Original subtitles

Fair seat, bad hands, mount not sufficiently schooled.

Disqualified. Here comes the California cockerel. Ten pesos, he clears them all.

Cleanly? Cleanly. Taken.

Grow wings, my friend.

Ten pesos, if you please.

Maybe you've forgotten that in California they use horses for cradles.

Well done, senor. Excellent.

All I did was sit on his back.

Oh, three carats after his oats tonight, Manuel.

Si, senor.

You got an affair of the court, senor?

No, of the heart.

Something is wrong.

The face, man, the face.

Why the fine feathers?

A senorita that would put St. Anthony on the griddle. We're to meet in the

cathedral. Have you forgotten that you crossed swords with Lieutenant Cortez at

3 o'clock?

Santa Maria, it slipped my mind.

Why do I have to meet every swordsman in Madrid?

Everybody enjoys a certain amount of fighting, but why does everybody pick on

me? Calm yourself.

It's become a distinction to assail a California cockaroo.

You pink them slightly in the arm or shoulder and...

They boast of having met you.

That's Vega.

The Commandant wishes to see you in his office at once.

Good. You see, I can't possibly fight the fellow now.

Explain that to him, will you?

Tell him I'll meet him tomorrow.

Your attention, please.

I'm buying wine for all.

Come on, come on. It's your last chance to fill up on me.

Last chance?

What do you mean?

Well, my father has ordered me home.

The commandant just told me.

I sail on the first ship from Lisbon.

To California?

But what about your commission here?

I'll have to give that up.

What's it like in California?

Are the Indians troublesome?

No. Then who is there to fight?

No one.

Then what will you do with a spur of yours, my cockerel?

This.

Leave it there.

And when you see it, think of me.

In a land of gentle missions, happy peons, sleepy caballeros, and

everlasting boredom.

Wine.

A toast, senores, to California, where a man can only marry, raise fat children,

and watch his vineyards grow.

How are the vineyards? Are they bearing well this season?

By some miracle, the grapes remain sweet.

Why so gloomy, my friend?

People cannot sing with hatred in their hearts, senor.

Hatred for whom?

The Alcalde.

May his soul burn in hell.

Alcalde? What kind of better man never lived?

You don't know him, senor.

I should know him. He's my father.

I said it and I won't deny it.

I've taken 20 lashes before for a slip of the tongue.

Now row, row. Get me to shore.

Buenos dias, senor. Buenos dias.

I'm honored.

How can I serve you?

A glass of your best wine. Si, senor.

You are a stranger in this part, Señor?

No, not exactly.

I was born and raised not far from here.

I'm the son of the Alcalde.

Where can I get a carriage to drive me to Los Angeles?

Well, wake up! Didn't you hear me?

Si, senor. Si, senor. This way, sir.

Pedro! Pedro!

Here is a caballero who'd employ you. He is the son of his excellency, the

alcalde.

I want to be driven to Los Angeles.

I have some boxes and a portmanteau on the wharf.

I'll pay you well.

Well, stop staring at me. Will you drive me or not?

Shh!

Have you all gone mad?

Listen, you.

Fine speech or I'll cut out your tongue.

You are too late, senor. Your good father has already attended to that. My

father? What are you talking about? I am sorry, senor. But at a meeting of the

peons, this man spoke against the heavy Texas.

The next day, the soldiers of his excellency cut out his tongue. I swear

it is true.

Therefore, until we receive the reinforcement from others...

Yeah.

Huh?

So the people can still laugh in California.

They began to think they'd lost their habit.

Your name, senor?

He claims to be the son of al-Qaeda. I claim nothing.

I am Diego Vega, son of His Excellency Don Alejandro.

And this, although I find it greatly changed, is my home.

Your pardon, Don Diego, I've not heard of your returning.

Welcome to California.

I'm Captain Esteban Pascual, military aide to the alcalde.

I'm honored, Captain, but bewildered.

Tell me, why has my father turned his home into a barracks?

Conditions have changed since you left, Don Diego.

Your father resigned.

Age, you know.

Since then, the peons have become more, uh, more industrious.

As to the caballeros...

They're encouraged to think of their own affairs.

We take care of the government.

I see.

I see.

Tell me, who holds the office now?

Don Luis Basilio Quintero. I'll take you to him.

Oh, thank you, but I should like to see my family as quickly as possible.

Where are they living? At your old hacienda.

But His Excellency will never forgive you if I let you go without a word of

welcome from him.

I'm quite sure that you'll save me a reprimand.

How could I refuse a man anything with a naked sword in his hand?

So a wit has come to Los Angeles.

Carry out your orders, Sergeant.

Save me, Captain.

It's a foolish habit of mine.

Some men play with a club or a monocle or a snuffbox.

Churchmen finger their beads.

I toy with a sword.

Do you fancy the weapon?

Oh, I... I know very little about it, my dear Capitan.

Swordplay is such a violent business.

Oh, this is the bird that killed the black-breasted rat, eh? Yes, Your

Excellency. Was it a bloody battle? The sight of the pit, all the people were

covered with blood.

Pity I missed it.

What are you asking for him?

Oh, this is a noble bird, well tested.

I'm asking 40 pesos for him, Excellency.

40 pesos?

Step out! This cheating dog should have his taxes raised. No, no, no, Your

Excellency. The bird is yours as a gift.

Not one centivo will he cost you.

That's a better attitude.

Much better.

Turn him over to my handlers.

