The Mark of Zorro

by Johnston McCulley

Overview

First published in 1919, "The Mark of Zorro" introduces Zorro, a masked hero who defends the oppressed in Old California. None suspect that Zorro is really Don Diego Vega, a seemingly frivolous caballero. This is the original novel that launched the legend of Zorro.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789356785649
Publisher:	Alpha Editions
Publication date:	01/14/2023
Pages:	196
Sales rank:	972,055
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.45(d)

About the Author

Johnston McCulley (1883-1958) was an American novelist and short story writer. Born and raised in Illinois, McCulley began his career with The Police Gazette as a police reporter. During World War I, he served as a public affairs author for the United States Army. After the war, he began writing stories for such pulp magazines as Argosy and All-Story Weekly. His novel The Curse of Capistrano, serialized in 1919, marked the first appearance in print of his beloved character Zorro, a masked vigilante fighting on behalf of California’s Chicano and indigenous populations. Spawning countless adaptations for film and television, Zorro made McCulley’s name as a leading popular fiction writer of the early twentieth century.

Table of Contents

Pedro, the Boaster 7

On the Heels of the Storm 12

Señor Zorro Pays a Visit 18

Swords Clash—And Pedro Explains 22

A Ride in the Morning 29

Diego Seeks a Bride 33

A Different Sort of Man 39

Don Carlos Plays a Game 44

The Clash of Blades 50

A Hint at Jealousy 56

Three Suitors 61

A Visit 66

Love Comes Swiftly 73

Captain Ramón Writes a Letter 81

At the Presidio 85

The Chase That Failed 92

Sergeant Gonzales Meets a Friend 96

Don Diego Returns 101

Captain Ramón Apologizes 105

Don Diego Shows Interest 111

The Whipping 115

Swift Punishment 120

More Punishment 125

At the Hacienda of Don Alejandro 130

A League is Formed 137

An Understanding 141

Orders for Arrest 148

The Outrage 153

Don Pulido Feels Ill 160

The Sign of the Fox 165

The Rescue 169

Close Quarters 174

Flight and Pursuit 181

The Blood of the Pulidos 187

The Clash of Blades Again 191

All Against Them 201

The Fox at Bay 206

The Man Unmasked 210

“Meal Mush and Goat's Milk!” 215

Editorial Reviews

Amazingly, the first Zorro story debuted in 1919 and was written by the Illinois-born McCulley! Numerous Zorro tales appeared on the big screen, and a TV series followed (1957–59). Now we have a grand presentation based on Zorro by Hollywood Theater of the Ear, with Val Kilmer and others. The tale is an exhilarating mix of action, humor, and romance, with such unforgettable lines as, "What are we going to tell the Commandante? To tell the truth is out of the question." Don Diego Vega is lazy, rich, and indifferent, while Zorro is lively, active, and much like Robin Hood. Of course, both are one and the same, portrayed by Kilmer. Spirited Lolita, her traditional parents, and Sergeant Gonzales, the fat landlord who is the butt of endless jokes, are brilliantly played by a sparkling cast. The sound effects cannot be overlooked: sword play, galloping horses, and even Señora fainting at the climax combine to enhance this still fresh and enjoyable adventure story. [See Audio NewsBriefs, LJ 4/1/11.—Ed.]—Susan G. Baird, formerly with Oak Lawn P.L., IL

Library Journal

Cunning, suave, fearless, and a friend to the poor, the masked El Zorro first appeared in the pulp magazine ALL-STORY WEEKLY in 1919. This sparkling full-cast audio adaptation of the original short story, "The Curse of Capistrano," provides the sounds of plenty of swords clashing and bullets ricocheting. Where the real sparks fly is in the wonderfully honed playful dialogue, performed by an A-List Hollywood cast. Val Kilmer uses subtle vocal changes to play both the aristocratic idler Don Diego de la Vega and Diego’s alter ego—the dashing El Zorro, who easily bests the villainous and foolish Captain Ramon and Sergeant Gonzalez, played with great energy by Keith Szarabajka and Meshach Taylor. But Zorro is no match for the stinging words of the lovely, proud Lolita Pulido, played with fiery grace by Ruth Livier. Good-natured fun. B.P. 2012 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

MAY 2011 - AudioFile