Original subtitles

Put out that light.

What is it, Felipe?

Well yes, I know the hour is late.

You see there is one obstacle which has vexed astronomers down through the ages.

Man can only study the moon at night.

Take a look.

Isn't she magnificent?

She's the empress of all she surveys.

You know, one day I believe we'll actually journey to the moon.

Not you and I, Felipe.

When I say �we', I mean mankind.

Who could be in such a hurry at this time of night?

That man is riding as though a pack of jackals were at his heels.

Mendoza, couldn't it have waited until the morning?

A room for the night, Se�orita.

- A room? It's rather late.

- And I have ridden long and hard.

Is this a tavern or is it not?

- Very well. This way please.

Is the best you have to offer?

- I'm afraid so.

But as you said, it's just for one night.

- Then I suppose it will have to suffice.

I expect breakfast at dawn.

- So early?

You must have a long journey ahead of you.

- That is none of your business.

At dawn. Don't forget.

- Si, Se�or. Buenas noches.

I should be in bed.

Se�or Morales?

Buenas dias.

Se�or Morales?

Dios mio.

Se�orita, I was just bringing the Alcalde's coffee when I heard you scream.

Se�orita, what have you done?

Felipe, it's time for you to learn some swordsmanship.

Here.

Excellent. But you forgot the salute. That's very impolite.

You don't care if you're impolite?

You're trying to kill him?

No, Felipe. The salute is an essential part of the ritual.

- Diego!

- I thought my father went to town?

That's strange. I looked in here just a...

Have you heard the news?

- No. - Se�orita Victoria has been arrested.

- On what charge? - Murder.

Sergeant Mendoza found her in a dorm with a bloody dagger in her hand and a dead man at her feet.

They arrested her on the spot. Now I ask you,...

...how could anyone possibly believe that Victoria would ever...

Ah, it's an outrage!

- How convenient that the good sergeant just happened to be passing by at such an early hour.

- Yes. What was that?

- Ah, nothing. Just an idle thought.

- Um, the Alcalde is up to something. Victoria needs our help.

- You're right. I'll take a basket of food to the jail for her.

- And that's all?

- What else can we do? There's no evidence against the Alcalde.

Everything in order, Sergeant? No files, no pistols?

- Ah, this custard looks mouth-watering, Se�or.

I better examine it further. There might be a weapon at the bottom.

No, nothing there.

Come along, Don Diego.

Se�orita Escalante!

- Don Diego! - I brought you some food.

- And it's very tasty too.

Don't touch the custard. It was made especially for the sergeant.

Ah, Mendoza. I want you to... - Sorry, Alcalde. Urgent business.

He was very tall. And very rude.

Oh, and he also had a mustache.

- Whoever killed him certainly had a reason.

Find out who exactly this Morales was and you're closer to finding the real killer.

At least that's what my father believes.

- But how can it be done? - The dead man's belongings?

- The Alcalde impounded them at once. They are locked away in his office.

- Indeed.

- Don Diego? Please help me.

Felipe! Saddle Toronado.

Yes. Tonight Zorro rides.

I wish the Alcalde would have this roof repaired.

Good evening, Zorro.

Those shots were a warning. The pleasure of killing you is mine.

- My sword says differently, Se�or Alcalde.

Indeed, a sword is no match for a pistol, as your valor is no match for your mouth.

- Choose your next witticism with care, for it will be your last.

- Your office is so drab, Se�or. Allow me to redecorate it.

Much better. But such a cheap wood.

Yours, I believe.

Get your rifles! Get your rifles!

Ready! Aim! - Fire!

Ah ha, baked for me?

I think I'll have a piece of this cake.

Gracias.

Who is this boy? - A servant of the de la Vegas. He's a deaf-mute.

- Get out of here!

A gift from the oh so chivalrous Don Diego?

- Yes. Chivalry is a rare commodity around these parts.

- I am astonished at your composure, Se�orita.

- I'm innocent and my trial will prove me so.

- Trial? There will be no trial. The evidence is overwhelming.

Under the emergency statute, I can hang you in the morning and I have every intention of doing so.

Victoria will hang? At dawn? We've got work to do.

See this crest, Felipe? I saw it on the dead man's saddlebags.

It may prove to be the Alcalde's undoing.

Let's see if the intrigue goes any deeper.

This is a piece of the dead man's shirt.

Now let's just see what kind of blood ran through his veins.

Now the only question is... Where is this dead man?

By tomorrow Zorro will be nothing but a memory.

- Ah, be careful, Lu�s. A memory like Zorro has a nasty way of turning into a legend.

He could be more trouble dead than he is alive. - As you were?

- Alcalde. Con permiso. The men are...

Oh, buenos noches, Se�or Morales. You look much better than when I saw you last...

And with good reason, you were dead. He was deaaaad!

- Get up, Mendoza!

- You were stabbed in the heart. I saw it with my own eyes.

- A subterfuge, I fear, Sergeant.

You and your men dragged me all the way over here without ever realizing I was still alive.

Ricardo Cortez at your service.

- Madre de Dios! Why didn't you let me in on this plan, mi Alcalde?

- It was all a part of my strategy, Sergeant. If we could fool you, we could fool anyone, for you are a fool's fool.

- Oh, thank you, sir. - He gave a superb performance, did he not?

Ricardo and I have been friends for many years. He is one of the finest actors in Mexico City.

- Oh, just a minute. Now I understand. This was all a trap to catch Zorro!

- Excellent, Sergeant, excellent.

Was there ever a doubt that Zorro would try to rescue the se�orita, hm?

He will not elude me like he did last night. That is why every soldier in the pueblo is on full alert.

- Yes, sir! They are on full alert and at their post.

- Lu�s, I propose a toast, to the ruin of your archenemy.

Ah, Se�or Corpse. You are leaving us? You're not staying for Zorro's capture?

Every good actor knows when to leave the stage, Sergeant.

Sergeant.

Whow.

Se�or, don't you know that cigars are detrimental to your health?

- Zorro! - At your service. Down please.

- But, how did you know that I was really still alive?

- The insignia of the great Calder�n Theatre Company of Mexico City.

So nicely embossed upon your saddlebags.

Who would want to kill an actor, I asked myself? Not even his harshest critic.

- But Se�or Zorro, I swear to you, this was not my idea.

- No more words, my fine actor. For the rest is silence.

Now if you would be so kind as to come with me.

Be it known that this woman, Victoria Escalante, has been found guilty of murder.

The sentence is that she is to be hanged. Proceed, Sergeant.

Does anyone smell burning? Madre de Dios! It's me!

Yes, Sergeant. I burn too.

I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable.

But such are the forces of nature when harnessed by man.

I burn too. With injustice.

Alcalde, a remarkable thing has occurred. A dead man has been resurrected.

May I present Ricardo Cortez, alias a corpse, known as Morales.

- Seize him!

- Another step and your old school friend may die yet again.

Be so kind as to let the se�orita go.

- Zorro, I knew you would come.

- At your service. As always, Se�orita.

Se�or, a memento of our encounter.

Careful, Se�or. Don't fall.

The Alcalde is an incredibly determined, dangerous man.

That viper was prepared to sacrifice Victoria in order to catch Zorro.

It's ready? Ah, it's beautiful.

Let's see what the man and the moon has in store for us tonight.

Subtitles: Ann Wauters