Senor.

And what caballero is this? Or is he some young lord from Spain? A good

guess, Excellency. He's just from Spain.

This is Don Diego Vega, son of your respected predecessor.

Ah. I thought such fabric came from Madrid.

Must have cost you plenty, huh? The Caballero is here for some words of

welcome, not to discuss the price of his clothes, Excellency. Oh, of course, to

be sure.

Welcome back, young sir.

Regard this house as still your home.

Thank you, Excellency.

Luis! Luis!

A ship has arrived from Spain.

The shops will have something worth looking at at last. I need... Money.

Money, money. It's always money.

My dear Luis, I don't know this Caballero. He's just off your precious

ship from Spain. How delightful! Well, one of you ill-mannered boors present

him. Don Diego Vega.

Senora Ines de Quintero. My wife, senor.

Senora. Your Excellency is a very fortunate man.

I'm not so sure. She thinks besos grow on mulberry trees.

Your husband was also fascinated by the caballeros' clothes.

Your pardon, senor. We're overwhelmed by the latest fashions. And no wonder. What

is there here to interest a woman?

I long for the life you've been leading, senor. The gaiety and splendor of

Madrid. And the court? Have patience, my love. You'll see it all someday.

Doubtless. When I'm an old hag.

Well, that catastrophe could never overtake you, senora. Oh, did you hear?

How easily he makes pretty speeches.

I regret, senora, that...

What were you saying, Don Diego?

Oh, yes, I... I was saying that I must tear myself away and make some speeches

to my father and mother. Oh, don't leave me to these barbarians.

Come to the shops with me and help me make my selections, hm?

Oh, you... You tempt me, signora.

I love the shimmer of satin and silk.

The matching of one delicate shade against the other.

Then there's the choosing of scents and lotions.

Attar of rose, carnation, crushed lily, and musk.

As for ornaments and jewels... But, my love, Don Diego must see his parents.

Too true.

Duty rather than pleasure.

Excellency. Capitan.

Señor.

I'll see you to the door.

That's one little peacock that won't give us any trouble.

You think not?

The Capitan is jealous.

The fop has pricked the fencing master.

Touché.

I don't like such jests. Your rhyme might fail you.

It's possible.

Who was that?

Oh, no one you know.

Someone new, very charming.

Well, he must be, from the color in your cheeks and the look in your eyes. At

last, after all these months in this dreary place, someone who knows the

newest fashions, the latest dances, how to flatter a woman.

When can I meet him?

Listen to the child.

You're much too young to cope with his sort.

Why do you allow her to wear that mantilla? It's much too old for her. It

makes you look like a woman grown.

I am a woman grown.

I'll be 18 my next birthday.

Carmen Castellano is a month younger and already wed. Carmen Castellano.

Her grandmother was a peon.

Such riff-raff, wed when they like.

You have the blood of the Hidalgos in your veins.

Keep it cool, my girl, or I'll whisk you into a convict.

My pity, you're a poor mount sergeant. Such a heavy whip.

Do you think I'd stretch a good mare with this?

It would ruin her, break her spirit.

See? She didn't flick an ear.

She knows we are collecting taxes from the peons today.

And you use that little switch on the taxpayers?

Only when they're stubborn.

When you come to collect my taxes, Sergeant, I won't be stubborn, I promise

you.

Turn right in here, driver.

Adios, senor. Adios.

Oh, mother.

My son.

My baby.

Mother.

Hello, Maria.

Good old Juan, fat as ever.

Hello, Manuel.

Jose.

Where's father?

In the study with Rai Felipe.

Come, he's longing to see you.

Take Don Diego's things to his room. Si, senora.

I tell you, these conditions are beyond bearing.

This whole district, from the hills of Verdugo to the shores of Del Rey, is a

stench in the nostrils of heaven. I know, I know. You know, yes.

But what do you do about it?

Nothing. What, Captain?

Diego.

Diego!

My boy.

Padre.

Welcome back to your home in my heart, Diego.

Oh, Padre, I've missed your wise counsel. Not too greatly, I suspect.

You remember Don Miguel and Don Jose?

Senores.

Have you returned to steal more melons?

Melons? This scamp and my scapegrace son crept into my garden and gorged

themselves on my seed melons one year.

Oh, but God punished us, Don Miguel.

We were visited by the father of all bellyaches.

But he's ripe for more than boys' pranks now, Alejandro.

I feel good muscle here.

Arms and muscle, you men.

Madre de Dios.

Is he without a face?

Can't you see he's even better looking than when he left? Oh, Mother.

You should have seen me when I approached the Spanish throne for the

first time. They said I looked like a frightened gopher.

More like a young angel, I'm sure.

An angel.

That's what we need in California now.

An angel with a flaming sword. Please don't start that.

He didn't come home to get himself killed.

Hold your tongue, Isabel.

Go to your women.

Leave my son to me.

Sit down, Diego.

What is all this, Father?

Well, I am no longer Alcalde.

In my place as a man... In his place, that's a viper.

So foul and so black.

Ought to be alone with him for five minutes. Five little minutes.

Long enough to tear his windpipe out of his throat.

God forgive me.

But why did you resign in the first place, Father?

Resign? I was forced out of office. They threatened to burn the homes of the

peons. And now he sits here doing nothing when he should. Enough, Bellamy.

Enough.

The friar urges me to lead the Caballeros in a revolt, which would

surely fail against a garrison of trained soldiers.

