Mark of Zorro

I especially loved the way Fairbanks played the dual role of Don Diego Vega/Zorro. Don Diego's lifelessness was oftentimes amusing, and so were those magic tricks of his. And I loved seeing the practical jokes Zorro played on Sergeant Gonzales. Oh, and could Zorro ever woo Senorita Lolita Pulido!

The acting was probably very good for a 1920s movie (though quite frankly, this is the first time I really saw a silent film, so I don't have much to compare it to), though the performance of Marguerite de la Motte as Lolita, in particular, is slightly melodramatic at times. Still, it's a minor complaint, and it didn't keep me from loving the movie and from wanting to watch it often. END


Douglas Fairbanks is soooo hot   December 5, 2004
Gagewyn (United States)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Fairbanks made this movie around 1920 when he was just starting out. He did all his own stunts, and knowing this made it that much cooler watching him go go go. Fairbanks plays painfully awkward nobleman Don Diego and his alter-ego Zorro - the champion of the downtrodden. In both disguises he courts the lovely Lolita.

This movie has the blend of action and humor that will be familiar from more modern Zorro movies. The very very geeky Don Diego provides some comic relief, especially when courting Lolita. And of course Zorro plays plenty of tricks on the Spanish Governor and his guards. But the real draw here are the stunts. There is lots of swinging on ropes and chandaliers and lots of sword fighting.

This is very watchable now and the stunts were frequent and impressive. It is an excellent and enjoyable movie. It is also silent, so be aware cause if you aren't expecting it that could be weird.


Doug's Breakthrough Film   July 28, 2006
Scott Rivers (Los Angeles, CA USA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

Though lacking the high production values of its 1940 counterpart, the original "Mark of Zorro" is great fun. This adaptation of Johnston McCulley's "Curse of Capistrano" propelled Douglas Fairbanks from light comedian to adventure star. Inventive action sequences and a vigorous pace make this Doug's most enjoyable feature-length vehicle. For comic-book artist Bob Kane, the film was a major influence in the creation of Batman.


One of the best of the silents.   January 2, 2004
Frederick Norwood (Mountain Home, TN USA)
3 out of 4 found this review helpful

The only silent film I have enjoyed as much as I enjoy the best of modern film is Buster Keaton's The General, but Douglas Fiarbanks' The Mark of Zorro holds up better than most silents. The original music by Jon C. Mirsalis adds a lot. The sequal, Don Q., Son of Zorro, is even better than "Mark", so be sure to buy the two films on one DVD from King Video.


Very Good Movie!   June 13, 1997
2 out of 3 found this review helpful

This is the best fencing movie that I have ever seen. And it's one of the greatest Douglas Fairbanks Movies ever made. It has lots of Swordplay, And for only $17.49 This is a wonderful movie for you. END