THE BOLD CABALLERO (1936)

The Bold Caballero is a 1936 American Western film written and directed by Wells Root. It is based on the character Zorro, created by Johnston McCulley. The characters Don Alejandro Vega (Don Diego's father) and Bernardo (Don Diego's mute manservant) are notably absent. Native American stars include Chief Thundercloud as Don Diego Vega/Zorro's aide and Charles Stevens as Captain Vargas. John Merton appears uncredited in this film as a First Sergeant. Merton also appears in Zorro's Fighting Legion as Manuel and Zorro's Black Whip as Harris.

The Bold Caballero is notable for being the first talking Zorro film, as the first two Zorro films (1920's The Mark of Zorro and 1925's Don Q, Son of Zorro) were silent films, and the first Zorro film in color (Magnacolor). It was shot in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. The film was released on December 1, 1936, by Republic Pictures.

Plot
Zorro (Robert Livingston) has been captured and set for execution, charged with the murder of the new Governor (Robert Warwick) in Spanish California, as the governor was marked with a "Z". Zorro escapes, and reveals his identity to the governor's daughter, Isabella (Heather Angel). However, Isabella then has Don Diego arrested. He convinces Isabella that the Commandante (Sig Ruman) was the real killer, as the "Z" on the Governor was backwards. Eventually, Isabella helps free Don Diego, the Commandante is killed, and Diego and Isabella are reunited.

Cast
Robert Livingston as Don Diego Vega/Zorro
Heather Angel as Lady Isabella Palma
Sig Ruman as Commandante Sebastian Golle
Ian Wolfe as The Priest
Robert Warwick as Governor Palma
Emily Fitzroy as Lady Isabella's chaperone
Charles Stevens as Captain Vargas
Walter Long as Guard
Ferdinand Munier as Landlord
Chris-Pin Martin as Hangman
Carlos De Valdez as The Alcalde
Soledad Jiménez as Indian woman