Even if I thought it would succeed, I'd refuse just the same.

But why, Father?

Because the law is the law, my son.

I will not rebel against the government I served for 30 years.

But that government is now vile and corrupt.

I know.

But two wrongs don't make a right, and never will.

That is my feeling also.

Sometimes one must fight fire with fire.

I am a vaguer.

I will not follow in the lawless footsteps of Luis Quintero.

Nor will my son.

No, no, no, of course not, Father.

Oh, by the way, I went directly from the ship to our old home.

I met Señor Quintero and his charming wife.

I found them very pleasant and agreeable.

Pleasant scorpions, agreeable rattlesnakes.

Oh, Padre, the Alcalde spoke with great respect of you, Father.

Well... I must admit he hasn't troubled me or my flocks so far.

Well, that being the case, why get overly excited in this heat?

I know I'm going to miss the scented breezes of Spain.

Then you believe that we should not be moved by injustice and cruelty until it

touches us?

My dear Padre, such things exist in the world and always will.

By the way, I took up sleight of hand while I was in Madrid.

It's all the rage just now.

Watch closely.

To think that the boy that I helped to raise, the boy that I taught to hold a

firm wrist behind a true point, has turned into a puppy.

Well.

How vexatious.

Well, I must go and remove the dust of travel.

Adios, Senores.

I'll see you later, Father.

Put this up.

Put it up. Be quick about it.

Back to the barracks.

I don't understand why you insist on this stupid drive.

And without an escort.

I have my reasons.

Suppose you share them with me.

An agent of the Bank of Madrid is meeting us in a quiet inn.

This goes to Spain.

For us, my love, for us.

I see.

How stupid of me.

A military guard would... Let our friend Esteban know about this little

transaction. And of course he would have claimed his share.

I'm afraid so.

Don't move if you want to live.

A bandit.

I have distressing news for your Excellency.

I had a small drinking bout with the agent at the Bank of Madrid.

While in his cups, the fellow was somewhat indiscreet. A drunken man is

untrustworthy, Excellency.

I will act for him. Hand it over.

And now, Signora, that little trinket.

You'd rob a woman?

I can't afford gallantries. I refuse. You dare not take it.

Quickly, Signora. I should hate to mark such a lovely cheek.

This time, Excellency, I take only your money.

Next time... Adios.

Charlotte. A nice, quiet study, Your Excellency.

I like a quiet room. Very quiet.

What do you want?

A little talk with you, that's all.

If we come to an understanding.

Do you think the climate in Spain will agree with you?

What?

Why do you ask?

Because you're either going there or to some place that you might not like so

well.

Which will it be?

Spain? That's a very wise choice.

Now to the matter of your successor.

What do you think of Don Alejandro Vega?

He's had experience.

What does it matter to me?

Nothing. But to the people of this district, a great deal.

Now, when you resign, you will appoint Don Alejandro as your successor.

As you wish.

This will remind you that I've been here once and can return.

Close your eyes.

What are you going to do?

What's that?

That's the point of my sword against your throat.

Don't move and don't utter a sound until I take it away. What if I faint?

You won't.

What's this?

Are you trying to commit suicide?

Speak up! What's the matter?

Esteban, he was here.

Who was here?

Zot... Zorro.

Ridiculous.

Your fears have addled your brain. But I tell you, he was here in this very room.

Hey!

Anybody pass by this way? No one, Captain.

Has anyone entered this room?

His Excellency and yourself.

Anyone else?

No, Captain.

You need any more proof?

Mr. Paul asleep and dreamed it.

Did I dream that?

Sergeant! Captain!

Turn out the guard.

Zorro is somewhere on the grounds. Find him!

Yes, Captain.

I still can't believe the fellow was here.

If you'd sat here with the sword at your throat, perhaps you'd believe it. Well,

how on earth did he get here? That's what I'd like to know.

And it's your business to find out. Well, what did he say?

Oh, he wants me in Spain and Vega in my place.

Vega?

Now we have something.

This Zorro is a caballero.

An ordinary brigand wouldn't concern himself with Vega.

Well, whatever he is, it would save you right if I did go to Spain.

And give up 50,000 pesos a year?

I can't collect it if I'm dead. And you get a third for protecting me. But what

protection? You can't keep even one mad dog off my neck. Can't I? I'll find him,

I promise you.

In the meantime, I'll put a solid wall of men around this house, night and day.

I can't afford to lose you, my dear Luis.

No, you can't. You're picking's end if anything happens to me. That's exactly

what I meant, Excellency.

Blessed Mother, send someone to take me from this dreary place.

Someone I can love and respect.

Let him be kind and brave... and handsome, please, dear

Mother.

I didn't see you when I came in.

I'm not Fray Ramon. I'm Fray Pablo from the mission.

I've just been spending the evening with Fray Ramon.

Father, I was asking the Holy Mother to save me from a convent.

Is that a sin?

The sin, I think, would be in sending you to one.

I don't understand.

Well, I'm a young girl with your, uh... I...

Just think that you would probably be more useful outside a convent than in.

You mean in serving God?

Yes. Yes, of course, in a way.

In what way, Father?

Well, the church must have sons and daughters, you know, if she is to

flourish.

You follow me?

Well, I... I think so.

You mean if I might marry and... Yes.

Yes, exactly.

Strong sons and fine daughters to the glory of God.

I was praying just now for a husband.

You were?

Fine.

I mean that it's quite natural at your age, my child.

