Zorro (Disney Treasures)

It seems that recently there are an increasing number of DVDs being released that have the wonderful effect of propelling back in time to the much simpler days of my childhood. After a day of work or reading the dismal stories that dominates the news it is a refreshing change to just reach for a set of discs that contain the movies or television show that enthralled many of us long before this current generation was born. One of the best sources for family entertainment back then was Walt Disney. Then again his films, TV show and theme parks have defined family friendly entertainment since the thirties. In short at least t four generations has flocked to the House of Mouse just for the fun of it. Disney has expanded their home theater release beyond just their current line of films and television series going deep into their treasured vaults of goodies releasing some shows I literally haven’t thought much about in just about fifty years. Disney has been coming out with their trademark metal boxes of the ‘Disney’s Treasures’ collection for a few years now and everyone has been well worth it; quickly ranking as a collection favorite. One of the latest in this illustrious release line just happens to invoke some of my earliest memories; ‘Zorro’. I used to sit and watch this sitting next to my dad when I was pre-school age. As soon as the stirring theme song started I instantly reverted back to that little boy completely enthralled by that heroic figure with his flowing black cape atop his brave black stallion. Most of the boys in my neighborhood had their official Zorro cape, masks and plastic foils and afterschool the next day we would repeatedly reenact that evening’s episode. Even if you don’t remember the series it is well worth getting this set and starting some new family traditions with your kids. The entertainment value here may not be as polished as modern faire but it remains every bit as much fun.

The character of ‘Zorro’ has been around long enough to be considered a true part of American folk lore. The character started some ninety years ago in the popular pulp novels of the time continuing to delight audiences of no matter what format the telling of the story may take. The main reason for this is rather simple; the story inherently contains virtually every required element of an exciting action tale. Set in pre-Statehood California when the territory was still under the control of the Spanish crown. It contains numerous archetypes of proven popularity such as the vigilante, there is something especially appealing to the law abiding citizen to watch a regular man taking matters into his own hands to right a social injustice. In this storyline the local Spanish authorities are sullied by high ranking politicians and military officers who are greedy, cruel and power hungry. They not only openly harass the hard working lower class but also steal from the honest landed gentry. One of the most oppressive is Captain Monastario (Britt Lomond). One of the leading ranchero owners in the region that would someday grow into Los Angles is the kind and fair Don Alejandro de la Vega (George J. Lewis). He tries his best to stand against the tyrant but is typically thwarted. His son, Don Diego de la Vega (Guy Williams) comes to the New World and is moved by the plight of the oppressed people. Unbeknownst to anyone in California but his father, the young man is one of the most skilled swordsmen in Europe. Don Diego keeps this a secret so he can lash out against the corrupt under the black mask and cape of Zorro. Soon there is a vast price on his head but thanks to his dual identity he manages to continue his fight for justice. Every hero needs a faithful sidekick and for Zorro that position was filled by Diego’ trusted manservant Bernardo (Gene Sheldon). He was unable to speak but also pretended to be deaf and ‘mentally challenged’ in order to better spy on the soldiers. Usually used for comic relief was the spherically overweight Sgt. Demetrio Lopez Garcia (Henry Calvin). He was the bumbling butt of every nasty remark made by the vile commandant.

This series was one on those that quietly helped to change the face of television. For one thing it employed the concept of the multiple episode story arc. There was a central story that requited 13 episodes or so to play along with several smaller arcs that ran over the course of several episodes. Back then most television used single episode stories that could be re-shown in any order; something that assisted selling the series for syndication. The series ran for two complete seasons followed by four specials. The Disney Treasures line makes the first two seasons available each as a six disc set in a tin display box. Inside is a collectable photo of Williams and a special Zorro collectable pin. This far more than really fun family entertainment; for many of us it is a piece of our childhood.

Posted 11/06/09