When watching an early episode of Zorro from 1939, it is easy to see how it could still inspire stunts and mysterious Superhero characters in movies today. (See Chapter 1, Golden God below):

In this first episode the scene is set for the rest of the series. The initial opening captions reveal that in 1810 there is a Mexican revolt against tyranny and by 1824 the old Spanish provinces are formed into the United States of Mexico.

The scene then changes to show Don Francisco, a nobleman having a discussion at a table, stating, “Our fight is not ending, it is only just beginning,” revealing gold is needed from the mine to fill the empty treasury of the new nation.

A Cantina is the venue for the next scene, where a refusal for a stranger to join the army leads to a sword fight breaking out. Zorro appears in his legendary black mask and swings from a chandelier, fighting with both a whip and a sword, etching a ‘Z’ on the ‘bad guy’s’ head!

Francisco then asks Zorro to take his place on the Council as his dying wish. A man walking round playing a Guitar is the signal to meet up. An ominous death ace is revealed at a card table, while a sacrificial ritual takes place in front of an evil robot-type creature as troops are told to get ready for the next train.

Zorro’s alter-ego is ‘Diego’ (Don Diego Vega). When a young woman is introduced to him as Diego, she is disappointed he is a ‘fop’ as he puts on an act complaining about a fatigued journey. This is a plan to cover up his identity.  He appears later as Zorro on horseback and gives a speech, “Traitors must perish, law must be enforced, a republic must prosper...are you willing to follow me?” He then gets his willing crowd to swear to being a worthy member of this fighting legion, as they loyally swear on their swords.

The theme tune plays as the enemies gallop on horseback for a bow and arrows versus guns fight. Zorro fights against many successfully while his horse does an amazing stunt-jump to get away from being chased. The episode ends with a canyon crumbling as Zorro covers his face...

Despite being politically incorrect, this is well worth watching for the impressive stunts and fights.

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