Yes, but it's not natural for a girl of my age to long for a husband to rescue

her.

From what?

Father, will you sit here and talk to me for a little while?

I'm troubled deeply.

I want to leave this lonely place. I want to meet young people, girls of my

own age.

No one ever comes here.

The Caballeros avoid this place like the pest house.

Why?

They hate my Uncle Luis.

You know, I feel that there's something wrong about him.

Decidedly wrong.

What do you think?

Well, people hate him, as you say. You have your answer there.

Then I was right.

Perhaps I should be glad my Auntie Ness is sending me to a convent. Oh, no. No,

don't be glad about that.

I mean, uh, probably your aunt feels that... that atmosphere is better for a

young girl, but I'm convinced that... Oh, Ines!

Oh, no. No, that's not why she's sending me.

No? No.

Maria says she's jealous.

She says it's because I'm... good-looking.

Maria has excellent eyesight.

Thank you, Father, but... are you sure?

No one except Maria ever says I'm pretty.

Pretty?

Are you more radiant, Lua?

Lovely than a morning in June?

You... you really think that?

With all my heart.

I've never heard such words before. They make me almost lose my breath.

You should hear such words every hour of the day.

You're not in the least like Prado, ma'am.

You talk so strangely.

You're an imposter.

You're wearing a sword.

Lolita!

Lolita!

Lolita, we've been looking everywhere for you.

Zorro just broke into the house and threatened your uncle.

They think he's still hiding somewhere close by. Come along.

Lock the doors after we leave, Friar Raymond.

The beast may try to rob the altar.

Good night.

Oh, padre, you dropped something.

There he is! There he is!

Ernesto Romero. Yes, sir.

Three pesos.

Three pesos.

Joaquin Valdez.

Three pesos.

Manuel Villa.

Yes, sir.

Four pesos.

Four pesos.

Yes, sir.

Sebastian Moreno.

Nine pesos.

Señor, I cannot pay so much. I swear to leave me without a centavo.

Nine pesos.

But, señor, we will starve.

How can I feed my family?

Nine pesos.

Señor, please, I beg of you, my little girl.

No, no, no, no, no, no.

I'll relieve you of that, Sergeant.

I'll take that.

May thy blessings... ...be upon us always.

Amen. Amen.

Amen.

Amen.

It was so dull at home, and I remember that you played a fair game of chess, so

I took the liberty of riding over and setting up the men.

Diego.

What's the meaning of this?

How dare you?

We are after the bandit Zorro. We saw him ride toward the mission. Good

evening, Sergeant.

Good evening, Senor.

Zorro, you say?

What's he done now?

Enough to get himself hanged.

Have you seen him?

I have only this moment left the chapel.

How long have you been here, senor?

Some little time.

Seems like hours.

I've been waiting to play chess with a good padre.

It's a dull game, but what can one do?

You've seen or heard nothing?

Of sorrow?

Oh, heaven spare me. My blood chills at the thought.

Out of here!

Shut the door!

What's disturbing you, padre?

Thoughts of that bandit.

Puppy.

Oh, my dear padre, really.

I think of what one man single-handed has accomplished against these devils,

and see you, the last of the beggars, trembling at the very mention of his

name. Why, could... Can't you even listen to what I'm saying?

Ordinarily, I drink in every word you say, Padre, but just now... Thank

you, Mother.

Quick, hide this plunder.

Plunder? Well, don't stand there gaping at me like a fish. Put it away.

What is this?

It's some of the Alcalde's gold.

Oh, and this I took from his charming wife. It's pretty, don't you think?

You took it?

Have you seen this one, Padre?

Zorro.

So my old mentor has no more wit than the rest of them, huh?

Are you trying to make me the receiver of stolen goods?

No, Padre.

The dispenser.

This gold was wrung from the peons. It's up to us to restore it to them.

My boy.

My boy!

My Diego!

Padre.

Then you will lead your people against these scorpions?

No.

No, we'd be no match for a garrison of trained troops.

My father was right about that.

But you must have had the acolyte at your mercy when you took the gold and

the necklace from him.

I would have snuffed him out like a candle.

God forgive me. But that would accomplish nothing. Another just like

him would take his place.

I see.

I see everything.

Diego, don't deceive your father any longer.

It's not fair to him.

I don't like doing it, padre. Believe me.

But I must.

My father's such a stickler for law and order that I'm afraid he might spoil all

the fun.

But what can you hope to achieve all alone?

Taking his money? Oh, no.

But I may be able to persuade him to resign and name my father in his place.

Amusing, don't you think?

If you live.

Doña Inés begs you to make yourself comfortable, senor. She'll be down

shortly. Thank you.

Oh, what's this?

What's this?

Don Diego Vega.

Oh, yes, Don Diego. Well, uh,

what can I do for you?

Have you forgotten, Excellency, that you urged me to regard this house as still

my home?

Oh, did I?

It's very good of you to remember His Excellency's offer, but didn't you have

some trouble getting in?

Oh, no.

No, I had a note from Dona Ines asking me to ride with her this morning, and I

just showed it to the sentries.

Excellent, excellent.

Come into my study till my wife appears.

It's been Esteban's privilege to ride with her each morning.

Excellency, tell me, why is this house so closely guarded? I swear I saw full

company around it.

I wish there were twice as many.

That clatter would drive me to distraction.

I find it reassuring.

Let me show you something, young man.

Look.

