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The Mark of Zorro

Audiobook
1 of 1 copy available
1 of 1 copy available

Based on Johnston McCulley's The Curse of Capistrano first published in 1919 by pulp magazine All-Story Weekly

Set in Los Angeles during the era of early nineteenth century Colonial Spanish California, the story introduces us to wealthy, young aristocrat Don Diego de la Vega, son of the richest ranchero in the country. Don Diego is an idler who has never concerned himself with more than the cut of his clothes. Unlike other full-blooded youths of his age, he presents himself as a fop, lacking in vigor, vitality, and strength. But Vega's timorous reputation is merely a mask to conceal his alter ego—El Zorro. As Zorro, dressed in black and wearing a mask, he is transformed into a cunning swordsman who fearlessly pulls off dashing and daring escapades in his quest to avenge the helpless, aid the poor and oppressed, and punish cruel officials. Deemed an outlaw by California's corrupt governor, he is ever-hunted by the Commandante of La Reina de Los Angeles, Capitan Ramón, and his henchman, Sergeant Pedro Gonzalez.

Forced to find a wife or lose his inheritance, Diego sets off to romance the fiery, outspoken Lolita Pulido, the most beautiful señorita in Los Angeles. Unimpressed with Diego's passionless efforts to win her affections, Lolita finds herself attracted to the dashing and courageous Zorro. With the Pulido family having been impoverished by the corrupt governor, her father would see her married to the rich Don Diego. At the same time, the nobly born, but morally dissolute, Captain Ramón has also taken an interest in the fair señorita, making matters worse. As tensions heighten between Ramon and the Pulido family and pursuit of the masked avenger intensifies, Zorro leaves his mark on those who would perpetrate injustice.

The Mark of Zorro, masterfully adapted into a full-cast audio drama by the award-winning Hollywood Theater of the Ear especially for Blackstone Audio, is an exciting, action packed, swashbuckling adventure that will have listeners on the edge of their seats.

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    • Library Journal

      Starred review from September 1, 2011

      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 Senora 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

      Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

    • AudioFile Magazine
      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. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine
    • AudioFile Magazine
      Although written nearly a century ago, McCulley's romantic pulp adventure remains engaging and entertaining. Even though the identity of the masked vigilante is no surprise to contemporary listeners, one can't help but be thrilled at the ironic twists the story takes. Narrator Armando Duran breathes life into the character of Don Diego Vega: by day an effete aristocrat, by night a dashing defender of the poor. Duran draws on his stage experience, his ethnic memory, and his joyful vigor as he tells the story of Se–or Zorro's courtship with Lolita Pulido while bloodying the noses of corrupt government officers. This adaptation of the classic story is delightful from start to climactic finish. S.E.S. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2013 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine

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