The Legend Begins

This was presented as a two-hour movie and later divided into four separate episodes. It was written by Robert L. McCullough and directed by Ray Austin.

(Los Angeles. Men are being loaded into a wagon. Alcalde Ramon rides us to the wagon.)

Ramon: Is this all you could find?

Mendoza: Able bodied men are making themselves scarce, mi alcalde. Perhaps they’ve heard about your plan. (Alejandro and Victoria approach.)

Alejandro: Señorita Escalante tells me your men are dragging men from their homes.

Ramon: Oh, does she now? These men have been recruited by the territorial government.

Victoria: As slave laborers, Don Alejandro, it’s inhuman.

Ramon: I would hardly characterize my efforts to improve the lot of this pueblo as inhuman, besides these men are in need of meaningful work.

Alejandro: What kind of work?

Ramon: Construction on the Ramon Highway. It will provide us a with a direct link to the port of San Pedro

Victoria: The Ramon Highway?

Ramon: What better way to commemorate my years of public service.

Alejandro: With forced labor?

Ramon: Progress does not come without some sacrifice, Don Alejandro.

Alejandro: The governor shall hear of this.

Ramon: In Monterey? I doubt it.

Alejandro: From my own lips. (Alejandro and Victoria leave.)

Ramon: (To Mendoza) Señor de la Vega does not go north.

Mendoza: But, Alcalde —

Ramon: That is an order.

(The hacienda. Alejandro, Diego and Felipe exit the house.)

Diego: I should really be going with you.

Alejandro: Oh, Monterey is a long way off, Diego, at least a week’s ride. Besides, I need you here.

Diego: You’re sure Don Sebastian is meeting you?

Alejandro: At the trail head. Don’t worry. We’ll be fine. (He mounts his horse.) Things will change for us all when the governor hears about this alcalde. Adios. (He rides away.)

Diego: Adios. (Felipe signs something.) Yes, Felipe, knowing how the alcalde works, my father may be in need of Zorro’s help.

(The trail. Alejandro and Sebastian are surrounded by lancers.)

Mendoza: Señor de la Vega, you are hereby ordered to return to the pueblo. (Zorro appears in the distance.)

Zorro: Sergeant! It’s such a nice day for a ride.

Mendoza: Zorro! Seize him!

(The lancers chase after Zorro and Alejandro continues on his way. Zorro leads them through the rocky terrain, whistling to them to put them back on the track when they lose him. A lancer finally takes a shot at him. Toronado rears throwing Zorro off and sending him hurtling down into a ravine. Toronado runs away and Mendoza approaches the lip of the ravine and sees Zorro lying at the bottom, unmoving.)

Mendoza: Vengas! Zorro, he’s dead. We must tell the alcalde. Vaya se. Vaya se

(The cave. Toronado returns alone. Felipe mounts him to go look for Zorro. Toronado takes him right to the place and nudges him down into the ravine to go help Zorro. Felipe climbs down and rouses Zorro.)

Zorro: Oh, Felipe. (He laughs.) I fell. My head. This time Zorro outsmarted himself, huh? I don’t know, Felipe. There’s no way out of here. You’d better go. Go! (Felipe doesn’t move.) Stubborn. Audacious. Like me. Like I’ve always been. So sure of everything. So sure of everything.

(Flashback. Years earlier at the hacienda)

Diego: I don’t want you to worry about a thing, Felipe. I’ll write to you every month. Before you know it, I’ll be back. (Young Felipe signs) I’m going to Madrid, because I want to study all the sciences. And when I return, I’ll teach you everything I know. Yes, I’ll teach you any bits of swordsmanship I pick up.

Alejandro: Oh, you’ll do more than pick it up. I’ve arranged for you to study with Sir Edmund Kendall, the European saber master.

Diego: The saber? I have no intention of killing anyone.

Alejandro: Well, neither have I, but we live in unpredictable times.

Diego: Perhaps I should stay then.

Alejandro: No, no. In four years you’ll return a mature, educated young man, ready for leadership among the caballeros.

Diego: What of other responsibilities? (He looks down at Felipe.) Without the ability to hear, he’ll be severely handicapped.

Alejandro: I taught you to read and write, didn’t I? Don’t worry, even though he’s deaf, I’ll see that he’s well- schooled when you return. Now, hurry along. Your ship sails in less than twelve hours. (They embrace and head outside. Diego climbs aboard a carriage and they wave goodbye.)

