Rainey Dawn This is not a film that most people would like much less love. It has a cult following that gets the humor of Zorro and spaghetti westerns. It's actually quite funny but it is not what you would call an outstanding film but it does entertain fans.The movie feels like a typical spaghetti western but with comedy - I would say similar to the Trinity films (See: They Call Me Trinity) while it maintains its comic book characteristics.If you like 'Zorro: The Gay Blade (1981)' or 'The Legend of Zorro (2005)' then is possible that you might like 'Zorro (1975)'.8/10

grendelkhan I saw this version on television in the 70's. It was fantastic then and still holds up well now. Sure, it has a few slow moments, but Alain Delon and Stanley Baker appear to be having so much fun that you forgive the slow parts. I read somewhere that Delon did this movie as a present for his son, who was a huge Zorro fan. Well, it was a fine present for all of us.The story is a bit different than the American versions, which works in its favor. The fights are well staged, with great comedic moments. Delon cuts a dashing figure as Zorro and carries the right tone. He brawls and slashes with soldiers in the finest of swashbuckling traditions.Stanley Baker is properly evil and totally understands his role. His eyes illuminate plots and schemes.The final duel is one of the best, on par with the Power version and the duel in Scaramouche. Swords clash all over stairs, furniture, balconies, beams, and rooftops, until the villain is slain.This one is definitely a keeper.

Poseidon-3 Falling in between Guy Williams' and Antonio Banderas' renditions of the legendary masked figure is this oddball, campy, yet somehow still watchable Spanish-made entry. Delon wears the cape and the mask this time around and does an admirable job for the most part. He disguises his way into the role of governor to a South American province which is riddled with corruption, much of it at the hands of slimy colonel Baker. While Delon (who, in his prime, was one of the most gorgeous men ever created) does well as Zorro and looks dashing in his costume--his blue eyes jutting from behind the mask, he wildly overplays the foppish role of the governor. It's meant to be funny, but it falls short of humorous and winds up rather annoying. In fact, a lot of the humor doesn't seem to translate from what the Spanish consider funny to what American audiences will enjoy. For example, the film offers up a goofy, dim-witted mute, a rotund, hairy guard whose pants rip open and a little "Buckwheat"-style kid for comic relief. None of these is remotely amusing. The strength of the film lies in the animosity and rivalry of Delon and Baker (put to good use as the villain.) The movie is helped immeasurably by some gorgeous locations and a lot of authentic and regal settings. The costumes tend to be pretty decent as well. Also, there are several elaborate stunt sequences. These aspects cover up some of the lack of budget in the picture. Piccolo, as the heroine resembles Linda Blair, excepting that Piccolo can actually act. She makes a lovely damsel in distress. The story is really a duel between the two men. First it's a battle of wits and then an extended, well-executed and staged battle of swords. This creative, elongated battle is the highlight of the film. Unfortunately, the very, very end of the film is choppy, disjointed and unsatisfying. The theme song (heard over and over) is sung by Oliver Onions (!) and should be used in CIA interrogations. It's hellacious lyrics, vocals and music attack the brain and cling on for hours and hours after the film has been viewed.

Shield-3 It's not the slickest Zorro movie ever, or the most faithful version of the Zorro legend, but Alain Delon's "Zorro" is a lot of fun. In a way, its lack of polish works in the movie's favor and gives it a certain amateurish energy and charm, like an energetic high school play.Alain Delon makes an appropriately aristocratic Diego, and he (or his stuntman) provide an athletic, agile Zorro. The villain, Colonel Huerta, is grandiose in the comic book tradition, and Moustache as Sergeant Garcia is nice and bumptuous. The heroine, Hortensia (wow, what a name) is adequate, and the mute servant is good for a few laughs.The only complaint I have with this movie is that Zorro theme music. If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about - it's this weird upbeat pop song that they play almost every time Zorro is onscreen: "Here's to you and me / Flying high and free / La la la la la la / Now that Zorro's back!" Now I can't get that song out of my head!