the plot, the acting. all has deep roots and the final impression is to discover a precise work in which each part has mark of thoroughly care. maybe, the best Zorro, it remains memorable. a movie who must see it. not as link of cinema history but for its special beauty. and, maybe, for the flavor of a manner to do a real good film.
Neil Doyle
The only ingredient missing here is a Fox budget that would have provided Technicolor photography as a part of the film's lush production values. However, even without three-strip Technicolor, this B&W version of the famous legendary outlaw is acted to perfection by the entire cast.Tyrone Power goes with great ease from the fop to the swashbuckler Zorro, all the while displaying a great deal of charm and good looks. The romantic role of "the girl" goes to Linda Darnell who is more than adequate in the looks department herself.In the chapel scene and "The White Sombrero" dance routine they have a chance to show the kind of sparks that made them popular movie stars of the '40s. Linda was just about to break out of her virginal roles and about to play more tempestuous heroines, but she does an excellent job as Power's love interest.Basil Rathbone is at his finest for the final dueling scene, surely even more robustly performed than the one he shared with Errol Flynn in THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD--and that's really saying something. Power seems to be evenly matched with Rathbone in his skilled swordsmanship.Alfred Newman's fitting pseudo-Spanish background music provides just the right amount of excitement to make this a most entertaining show. And the supporting cast--including Gale Sondergaard, J. Edgar Bromberg, Eugene Palette, Montagu Love, Janet Beecher and others is excellent.By all means worth watching anytime for sheer entertainment.
AD