(Madrid University. Diego and Sir Edmund are fencing in the courtyard. Diego falters and drops his sword.)

Edmund: Incredible. Is this all we have to show after nearly four years?

Diego: I’m sorry, Sir Edmund, but —

Edmund: But, but, but. Do your studies weigh too heavily upon you, Diego?

Diego: My studies are no problem.

Edmund: Good! Because a man who buries his nose in books never sees the real world. And the real world demands that a man be able to defend himself. (He lifts Diego’s sword with his foot and lofts it into Diego’s hand.) En guarde! (They fence and talk.)

Diego: I hear that things in Los Angeles are not going well.

Edmund: Do you think that’s why your father sent you here, to keep you out of harm’s way?

Diego: No. I think he sent me here to learn. To grow!

Edmund: Precisely. And when my job is done, I shall send to Los Angeles a man of whom a father can be proud. A man who can fight! (Diego gets the upper hand in their fencing.) Ah! The puppy can bite. (They fence some more, and Diego this time ends with his blade against Sir Edmund’s neck.) You’ve been holding back on me! (Diego salutes with his sword as if to admit it. They resume fencing.)

(Later. Diego, his nose in a book, is seen walking along the gallery above the courtyard. Edmund approaches him.)

Edmund: Diego.

Diego: Ah, Sir Edmund. I’ve just discovered a theory which applies Euclidian trigonometric principles to da Vinci’s early mechanics as a demonstration – it’s fascinating

Edmund: Diego, you and your books. Diego, I’ve just received a letter.

Diego: A letter?

Edmund: Apparently the rumors we’ve heard of problems in California are true. Your father wants to know if I think you’re ready to go home yet.

Diego: Earlier today, you were saying I had so much to learn.

Edmund: Don’t we all. As for me, “All I know is that I know nothing.”

Diego: Socrates.

Edmund: Very good. You’ve been a superb pupil, Diego. Now you must be a superb man. Take this. (He gives Diego his sword.)

Diego: I don’t understand.

Edmund: You’re the first student to ever best me in the courtyard. You’ve earned it.

Diego: But this is your championship saber.

Edmund: You’ll have to work with it, become accustomed to its weight.

Diego: It is heavy.

Edmund: And its Toledo blade has never been defeated in competition. My only prayer is that it does as well in the heat of battle.

Diego: And mine will be that it never draws blood.

Edmund: A worthy goal, Diego. But the fight for justice often demands more than intellect.

Diego: But what about everything I’ve learned here at the university? The sciences, history, political strategy? Aren’t those skills the most valuable?

Edmund: In a Utopian world, yes. But in this world, there is often greater value in daring, self-reliance, intrepid courage and sharp, Toledo steel.

(Outside the hacienda. Diego arrives in a carriage.)

Diego: Gracias.

Alejandro: Diego. Welcome home.

Diego: I came as soon as I could.

Alejandro: Well, they put some meat on you, I see.

Diego: And filled my head with ideas as well.

Alejandro: Good, good. I can’t wait to hear all about it.

Diego: Who’s this? (Indicating Felipe.)

Alejandro: Oh, new man I hired.

Diego: What ever happened to that little boy, that fellow who was always underfoot, what was his name?

Alejandro: Felipe?
Diego: That’s it. What ever happened to him? (Felipe signs to get Diego’s attention.) You’re Felipe. That’s impossible. He was just this tall when I left.  (Felipe signs that he grew up.) Then give me a hug before you’re too big to hold. (they hug and Diego speaks over the boy’s head to Alejandro) Any change?

Alejandro: Boy still can’t hear a thing, Diego. (Lancers on horseback pass the hacienda.)

Diego: What’s all this? What is all this about?
Alejandro: That’s why I sent for you.

(Inside the hacienda. Diego takes off his cape.)

Diego: Ah, it’s so good to be home.

Alejandro: It’s good to have you home.

Diego: (with failing nonchalance.)Have you seen Victoria Escalante? Is she well?

Alejandro: She’s grown since you left. She’s a woman now.

Diego: She hasn’t married or anything. Has she?

Alejandro: No, but since she inherited the tavern, she’s become quite a businesswoman.

Diego: Really? Well, perhaps I’ll pay her a little visit sometime.

Alejandro: The caballeros are looking forward to seeing you in the pueblo. We need every man we can get. And you’re going to need this. (He gives him a long, cloth-wrapped bundle.)

