The Sign of Zorro (1958)

About The Sign of Zorro

"The Sign of Zorro" is an entertaining blend of adventure, action, and historical romance directed by Norman Foster. A service production for the Walt Disney Company, it was initially released in 1958. The movie features a tale about Don Diego Vega, a character who lives a double life as the masked hero Zorro, protecting the innocent from tyranny and oppression in early 19th century Spanish California.

Making / Production

Production of "The Sign of Zorro" involved extensive use of sets and costumes to create the 19th-century setting. Directed by Norman Foster and produced by Walt Disney, the film was actually an assembly of several episodes of the Disney television series, "Zorro". This proved successful, bringing the swashbuckling hero to cinema audiences worldwide.

Actors

• Guy Williams as Don Diego de la Vega / Zorro: Williams impeccably portrays the double life as both the charming but seemingly ineffectual Don Diego and the determined, justice-serving Zorro.
• Henry Calvin as Sergeant Garcia: Calvin plays the lovable but often fooled Sergeant, serving as comic relief throughout the film.
• Gene Sheldon as Bernardo: Sheldon portrays Zorro's mute servant who aids in keeping Diego's secret identity hidden.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is compiled from eight episodes of the Disney television series, "Zorro".
• "The Sign of Zorro" was the first Zorro film produced by Disney.
• It proved so popular that Disney made an even more successful follow-up movie in 1960, "Zorro, the Avenger".

Quotes

• "You may tell your master that I regret I am only one Zorro. Had I four hands and four swords, I would teach him more than a simple lesson in humility." - Zorro
• "A fox must hunt. Not sit idly by." - Zorro

Music, Soundtrack

• "Zorro" - The film's catchy main theme tune, created by George Bruns.
• "A Fair Day's Work" - A jaunty background track capturing the film's adventurous spirit.
• "Lullaby of Courage" - A more somber track signaling moments of tension.