The Mark of Zorro

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At one time, back-to-back-to-back westerns from the 1950s and 60s filled Saturday afternoons on broadcast television.  Johnston McCulley’s The Mark of Zorro is like stepping back.

McCulley introduced Zorro with this book in 1919.  Douglas Fairbanks Picture Corporation adapted the story to film a year later.  And still, the character spawns movies and television series—as recently as 2024.

Zorro, of course, is the defender of the oppressed and the champion of all that’s good in the Mexican territory of California of the 1830s.  In his sights are the corrupt government leaders and officials who would persecute those whom they suspect of resistance.

McCulley’s story is simple and provides few surprises.  There’s a little suspense at times, but as with those old western episodes, you know everything turns out okay.  But McCulley’s descriptions of the action are such that you can easily picture the masked hero, dressed in a black cape, astride his black horse, bursting through the line of soldiers with his sword flashing.  It’s just pure fun.

Twenty-first century readers may find some elements quaint, innocent, and even silly—like the stilted and flowery language between lovers and the code of honor between deadly adversaries.  But in these cynical days when honor and integrity often isn’t so important, you might find The Mark of Zorro genuinely refreshing.

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