This genredefining swashbuckler adventure was the first movie version of the mark of zorro. From this moment on, fencing was associated with swashbuckling adventure. He was the first action hero and though he was already middleaged the man was amazingly fit and agile as this movie proves. This swashbuckler adventure was the first movie version of the mark of zorro. The mark of zorro silent movie peace lutheran church. Based on the 1919 story the curse of capistrano by johnston mcculley, which introduced the masked hero, zorro, the screenplay was adapted by. The mark of zorro was remade twice in 1940 and 1974. Also worth a look is the 1940 movie of the same title, with tyrone power as the masked hero, which i. Landmark community theatre presents the silent film, the mark of zorro with organ accompaniment by juan cardona jr. Zorro to leave his mark at the landmark loews in jersey city. Apr 15, 20 the mark of zorro 1920 vs the mark of zorro 1940 ladies and gentlemen, in this corner we have the 1920 version of the mark of zorro, a swashbuckler classic starring douglas fairbanks. Also worth a look is the 1940 movie of the same title, with tyrone power as the masked hero, which i the subject of todays. The mark of zorro is a 1920 silent adventure romance film starring douglas fairbanks and noah beery sr this genredefining swashbuckler adventure was the first movie version of the mark of zorro. It set the stage for the subsequent zorro films as well as the successful television series of the late 1950s.
Enjoy excerpts of rick benjamin conducting the paragon ragtime orchestra as they accompany a live screening of douglas fairbanks the mark of zorro with its original 1920 pit orchestra score. I think that early on it was supposed to be the silent 1920 mark of zorro with douglas fairbanks, but wouldnt that have put its first appearance in the 50s as to keep. The character of zorro is really the first cinematic superhero. In particular, it influenced the superhero subgenre that is of course extremely popular today, and batman specifically is wholly inspired by zorro in his dual persona and the overall look. The mark of zorro is a 1920 silent adventure romance film starring douglas fairbanks and noah beery, sr this genredefining swashbuckler. The mark of zorro 1920 silent one of the best silent films ever made, and proof that at 100 years old, true art is ageless. Vancouver, wa the vancouver symphonys chamber music series continues its 20172018 season at the historic kiggins theatre with the renowned 1920 silent adventure romance the mark of zorro on sunday, january 21, 2018 at 3 pm. The mark of zorro manufactured on demand, silent movie on tcm. Previously known for his many upbeat, optimistic, happygolucky urban comedy films of the 1910s, douglas fairbanks made his first swashbuckling film, the mark of zorro, which was soon followed by the string of historical action films that dominated fairbanks output in the 1920s. Its no secret that the mont alto motion picture orchestra is one of my favorite groups when it comes to the scoring and accompaniment of silent films. With frank langella, ricardo montalban, gilbert roland, louise sorel. A modern musketeer with a different compiled score by the mont alto motion picture orchestra, also using authentic stock music and also available from.
The mark of zorro is a sound remake of the lavish 1920 smash hit silent film starring douglas fairbanks as zorro and noah beery, sr. The mark of zorro alternates between light romance and thrills more than 80 years on, fairbanks stunts and physical exuberance continue to surprise audiences. Zanuck, directed by rouben mamoulian, that stars tyrone power, linda darnell, and basil rathbone. The mark of zorro was nominated for an academy award for best original score. An incomparably more beautiful copy of the mark of zorro achieved with the latest technology is included in the dvd box set douglas fairbanks. The mark of zorro 1920 with a grin and athletic exuberance that gene kelly learned from, and a perennially adolescent cockiness that clark gable later claimed for himself, douglas fairbanks, in the 1920s, sweepingly established the romantic, slapstick swashbuckler as a hero and genre equal to any in worldwide popularity. Douglas fairbanks obtained the rights to the curse of capistrano and made the very first zorro film a year after the tale was published. The mark of zorro 1920 the mark of zorro 1920 user. The mark of zorro made douglas fairbanks a superstar. Reader chad wrote in to ask, im curious when it was first established that the bruce wayne and family leaving when they were gunned down in crime alley was a zorro movie. Mark of zorro silent douglas fairbanks actor, noah beery actor rated. You havent seen zorro until youve seen douglas fairbanks sr. Its a silent film, yes, but the sheer dynamism of the man cannot be restrained by even the age of the film. Buy the mark of zorro dvd manufactured on demand, silent movie at.
Other articles where the mark of zorro is discussed. Zorro s black whip is the worst zorro tv show of all time. Douglas fairbanks stars in the very first zorro movie. Zanuck, directed by rouben mamoulian, that stars tyrone power, linda darnell, and basil rathbone the mark of zorro was nominated for an academy award for best original score. The mark of zorro, his fourth film for united artists, changed the course of his career. The mask of zorro the internationally successful feature the mask of zorro, starring anthony hopkins, antonio banderas and catherine zetajones, premiered in summer 1998.
Jan 10, 2019 reader chad wrote in to ask, im curious when it was first established that the bruce wayne and family leaving when they were gunned down in crime alley was a zorro movie. The mark of zorro is a masterpiece for any filmmaking era and is a perfect film to use to introduce people to silent films. Based on the 1919 story the curse of capistrano, this genredefining swashbuckler adventure was the first movie. This film depiction includes don diegos mother, isabella, but it omits bernardo don diegos mute servant. Based on the 1919 story the curse of capistrano by johnston mcculley, which introduced the masked hero, zorro, the screenplay was adapted by fairbanks as elton thomas and eugene miller. The return of silent movie mondays and mark of zorro the. Jan 31, 2018 he mark of zorro is a 1920 silent adventure romance film starring douglas fairbanks and noah beery, sr this genredefining swashbuckler adventure was the first movie version of the mark of zorro. In these films, the latest in a long history of zorro films, the. January 21 chamber series showcases acclaimed silent film. The classic story the masked hero of old california his father has been replaced as governor by a corrupt tyrant, so the noble don diego vega plays the coward by day and rides alone at night to defeat the powers of corruption. Young boys all around the world donned homemade capes and masks in imitation of their daring hero.
