Rollicking action movie.Not quite the original Zorro - there were a few Zorro movies before this - but probably the best. Decent, simple plot. Writer and director don't try to make things too complicated. It's pretty much Robin Hood set in early-1800s California. Consistent with this, doesn't overstay its welcome.Good action scenes. Some of the fencing contests are among the best you'll see in a movie.Good performances. Tyrone Power gives a solid, suitably dashing, performance as Zorro, while also having to act the dandy for his unmasked other life. Nothing more than an action-drama though - don't expect anything too profound.

According to The Dark Knight Returns, this version of Zorro was the one that partially inspired little Bruce Wayne to become Batman (the character inspired Batman's creators in real life). And seeing The Mark of Zorro (1940), one can see plainly how it could inspire. It looks like a smaller production than 1998's The Mask of Zorro (only a one-letter difference in the title), but The Mark of Zorro has solid production values and plenty of life and action anyway. It thus does as much justice to the character of Zorro as Zorro did for California.Tyrone Power plays Don Diego Vega, a master swordsman who returns to California from Spain, only to find his governor father overthrown and replaced by a tyrant. Power succeeds in portraying a character with a double life, a foppish Don Diego Vega and a heroic Zorro. One thing I thought was a little lacking was why he chose to take the form of a masked bandit or why he chose the name Zorro. And doesn't the fact that Zorro explicitly wants his father back on the throne make Don Diego Vega a little suspicious? On the other hand, the way he acts unmasked would take a little away from any suspicion. The film has plenty of swashbuckling action scenes that offer excitement without gore; with a dash of romance and sex appeal (Zorro falls in love with his enemy's beautiful young niece, kind of like how the new Zorro loves his enemy's adopted daughter in the 1998 film). This is what a Zorro film should be.

Where to begin praising The Mark of Zorro(1940)? An immensely fun film that never fails to put a smile on my face, and while the Douglas Fairbanks version is a classic and one of his best films and the Antonio Banderas film is entertaining it is this that comes across as the definitive version. The period detail has a great deal of charm and authenticity and the film is shot beautifully, serving the action scenes really well rather than cheapening them. The action sequences themselves are simply terrific, edge-of-your-seat quality and so entertaining to watch. The highlights are the chase sequences and especially the sword fight between Diego and Pasquale, the swordplay expertly choreographed and played without ever becoming clumsy. Alfred Newman's score adds a huge amount, very rousing with a main theme that gives off a once heard, never forgotten vibe. The dialogue is appropriately witty and the story is ceaselessly engaging, complete with emotional impact, exciting energy and tension. There is nothing obvious in the direction that comes across as a fault, and the acting is fine. Linda Darnell brings genuine beauty and pathos to the female lead, Eugene Palette is suitably craggy Gale Sondergaard is equally memorable. But the acting honours do go to Tyrone Power, whose dashing, charismatic performance is a career-best and Basil Rathbone on superbly evil form and in a way that is quite distinctive. Summing up, a classic, definitive version and a wonderful film in its own right. 10/10 Bethany Cox

In the early 19th century, handsome swordsman Tyrone Power (as Diego Vega) travels from Madrid, Spain to Los Angeles, California. He learns, from sinister swordsman Basil Rathbone (as Esteban Pasquale), that scene-stealing J. Edward Bromberg (as Luis Quintero) and his cronies have taken command of the land. Clearly signaling their desire to lock horns, Mr. Power and Mr. Rathbone make a notable first impression. Power responds to tyrannical rule by becoming a Spanish-styled "Robin Hood". In black cape and mask, Power (as "Zorro") fights injustice, leaving a telltale sword-swiped "Z" as his calling card...Stylish direction by Rouben Mamoulian, and the 20th Century-Fox production team, helped this "Zorro" leave a mark. Power is fine as the avenger. Most of his antics are accomplished by the "Z" special effect and a stunt double on horseback. Surprisingly, Power's real performance is as Zorro's mild-mannered - actually, fey - alter ego. With a final fencing duel against Rathbone, Power nails both the performance and picture. Adding to the above are good roles for Gale Sondergaard (as Inez Quintero) and Eugene Palette (as Fray Felipe). Newcomer Linda Darnell (as Lolita Quintero) is a beautiful romantic interest.******** The Mark of Zorro (11/1/40) Rouben Mamoulian ~ Tyrone Power, Basil Rathbone, J. Edward Bromberg, Linda Darnell