Diego: What’s this? (He sees a sword hilt beneath the cloth.) A sword?
Alejandro: Well, a man has to take care of himself these days.

Diego: I don’t understand. The pueblo’s secure. Those soldiers outside seem rather well-trained.

Alejandro: Indeed. But they don’t protect our people. They exploit them. You can handle that?

Diego: (He pulls the sword from its sheath.) Seems a little light, don’t you think?

Alejandro: Beginner’s weight. Just don’t hurt yourself with it, that’s all.

Diego: Father, I think there’s something you should know.

Alejandro: I know. You didn’t have time to complete your studies with Sir Edmund. Ah, well, we’ll just have to do the best we can.  (He leaves and Diego holds up the sword. His hand barely fits within the hilt.)

(The tavern)

Victoria: Arroz con pollo for you? And ….for you. And for you, Corporal?

Corporal: My only hunger is for your affection, Señorita.

Victoria: I do not fraternize with my customers, especially when they wear uniforms.

Corporal: This is not just any uniform. This is the uniform of the colonial military government. You should be flattered.

Victoria: Then why am I disgusted? (She pours a whole pitcher of juice on his head. The other men laugh. Diego and Alejandro enter.)

Alejandro: Diego, you remember Señorita Escalante?

Diego: (Diego is entranced. He kisses her hand.) Indeed. But you’ve changed. (Embarrassed) For the better, that is.

Victoria: Thank you, Diego. You’ve changed too. You wear the sword of a caballero.

Alejandro: Mm. Diego’s returned to fulfill his proper place in the community. Ah, Sebastian. Excuse me.

Diego: He’s a popular man.

Victoria: Yes, and courageous too. You should hear how he speaks out against the alcalde. (She is grabbed from behind by the Corporal.)

Corporal: You owe me an apology.
Victoria: Let go of me!

Diego: (He wrenches the Corporal’s hands away from Victoria.) The señorita said let go!

Corporal: Just who do you think you are!

Alejandro: This is my son, Corporal. He’s just returned from Spain.

Diego: Where, among other things, I learned how to treat a lady.

Corporal: And how to insult the uniform of the colonial military government.

Alejandro: Gentlemen, let’s not let this get out of hand.

Corporal: Get out of the way, sir!

Diego: You need a lesson in manners, Corporal.

Mendoza: (Entering) What is going on, Corporal?

Corporal: This man has challenged me.

Victoria: And with good reason too. Thank you, Diego.

Mendoza: Diego? Don Diego de la Vega, your son?
Diego: Pleased to meet you, Sergeant.
Mendoza: Sergeant Jaime Mendoza. Permit me to welcome you to the pueblo de Los Angeles and to collect the travelers’ tax.

Alejandro: Travelers’ tax. This is preposterous.

Diego: How much is it, Sergeant?

Mendoza: Five pesos. Not much, but it adds up.

Victoria: If they could, they would tax the very air that we breathe.

Mendoza: Actually the alcalde’s working on something…

Diego: And what if one refuses to pay such tax?

Mendoza: The alcalde becomes pretty angry and that is not a pretty sight, Señor. (Gunshots are heard outside and they all rush out to the plaza.)

(The plaza outside the tavern.)

Ramon: The next shot will not be aimed over your miserable heads, but into your rebellious hearts.

Alejandro: Alcalde, what’s going on here?

Ramon: It’s quite simple. These vermin refuse to pay any portion of their taxes.

Victoria: These are poor farmers. They have no money for taxes.

Ramon: The fact remains that these disloyal reprobates only understand one thing. Force.

Victoria: (To Diego.) Don’t just stand there. Do something.

Ramon: And force is what they will get.

Diego: How does the government intend to spend these new tax revenues?

Ramon: You must not know who I am.

Diego: Oh, I know who you are, all right. Allow me to introduce myself. I’m Diego de la Vega from Spain. (Diego bows his head and Ramon slaps his face with a glove. There is an intense moment.) You bear the rank of a gentleman. Why not act like one?

Ramon: Is that a challenge, de la Vega?
Diego: If it were, my sword would be at your throat.

Ramon: Only long enough for my soldiers to put a bullet through your head. (Diego reaches for his sword.)

Alejandro: Not now, Diego.

Ramon: Listen to your father. Be careful. Or you will regret ever coming back to Los Angeles. (Over his shoulder to the lancers.) Bring the prisoners to the quartel. (The lancers round up the prisoners.)