Madre de Dios.

The Mark of Zorro. Mm-hmm.

He came here one night. He threatened my life and left that.

I should be petrified.

He's mad, of course.

Quite mad.

You think so?

Of course.

There was a case in Madrid, almost identical.

This fellow's mark was a cross.

He was a madman. Cunning beyond belief.

They always are.

He killed 40 people.

Slit their throats from ear to ear.

Warned them first, you know, and then... Santa Maria.

Oh, it's a pity your sense of duty keeps you here, Excellency.

Frightful risk. Sense of duty.

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

Oh, so sorry to have kept you, Don Diego.

Esteban was surly about our little ride. I'd promised the morning to him, it

seems. Senora, your invitation was like a smile from heaven. I was positively

suffocating with boredom. Well, then let's fly.

I'm dying for a canter. Oh, goodbye, Luis. Don't work too hard.

Goodbye, Excellency. Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Esteban, that young Vega just told me a horrible tale about a madman in Madrid.

Like, like this Zorro.

He thinks I'm running a great risk by staying here. Oh, forget your fears for

a moment. I have a plan.

Yes? What is it?

Don Alejandro Vega is the natural leader of the Caballeros.

And the Zorro wants you to appoint him in your place.

What do you gather from that?

Go on, go on.

Doesn't it suggest to you that Zorro is the tool of Don Alejandro and the

Caballeros? Perhaps, but how can we prove it?

We can at least help the situation.

How?

Form an alliance with Don Alejandro.

Oh, that's impossible.

You know Vega's attitude.

Perfectly. But Lolita should have a husband.

What could be stronger than a matrimonial alliance?

Royal families keep the peace of Europe in bridal beds.

Diego and Lolita.

Not bad.

Oh, Diego.

Talking with you is like... like a drink of cool water in the desert.

Oh, it's a pity.

What, Diego?

No, no, I... I mustn't make you discontented. Oh, please. Of what were

you thinking?

Well, I was just thinking how you're being wasted here.

Your beauty, your gift for words, your perfect poise.

You were born for something higher, something more civilized than this

provincial life you're leading.

I know.

May I tell you something, Diego?

Anything. Yes, of course I may.

I felt from the moment we met that we...

Diego, Esteban is urging me

to leave my husband and go to Spain with him.

Oh, but my dear, no.

But I'm dying here.

Well, go to Spain, but not with Esteban.

With whom then, Diego?

With your husband.

My husband?

Go to romantic, beautiful Spain with Luis?

Well, let me explain.

As the wife of the one-time Alcalde of Los Angeles, you'd be received at court.

But as the companion of a second-rate soldier of fortune, you'd be completely

ostracized. Oh, I see.

But Luis at court, imagine.

But, my dear, in Spain, the husbands of adorable ladies are merely background.

But I'd be lost among so many.

Not you.

You need only one...

Friend to introduce you into the proper circles.

But I have no such friend in Madrid.

Who knows?

I don't intend to remain in California forever.

Oh, Diego.

What you suggest, senor, is utterly impossible.

I'll give the girl a dowry of 20,000 pesos. No.

25,000. Are you buying my son, senor Quintero?

There's always the practical side to consider.

It doesn't enter into this.

You come here in broad daylight on a friendly mission with half a company of

troops. Why?

Not to threaten you, Don Alejandro.

It's because of this Zorro fellow.

Zorro is only a symptom.

This whole district is bleeding raw under your fine administration.

I would never appear to condone it by a marriage between our families.

In that case, the friendly attitude I've taken towards you will cease.

Buenas tardes, Excellency. Oh.

What is all this fatiguing turmoil about?

His Excellency has offered a marriage between his niece Lolita and you, Diego.

His niece?

How flattering.

But why should that cause an argument on a hot day like this?

Do I have to explain?

Your father resents my efforts to make the people of the district more

industrious than under his regime.

Grinding the taxpayers into poverty and despair to line your own pockets is

hardly making the district... Oh, politics, politics.

What have they to do with my marriage?

You'd marry into the family of this... How can I tell until I've seen her?

She may look like her uncle.

Quite right.

I... Oh, no, Diego.

She's a sweet little dove.

It would desolate us to have her leave the nest.

If she were Venus, she'd still be his niece.

Yes, but after all, Father, I'm not marrying His Excellency.

Diego.

But Diego...

Don't you think the wishes of your father in this sort of matter should be

considered? But, mother dear, I had no say in my father's marriage.

Why should he try to instruct me in mine?

Exactly.

Will you dine with us tonight, Diego?

Charmed. We'll expect you at 8 o'clock.

Adios, senora.

Diego, Diego, what have you done?

It'll be all right, mother.

No matter what you think now.

Please don't worry.

This was your doing, you sly beast.

You gave Louise the idea of this marriage.

An allowance for the good of the state, my dear.

It's been fashionable since the dawn of history.

Oh, Marie, my knees are shaking.

Yes, yes, that is natural.

Shall I bow or give him a hand to kiss?

Both. First the hand, then the bow.

It's 20 minutes past the hour.

What can be keeping him?

Don Diego Vega.

Well, well, well.

Here you are at last.

Excellency. I was afraid that you might have been waylaid by that Zorro fellow.

Oh, heaven spare me, senora.

I am dazzled. And here is our little dove, Lolita.

I am honored, Senor.

Charmed, I'm sure.

May I present Senora Maria de Lopez.

Senora. Senor.

