The Mark of Zorro **** (1974, Frank Langella, Ricardo Montalban, Gilbert Roland) – Classic Movie Review 2315

Director Don McDougall 1974 adventure is a strongly and ideally cast TV movie remake, with proper displays of athleticism and acting prowess from Frank Langella (as the swishing fop Don Diego de la Vega and the swashbuckling masked hero Zorro) and Gilbert Roland (as the father, Don Alejandro de la Vega) and moustache-twiddling villainy from Ricardo Montalban (as  the wicked Captain Esteban).

Brian Taggert’s screenplay and McDougall’s direction may not be totally inspired, especially compared with the 1940 classic, but this movie is still quite a lot of fun, with a good production, top-notch action and first-rate performances. The highlight final swordfight between Zorro and Esteban is extremely well staged and worth the wait. Also in the nice cast are Yvonne De Carlo, Louise Sorel, Robert Middleton, Anne Archer, Tom Lacey and Inez Perez.

They’ve cleverly reused the terrific, Oscar-nominated title theme from Alfred Newman’s score from 1940.

It was remade again as The Mask of Zorro in 1998.

© Derek Winnert 2015 Classic Movie Review 2315

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