After some text about how oppression creates its own opposition, we open in California, suffering under the heel of one such oppressor, an unnamed governor (George Periolat). However, the governor's authority is regularly challenged by a masked bandit named Zorro, whose feats strike terror into the hearts of soldiers and inspires hopes in the natives and villagers they oppress. The wealthy Don Diego Vega (Douglas Fairbanks Sr.), however, has no interest in Zorro's daring feats - or anything else, really - much to the mockery of the locals and the disappointment of his father, Don Alejandro (Sidney De Gray). It's only when faced with the threat of being disinherited that the younger Vega courts Lolita Pulido (Marguerite De La Motte), daughter of the dignified Don Carlos Pulido (Charles Hill Mailes). However, Lolita has two other suitors - the sinister Captain Ramon (Robert McKim) and Zorro himself. Rejected by Lolita and humiliated by Zorro, Ramon will stop at nothing to shame and coerce Lolita into becoming his conquest, and Zorro must fight not only for the people of California, but the honor of the innocent Lolita.
More substantially, he's also a rather ominous, sinister figure, with little of the sense of playful mischief and guile Fairbanks introduced to the character. Fairbanks's Zorro is a lighter and softer version of his literary counterpart, more apt to mock and taunt his enemies. The only exception is that while The Curse of Capistrano's Zorro only carves a Z into something or someone once in the entire story, it's a regular thing for him in the film - whether it's clothing, a wall, or an enemy's face. Also, while The Curse of Capistrano's Fray Felipe is a brawny firebrand of justice, something carried over in more than one adaptation, his film counterpart is a meek, gentle man of the church, whose flogging for a crime he didn't commit comes off all the more as a cruel injustice. (This scene understandably caused a lot of controversy from moral guardians.)
Besides, legacy aside, it's still a solid adventure movie with a lot to offer, especially as a gateway if you've ever seen a silent film before. Give it a try, and see if the original Zorro can make its mark on you.
Thanks to all of you who have supported the INCspotlight over these past six years, in various and sundry ways, from family and friends the occasional reader! I especially want to close out this year on a solemn note by thanking my Trusty Research Assistant, who I unexpectedly had to bid a final farewell to only a couple of months ago. You'll be missed, always.