You'll forgive me for being late, Senora. They heated the water for my

bath too early.

It was positively tepid.

By the time more was carried and... Properly scented.

Life can be trying, don't you think?

Yes.

Courage, courage.

Well, shall we dine?

Come, Diego.

His bath was tepid.

Poor Lolita. I'm afraid her wedded life will be the same.

Please do that again.

As you wish.

Observe closely.

Go on.

Amazing. Have you seen this one? No.

Now, observe very closely.

Oh, how frightfully amusing.

Yes, I did this one for His Majesty.

Oh, it must be heavenly at court.

It's the one bearable spot on earth, my dear.

Oh, speaking of that Zorro, Excellency, could you provide me with an escort

home? Certainly.

On the way here, I fancied that cutthroat lurking in every shadow.

I was positively unnerved.

How distressing.

Apparently you don't approve of my request, senorita.

But you called her hero, a cutthroat.

Santa Maria.

Have you met the fellow?

I've never so much as seen his face.

I happen to admire courage.

Dashing about with a cutlass is quite out of fashion.

Hasn't been done since the Middle Ages.

It seems to be quite effective.

He is like a lion among a lot of frightened sheep.

A madman, that's what he is.

A madman.

Undoubtedly.

Captain, you seem to regard that poor fruit as an enemy.

A rival.

My dear, Esteban is forever thrusting at this and that.

He used to be a fencing instructor in Barcelona.

How exhausting.

I didn't find it so.

Then why did you give it up?

I had the misfortune to kill a man of influence.

A lady was involved, I believe.

The gentleman's wife, no doubt.

Just how did you mean that, senor?

I'd hope to be amusing.

Have I failed?

Somewhat. With me.

Oh, one of the new down steps, Don Diego.

You know them all, I suppose.

I'm afraid so.

Oh, I would so love to have you show me.

Gladly.

Inés would enjoy it more, señor.

Nonsense, my child. Dance with him.

Play El Sombrero Blanco.

Y que vengas a pasar trabajo por causa de una mujer.

Deja que te pongan mi sombrero blanco. Deja que te pongan mi sombrero azul.

Deja como niño dormirte en mis brazos. Deja que te cante arroz.

I never dreamed dancing could be so wonderful.

I found it rather fatiguing.

If you'll excuse me, senor, I wish to retire.

So sorry.

What's got into the girl?

Who knows?

Our little dove has flown.

I don't like it.

If you're not serious about this marriage, you can't be.

But, my dear, it's perfect.

You and I could be seen together anywhere in Madrid without the slightest

danger of gossip.

Excellency, your niece is charming.

A sweet child.

May I plead with you for her hand in marriage?

A refusal would crush me.

She's yours, my dear Diego, with all my blessings.

Zorro? I have a confession to make, senorita. Oh, please go. You'll be

caught. I must talk to you.

Madre de Dios.

Now, look here, my girl.

What do you mean by running away from the man to whom I've just promised you

in marriage?

You've done that without asking me? Of course.

What do you know about such things?

And it's time that you understood that... Who's that?

No one.

Forgive me, my dear.

I've been an old fool.

You seem to know how to handle these matters much better than your Uncle

Luis.

You!

Don't come in here.

I have something important to say to you, and I don't want to be interrupted.

You pretending to be Zorro.

I don't care to hear anything you have to say, so unlock that door and go.

I'm glad to see you took the advice I gave you in the chapel.

Chapel?

About not hiding such beauty in a convent.

What did you say?

You're more lovely, more radiant than a morning in June.

Oh, no, surely I must be dreaming.

You are Soro.

Yes, Lolita.

In order to accomplish what I set out to do, I've had to deceive a great many

people. Including you.

Yes, I see.

I understand.

You don't have to explain.

You came here to tell me that asking to marry me was just part of the game. Oh,

no, Chiquita.

No, that's the one real thing about this whole masquerade.

Oh, go quickly.

Ride with me tomorrow.

Oh, yes, yes, but go.

Diego, be careful.

Yes, I'm coming.

You seem upset, my dear.

Have you been crying?

Well, yes, I have.

I understand.

This marriage was your uncle's idea.

The man's not at all the type for you. He's far too sophisticated.

You really think so, Annette? Oh, beyond a question.

I saw how he affected you tonight. My heart bled for you, my dear.

When you tell Louise you'll have none of this marriage, you can count on my full

support.

Well, I... I hardly know what to say.

Uncle Louise has done so much for me.

But nonsense.

He has no right to expect you to spoil your life.

Oh, well, any marriage is better than none, I suppose.

Perhaps I could learn to tolerate Diego.

Why, I do so want to please Uncle Luis.

There's such a thing as carrying gratitude too far, my dear.

We can't ask you to spend your life with a man you think repulsed in.

We'll talk of this again in the morning.

Good night, my dear.

Good night.

Past midnight.

He's not home yet.

How can you read?

It's the latest European styles.

Bustles are coming in, it seems.

Bustles? What is a bustle?

Oh, it's something to... to build you up. Here.

Santa Maria!

Our only son in the clutches of those polecats, and you sit there, planning to

decorate your... Alejandro!

Well, there you are.

Why didn't you spend the entire night with your delightful friends?

What have you done about that girl?

Well, how did you get out of it?

She's perfectly charming.

A lovely, unspoiled child.

You'll be delighted with her, Father.

I'll be delighted with her.

What have you done?

Well, I've just taken the first steps toward making you a grandfather.