When the 1940 remake of the mark of zorro was made the company that made it bought all rights to the character, which meant that the company republic, which made series like zorro rides again and zorros fighting legion had to create their own version of the character. We will make history and we invite you to become a part of history by sponsoring a silent movie star for the hollywood walk of fame. It was based on the 1919 story the curse of capistrano by johnston mcculley. Did the original audiences for silent movies hear musical accompaniment. The mark of zorro, dvd, manufactured on demand, silent movie, action adventure, dramaclassics silent films, 644827144228. The mark of zorro was a turning point for fairbanks. Dec 06, 2018 the mark of zorro is a 1920 silent adventure romance film starring douglas fairbanks and noah beery sr this genredefining swashbuckler adventure was the first movie version of the mark of zorro. The mark of zorro 1920 movie simple english wikipedia. The film was named to the national film registry in. The mark of zorro is a 1940 american blackandwhite swashbuckling spanish western adventure film from 20th century fox, produced by darryl f.
Considering it was filmed in 1940, this black and white movie also available in a colorized version still offers a fun watch for contemporary audiences. It was directed by martin campbell and stars antonio banderas, anthony hopkins, catherine zetajones, and stuart wilson. Combat in the great war had ended two years earlier and the spanish flu pandemic, which claimed millions more lives worldwide. Even silent films like the mark of zorro werent truly silent. Oct 19, 2012 johnston mcculleys first zorro novel, the curse of capistrano, was published in 1919 and has been adapted for the screen a number of times, the most notable version being the 1920 silent film the mark of zorro with douglas fairbanks as zorro. The mark of zorro starring douglas fairbanks silent. Swordfighting, chase scenes, comedy and romance await in this 1920 silent film classic starring the athletic, multitalented douglas fairbanks. In particular, it influenced the superhero subgenre that is of course extremely popular today, and batman specifically is wholly inspired by zorro in. Always a shrewd showman fairbanks pounced on the rights to johnston mcculleys story the curse of capistrano, the tale that introduced the robin hood of old california to the world. The mark of zorro manufactured on demand, silent movie on. The film is also an extended pun on sexual potency, for while the masked zorro is a deadly swordsman, his cynical alter ego is, well, limp.
Zorro is a californian robin hood, who robs from the rich, gives to the. The mark of zorro 1940 rotten tomatoes movie trailers. The mark of zorro 1920 rotten tomatoes movie trailers. A young thief, seeking revenge for the death of his brother, is trained by the once great, but aged zorro, who also pursues vengeance of his own. The mark of zorro is a 1920 silent film starring douglas fairbanks and noah beery. Directed by fred niblo from the all story weekly novel the curse of capistrano by johnston mcculley. And in that corner we have the 1940 version of the same tale, starring tyrone power and basil rathbone. Zorros black whip is the worst zorro tv show of all time. Don diego vega power is summoned home from his elite training corps in spain to california, where he finds his father deposed and the people living in tyranny. When did mark of zorro become part of batmans origin.
The return of silent movie mondays and mark of zorro. Based on the 1920 silent movie of the same name, the mark of zorro went on to spawn other adventures and a television series, as well as leaving its mark on the maskedman superhero genre. Silent movie mondays returns to the paramount theatre with a collection of films preserved by martin scorseses film foundation. Based on the 1919 story the curse of capistrano by johnston mcculley, which introduced the masked hero, zorro, the screenplay was adapted by fairbanks as elton.
The series opens monday, june 1, with the mark of zorro. Mark of zorro silent movie landmark community theatre. Even though its silent, this film is generally regarded as one of fairbanks best swashbucklers. Zorro to leave his mark at the landmark loews in jersey. Before zorro, movie fencing consisted of some fairly primitive blade whacking. The mark of zorro 1920 with film silent hall of fame.
The mark of zorro is a 1920 silent adventure romance film starring douglas fairbanks and noah beery srthis genredefining swashbuckler adventure was the first movie version of the mark of zorro. Johnston mcculleys first zorro novel, the curse of capistrano, was published in 1919 and has been adapted for the screen a number of times, the most notable version being the 1920 silent film the mark of zorro with douglas fairbanks as zorro. When the 1940 remake of the mark of zorro was made the company that made it bought all rights to the character, which meant that the company republic, which made series like zorro rides again and zorro s fighting legion had to create their own version of the character. The sequel, the legend of zorro, premiered in october 2005, once again starring antionio banderas and catherine zetajones. The screenplay was adapted from the book by fairbanks as elton thomas and. The mark of zorro 1920 vs the mark of zorro 1940 ladies and gentlemen, in this corner we have the 1920 version of the mark of zorro, a swashbuckler classic starring douglas fairbanks. Paragon ragtime orchestra mark of zorro silent film. The mark of zorro with live musical accompaniment by the nationally renowned organist walt strony. The mark of zorro is an incredibly influential movie, being basically the grandfather of all blockbuster cinema. Based on johnston mcculleys novel the curse of capistrano, the mark of zorro was a remake of the 1920 silent film and by far superior to all the zorro incarnations. When the mark of zorro premiered on november 29, 1920, fairbanks feared audiences might not accept him in a costume adventure film. The mask of zorro is a 1998 american swashbuckler film based on the character of the masked vigilante zorro created by johnston mcculley.
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