SYNOPSIS: A young Californian blade at loose in Madrid is accused of murder by his rival for the hand of a pretty girl.
NOTES: A sequel to The Mark of Zorro (1920).
COMMENT: Unlike most sequels, this one is actually much more entertaining than the original Zorro, thanks not only to the large amount of money lavished on this production, but for the more engaging performances all around.
True, the costumes, sets and hordes of colorful extras certainly engage the viewer's attention, but not more so than our dashing hero himself, so personably portrayed with such consummate high spirits and athletic prowess by the charismatic Fairbanks who, in addition to his mastery of swordplay and balcony leaping demonstrates a new skill to enthrall all his fans here, namely a dazzling display with a stock whip.
In my youth, we often wondered whether actor Donald Crisp was a good director. Here's the answer: He's not just good, he's brilliant-and not just in handling his players, all of whom (including Crisp himself) contribute eye-catching characterizations. In fact, Crisp's entrancing visual style is one of the picture's mainstays. He gets the pictorial best from every shot.
AVAILABLE on DVD through Delta. Quality rating: 10 out of ten.
NOTES: A sequel to The Mark of Zorro (1920).
COMMENT: Unlike most sequels, this one is actually much more entertaining than the original Zorro, thanks not only to the large amount of money lavished on this production, but for the more engaging performances all around.
True, the costumes, sets and hordes of colorful extras certainly engage the viewer's attention, but not more so than our dashing hero himself, so personably portrayed with such consummate high spirits and athletic prowess by the charismatic Fairbanks who, in addition to his mastery of swordplay and balcony leaping demonstrates a new skill to enthrall all his fans here, namely a dazzling display with a stock whip.
In my youth, we often wondered whether actor Donald Crisp was a good director. Here's the answer: He's not just good, he's brilliant-and not just in handling his players, all of whom (including Crisp himself) contribute eye-catching characterizations. In fact, Crisp's entrancing visual style is one of the picture's mainstays. He gets the pictorial best from every shot.
AVAILABLE on DVD through Delta. Quality rating: 10 out of ten.