What?

What a son you bore me.

for those terrible people.

Son, why did you do it?

For the best reason in the world, Mother. What is that?

Lolita can tell.

She attracts you?

Oh, it's more than that. Why, from the day I first saw her... I thought you

hadn't met her until tonight.

Well, I did catch a glimpse of her some time ago, and, uh... You're concealing

something from us, son.

I'm sure of it.

It's time you went to bed.

Very well.

But, Diego...

Tell me as soon as you can.

I will, Mother.

What's the meaning of that?

Gonzales was collecting taxes from a mission.

A priest resisted. The fool gave him ten lashes in the public square.

Send Gonzales to me.

I wish I could.

What's to prevent it?

The total disappearance of Sergeant Gonzales.

He's gone?

Where? To Hades, I hope. I'll collect the mission taxes myself from now on.

That should teach them.

What's that?

You!

What's that?

I think he's dead. Dead?

Dead, you say?

He's alive.

He's got a Z on his chest.

Zorro.

Padre.

Ah, Jose.

How is the little one? She is well again.

I brought these to give thanks to the church.

Give thanks in your heart.

Buy milk for the child with this.

No, Padrecito.

This is for the church.

Gracias. Gracias.

God bless you.

I come at precisely the right moment, it seems.

I'll take that.

These are the funds of the mission, the property of the church.

Not any longer.

Hand them over.

I refuse.

In that case, I shall take them.

You should have been a soldier rather than a churchman.

Santa Maria.

No wonder you chose the church.

Where'd you get this? I'll tell you nothing.

Run me through and have done with it.

No, my dear Padre.

We shall presently hang you.

Come on.

For the last time, if you marry that girl, you leave this house forever.

It might be rather amusing to live with the Quinteros.

Oh, if I'd only left him in Spain.

Wait till you see her, Father.

She's just like this blossom.

I'll never see her. I promise you that.

La Senorita Quintero.

We are not at home. I'm at home with the Senorita. Show her in.

So you defy me, too.

You're not being sensible, Alejandro.

Father, this is Lolita.

I am honored, Senor.

And my mother, Chiquita. Senor.

Please forgive me, but could I...

Would it be possible to see you alone for a moment, Diego?

Senorita, will you answer me one question?

Certainly, senor.

Do you want to marry my son?

Yes.

Why?

Well, I love him, senor.

You are right, my son.

She is like the flower.

Diego, something terrible has happened. They've arrested Fray Felipe. What?

They say he is Zorro and they're going to hang him.

Where is he now?

In the guardhouse of the barracks.

Diego, what can you do?

I don't know yet.

Look, so far I've only frightened your uncle.

This may mean that I'll have to do more than that.

Do you understand?

Well, if that becomes necessary, will it make any difference between us?

St. Louis!

St. Louis! There's someone in that chair! Seize him!

Diego, what are you doing here?

You frightened me half out of my wits. Oh, this is too much, really.

It's distressing enough to call on my betrothed and not find her at home.

Now to be manhandled by these two ruffians.

Leave us. Leave us.

Where is Lolita, Excellency? No one seems to know.

Oh, riding, driving, walking.

What does a young girl do?

Am I to understand that my betrothed is allowed to...

Wander about the countryside without a Duenya?

I protest, Your Excellency. I protest strongly.

I can't discuss that now.

Do you know this Zorro had an accomplice? A priest.

What? We arrested him today.

No. And another horrible thing happened to me this morning.

Sergeant Gonzales was beaten half to death by this Zorro. He shoved him over

the wall right before my eyes.

How frightful.

It was harder on Gonzales.

Please, this is no time for jesting. Perhaps that madman is lurking on the

grounds right now.

What shall I do? What shall I do?

I offer rewards and nothing happens.

Well, he may change his mind about you.

Those creatures usually do, I believe.

He may decide to, uh...

Cut the throat of someone else. Must you always talk of throat-cutting?

Oh, thoughtless of me.

What you need is a drop of brandy, Excellency.

Brandy. Yes, yes, brandy.

It's gone.

I'm surrounded by idiots.

Stupid servants.

Stupid soldiers.

You know, I admire you tremendously.

Your courage, your fortitude.

Why, a weaker man would forget his civic duty and get away from all this.

You rang, Your Excellency? Yes, brandy.

Only this, Your Excellency. It's not on the desk. Bring some.

A situation of this sort would wreck my constitution in a week.

Then I haven't the iron nerve of Your Excellency.

Your Excellency, come, come quickly.

Something has happened in the cellar.

Guards, you, follow me.

Here in the cellar, right below my study.

Look, here's his grave.

I'm not human.

Light my way out of here. Quick!

Diego.

Diego. Diego.

You were right. You were right.

I'll leave this cursed place. I'll do as he asks.

Pen, paper.

Here, Excellency.

He'd consider his wife.

Ines has... Ines has gone crazy over the idea of Madrid.

She's been at me night and day to take her there.

This should do it.

This will suit that maniac.

Look it over.

That's very direct.

But you forgot to sign.

Sign what?

My resignation, Esteban.

This Zorro will kill me if I stay.

You may escape him, but I will surely kill you if you write me more of these.

But, Esteban, I'm in danger, grave danger. Diego here will bear me out.

You're in even greater danger than he thinks.

So you tried to get gold out of the country, did you?

If you ever again take one peso of mine, I'll cut your throat from ear to ear.