Victoria: Would you have challenged the alcalde?

Diego: The alcalde has clearly lost his mind.

Alejandro: Somebody’s going to have to challenge him, or we’re going to lose this pueblo.

(Flashforward to Zorro in the ravine, mumbling in his delirium.)

Zorro: …lose this pueblo. We can’t lose the pueblo. (He awakens.) Felipe, you’re a good boy. Thank you for helping me. (He tries to get up.) I can’t…the pain…(He loses consciousness.)

(On the trail above the ravine, the lancers are returning.)

Mendoza: Bring me the body. Bring me the body. Only the body is proof. The alcalde conveniently forgets how dangerous this ravine is. After all, this ravine is what finally killed Zorro, not just any man with a weapon. I guess it will never be the same without him. None of us will. He was quite a guy, that Zorro. Quite a guy.

(The ravine.)
Zorro: Soldiers. The alcalde’s men. If we don’t get out of here, Zorro’s work will be finished. (Struggles to get up and then passes out again.)

(The trail above the ravine.)
Mendoza: Careful, men. It must be slippery around here, or else Zorro would never have fallen to his death.

(The ravine. Zorro is awake again. A horse whinnies in the distance.)

Zorro: (Answering Felipe’s signs.) Climb out of here? Impossible. How my head spins. Yes, hiding would be a good idea. There’s nothing here. I’m sorry, I can barely move. Felipe, listen to me. Your loyalty has given me the courage to face death. I’ve always been able to trust you. Always…always.

(Flashback. Felipe is sweeping in front of the fireplace. Diego enters through the opening. Felipe is amazed when he turns to see him.)

Diego: Magic. Turn around. No, look the other way. (Diego disappears into the fireplace opening. Felipe looks around for him. Diego comes back through the opening.) Don’t be scared. Look. It’s a secret passageway. And over here, (He moves some books on a shelf.) is a viewing hole. Now inside there is a room that leads to a tunnel that goes into a hill behind the hacienda. When the hacienda was first built, there was the threat of constant Indian attack. A secret system of passageways would guarantee an avenue of escape.

Alejandro: (Entering) Diego. The alcalde has taken more prisoners. (He leaves and Diego follows.)

Diego: Oh, Felipe, our secret.

(Outside the alcalde’s office. Ramon is sitting at a table with lancers at his side.)

Mendoza: Pedro Garcia! Three months behind on his property taxes. Do you have any property?

Garcia: No.

Ramon: Three months deserves three months. At hard labor.

Mendoza: Alcalde, forgive me for saying, but don’t you think you are being a little too hard—

Ramon: Careful, Sergeant, or you shall soon join Señor Garcia.

Mendoza: Fernando Reyes!

Victoria: (Comes up to Ramon as lancers drag Reyes forward.) What do you think you are doing?

Ramon: Enforcing the law, señorita. Please, step aside.

Victoria: You are not a magistrate. You have no right to do this.

Ramon: This is a summary tribunal called to enforce the territorial law against rebellious activities. Under the emergency provisions of this law, I not only have the right, but the duty.

Victoria: Oh! (She leaves.)
Ramon: Proceed, Sergeant.

Mendoza: Fernando Reyes! Overheard uttering seditious statements.

Ramon: Oh, what were those statements?

Mendoza: Oh, it was very minor, alcalde, nothing to be upset about.

Ramon: What were they?

Mendoza: (Reads) The alcalde is a snake, nothing more than the scum of the earth.

Ramon: Six months hard labor. Make that a year. (Mendoza yells out another name as Alejandro and Diego ride up.)

Diego: Alcalde.

Ramon: What does that rebel and his obnoxious son — ah, Don Alejandro, how good of you to come by.

Alejandro: I need a word with you.

Ramon: Why, I am quite busy, but I can always make time for such a distinguished pillar of our community.

Alejandro: The better part of my life has been spent in this territory building this pueblo. I have many friends.

Ramon: Are you running for public office, Señor?

Alejandro: If you go on like this, the caballeros can’t guarantee the safety of you or your men.

Diego: You must know that many of our people favor revolution against your rule.

Ramon: You don’t say.

Alejandro: You can’t bend all these people to your will.

Ramon: I have no intention of bending these people. I’m going to break them if they resist me.

Alejandro: I’m warning you, Alcalde,

Ramon: Is that a threat, Señor?

Alejandro: It doesn’t have to be. They’ll take things into their own hands.

