Review of The Mark of Zorro (1940) by Kevin R — 17 Nov 2013

You handle a sword like a devil from hell.

In 1820 Don Diego Vega is an aristocrat who returns home to Spain from California to find his country under the rule of an evil dictator. However, the dictator's niece is a beauty he hopes to masquerade as her fiancé to get closer to the uncle and ultimately bring down his operation. Don Diego will become Zorro and perform as a Robin Hood of sorts for his countrymen.

"Find speech or I'll cut out your tongue.".

Rouben Mamoulian, director of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931), Queen Christina, Silk Stockings, Blood and Sand, Golden Boy, and Summer Holiday, delivers Mark of Zorro. The storyline for this picture is very interesting and contains witty lines, interesting characters, great action, and solid drama. The acting is also wonderful and the cast includes Tyrone Power, Linda Darnell, Basil Rathbone, Eugene Pallette, and Gale Sondergaard.

"All of the people were covered in blood.".

"Sorry I missed that.".

I DVR almost all of Power's movies off Turner Classic Movies (TCM) as they come on. This was a very fun and entertaining picture. His character was entertaining, although a bit predictable, and I loved how the story turned out. Overall, this is an entertaining movie that is definitely worth watching once.

"Sword play is such a violent business.".

Grade: B.