I must please ask you to change the subject. His Excellency objects to talk

of throat-cutting. Quiet, you popinjay!

I've no reason for letting you live either.

What a pleasant coincidence.

I feel exactly the same way about you, Capitan.

You wouldn't care to translate that feeling into action, would you?

I might be tempted.

If I had a weapon.

Would you?

Now, please, gentlemen.

This is going much too far.

It's only to serve you, Excellency.

You have a champion, Luis.

And what a champion.

I'll

make

it short and save you fatigue.

No interference, Excellency, please.

We have a hero with us.

Are you all right, Diego? Ask the Capitan.

Get out, get out.

The fencing master has met his equal.

Careful! Careful!

Are you tiring, Diego?

Oh, Excellency, I'll take you on in a moment.

It's a good effort, Capitan.

The next will be better, my fancy clown.

The Captain's blade is not so firm. Still firm enough to run you through.

I needed that scratch to awaken me.

He's dead.

Well, he's been troublesome lately.

And you killed him, Diego.

Your Excellency, secret stairway from the cellar. We just discovered it.

A secret stairway leading here.

Yes, Your Excellency.

Good.

Very good.

Excellent. You shall be rewarded.

Sentries. Sentries.

Keep that man covered.

Take him to the guardhouse and lock him in a cell.

The strongest cell you have.

Why arrest me, Excellency?

For three reasons.

First, you have mud from the cellar on your boots.

Second, that secret stairway happens to be in your old home.

And third, you handle a sword like a devil from hell.

And that's exactly where you're going, Señor Zorro.

That's a pretty way to treat your future nephew, Uncle Luis.

No more of your wit.

Take him away.

You, Morales.

Send the officer of the day to me. I want all caballeros and all peons

summoned here at once.

Yes, sir.

Yes? All caballeros of the district are requested to report at the alcalde's

residence immediately.

At the shower?

Ridiculous! The alcalde's orders, senor.

Sergeant, assemble your men for firing squad duty.

But why did they arrest Diego?

I don't know.

Luis won't tell me.

He must have lost his mind.

Come in.

His Excellency requests you ladies to stay in your rooms tonight.

Why? I cannot say, senora. I was ordered to tell you.

Why are we meeting here, Senor Vega?

What will you know about this, Alejandro?

Nothing. I was forced to come here like the rest of you.

You must be up to something.

Good evening, Senores.

It's a pleasure to see you here.

Get to the point.

Why have you dragged us out of our homes at this hour?

To witness a delightful spectacle, my good Vega.

You will find it particularly interesting.

I'm executing a caballero at midnight.

What caballero?

Who is it?

He is the man you selected from among you to defy me, to prey upon me, to

threaten my life.

I've brought you here to see him die as a lesson to the lot of you.

I, for one, don't know what you're talking about. Nor I.

You almost convinced me.

Too bad you're about to lose the best actor among you.

But in a few moments, you'll see your precious Zorro shot.

Zorro?

Oh, Padre.

Now observe very closely. Watch the candle.

Blow.

You should really see something worthwhile, like changing a copper coin

into solid gold.

Can you do that?

The good Padre here has seen me do it many times.

It was a secret discovered by Merlin in the 11th century.

It's been handed down through a long line of sorcerers and magicians to...

Some of us living today.

You can change a centavo into gold.

Oh, easily.

Please, senor, do that for me, eh?

Oh, I'm very weary. I must seek repose.

Oh, senor, senor, I have a wife and seven children, and a little iron ain't

enough for them.

Please make gold for them, and they'll pray for you. Please.

Well, if I must, I must.

Hold the centavo on your closed fist.

Oh, si, senor. Gracias.

Tightly now. Si, senor. Now, put your fist well through the bars. Oh, si,

senor. The cold iron will spoil everything.

Now, I take your fist gently, like this. Oh, senor.

Now, open the door. Oh, si, senor. Be quick about it.

Come along.

Si, senor.

Now, get ahead.

Get down a minute there.

Close to the wall.

Be quick about it. And not a sound about it.

Close the door, Padre.

Hide this in your robe.

Sit down.

And now, senoras, you will behold the result of your rebellious plans.

Come in.

Here is Zorro the Fox, safely trapped.

Hugo. What is this?

Hola, senores.

What idiotic joke is this?

As if you didn't know.

Luis Quintero, you're a fool.

Zorro was a man.

This is my worthless trick-laying offspring.

Have you seen this one, Father?

Help!

Help! Zorro is loose! Zorro is loose!

Senores, are you with me? I am with you, Diego.

Bye.

What a splendid audience you have here, Excellency.

Peos, caballeros, everyone.

It was very thoughtful of you to have them here.

Luis, what has happened? Good evening, ladies. You're just in time. His

Excellency is about to make an address.

Address? What shall I say?

You know, a little matter of your resignation.

Quiet!

Quiet for His Excellency!

We're waiting, Excellency. Go on.

Owing to my ceaseless efforts to improve conditions in the district,

my health is endangered.

I have therefore decided to give up my office and go to Spain.

To succeed me as alcalde of this district, I am naming my illustrious

predecessor, Don Alejandro...

Yes? I wish to bless your voyage and ask God to reward you according to your

merits.

Spain! Spain!

Oh, Diego, when may we expect you and our dear little Lolita in Madrid?

Not for some time, I'm afraid. We're going to follow the customs of

California. What do you mean?

Well, we're going to marry and raise fat children and watch our vineyards grow.