Gun & Games: Questions & Answers

Fun Fact: The last installment of the Zorro sequels that Johnston McCulley wrote was entitled "The Mask of Zorro"! I try and answer everything that comes through to me in due time, so if you have a question that is NOT answered below, please do contact me.

There's some fine print in the opening credits. What does it say?

 In 1821, Spain's three-hundred-year denomination of Mexico was about to come to an end. A people's rebellion, lead by General Santa Anna, spread from the arid mountains of the south to the rich and fertile northern province known as California. Peasants gathered in the streets, calling for the blood of the last Spanish Governor, known as Don Raphael Montero. Although under orders to return to Spain, Montero refused to relinquish power without one final reckoning...

What's Up With the Sequel?

Columbia-Tristar has announced that Martin Campbell is on track to make a sequel to his hit film, "The Mask of Zorro." The project will likely mark his first film under a new first-look directing deal with the studio's Sony Pictures Entertainment parent. The script is now being written by Ted Elliott and Terry Rossio, scribes of the 1998 original which grossed more than $250 million worldwide and launched newcomer Catherine Zeta-Jones into her career. It is Campbell's intention to bring her back, along with Antonio Banderas and Anthony Hopkins. Filming is due to begin as soon as Campbell's present project, "The Notebook," is complete, and once the labor strikes in Hollywood have come to a close.

Where can I purchase vintage Elena clothes?

Unfortunately, I have been unable to locate an internet shop that will reproduce Elena's gowns. (And don't think I haven't tried!) Your best bet would be, if you're an expert seamstress or know one who works for a reasonable price, to adapt modern design with some of Elena's gowns. Print out pictures of the dresses you like and find patterns close, then do a bit of moderation. 

What's the name of the song that Elena & Alejandro dance to at the fiesta?

In the past six weeks, I've had more than a dozen people contact me for the answer. I cannot be certain, but I believe it to be "El Sombrero Blanco," a famous Spanish tango from that era. If you know otherwise, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

Was Captain Love really a historical character? What about Juaquin and Jack?

Yes, Captain Love, Juaquin Murietta, and Three-Fingered Jack were real people in the early eighteen hundreds. Here's an exerp from the "Forward: Fact & Fiction," volume compiled of the original serials entitled "The Curse of Capistrano." (Later changed to "The Mark of Zorro.")

" .... California's greatest legendary badman, Juaquin Murietta, reportedly terrorized Calavaras County for three years in the early 1850's. Governor Bingler hired Captain Harry S. Love to track down this bandito. With a contingement of twenty men, Love's California Rangers pursued Murietta for three months. In a major gunfight at Panoche Pass, Love's men killed two bandits whom they claimed were Juaquin and his lieutenant, Three-Fingered Jack. They cut the head off one and the hand off the other and bottled the trophies in whiskey. These grisly relics became popular in San Francisco..."

Was there really a famous outlaw like Zorro?

It says in the Forward to "The Mark of Zorro" that Zorro was not based on any one historical character, but was complied of many personalities, as well as Johnson McCulley's imagination. He has spun off many likewise heroes, including The Scarlet Pimpernel and Batman. 

Where Can I Purchase Memorabilia?

I believe there is memorabilia available through the Official Zorro Homepage. They update infrequently, and have a limited gallery, but you can purchase various items through them, such as the sword of Zorro, or Diego's whip.