Ramon: If there’s any more rebellious activity, I’ll suppress it immediately.

Diego: You can’t put everyone in jail.

Ramon: No, but I can put your father behind bars. And if there’s any more trouble, I will happily. 

Mendoza: Corporal Gomez just came from the tavern. You better get over there at once. (He and Mendoza go to the tavern.)

(The tavern)
Victoria: He calls it the law. I call it oppression. He calls it justice. I call it tyranny. This is our land, our pueblo. And when the government no longer serves the people then perhaps it is time for the people to do more than just speak out. Perhaps it is time for the people, for the people to take action. (Ramon enters.)
Ramon: What do we have here? Huh? A meeting of rebellious traitors?
Victoria: Alcalde, we only want you to listen to reason.
Mendoza: Señorita, please.

Victoria: The law should serve the people, not oppress them. (Alejandro and Diego enter.)

Ramon: You are under arrest. (He grabs her hand.) Come with me.

Victoria: Let go of me!

Alejandro: Take your hands off her!

Ramon: Stay out of this, old man. (Alejandro hits Ramon in the face. Diego starts forward but is stopped by the raised muskets of two lancers.) (To Alejandro)You are under arrest. (To Victoria) You, come with me. This establishment is under military rule. Mendoza, you are in charge.

Mendoza: Me? I’m going to run this tavern?

(The alcalde’s office)

Alejandro: I hope you don’t think the caballeros are going to sit still for this.

Ramon: They will soon learn that I only want what is good for the pueblo.

Alejandro: And just how will they learn that?

Ramon: You will make a formal statement. In this statement you will recant all remarks and activities disloyal to my administration.

Alejandro: Let me make one thing crystal clear. My allegiance is to the crown of Spain, not to you.

Ramon: It’s amazing how a little time in my jail can clarify one’s thinking. Take him away. (Two lancers take Alejandro to the cells. Diego enters.)

Diego: I demand the release of my father.

Ramon: Do you now?
Diego: Yes, I do.

Ramon: Well, I can imagine how you feel. But try and see things from my point of view, Don Diego. Your father is a respected elder in the pueblo. His word carries a great deal of weight.

Diego: You don’t put a man in jail for that.

Ramon: No, but I can put a man in jail for assault on a public official, for interfering with the administration of justice and for fermenting revolution.

Alejandro: If my father had wanted to lead a revolution, you would have been thrown out of this pueblo a long time ago.

Ramon: Then I don’t think we have long to wait for him to declare his loyalty to my office.

Diego: Don’t expect me to stand still for this. (Diego turns to go.)
Ramon: I expect you to be a good son and not to get your father hurt.

Diego: If you want a fight, you’ll get one.

Ramon: Don Diego, if I have any trouble with the caballeros, I’ll know you’re behind it. And there’s always room in my jail for another de la Vega.  (Diego leaves.)

(The tavern)
Mendoza: Come on, come on. Let me see some silver. I can’t run this place on my good looks and your bad credit, you know. Ah, this is truly the life I was made for. Much safer than being a soldier. All those horses, guns, banditos. A terrifying venture(?).  I remember once when I was a young man serving under General Cordoba in the Yucatan campaign. (Diego enters.) I was constantly terrified. We were after a band of renegade Indians that had been ruthlessly terrorizing the Arizona mission. They would raid a village without warning and then they would vanish into the prairie. It was like we were chasing phantoms. They would be there one moment and whoosh...the next they’d be gone.

Diego: Surely trained soldiers weren’t frightened by such tactics?

Mendoza: Oh, no, no. It wasn’t the Indians we were afraid of. We were always prepared to fight them. It was…it was not knowing… and when they attacked at night…

Diego: The dark frightens you, Sergeant?

Mendoza: Señor, at night, we couldn’t even see their faces.

Diego: Then it’s the unknown that bothers you.  

Mendoza: A soldier is not trained to deal with the unknowns. It is the unexplained, the mysterious that creates fear. And fear is a soldier’s greatest enemy. (He laughs.) Of course, I have nothing to fear now, except maybe the wine going bad.

Diego: What about the new alcalde? You don’t fear him.

Mendoza: Oh, no. Once things settle down, he will be a pussycat.

Diego: Then help me get my father and Señorita Escalante out of jail.

Mendoza: Don Diego, as soon as the threat of rebellion has ended, I’m sure the alcalde will release them.

Diego: And until then, what am I supposed to do, let them languish behind bars?

Mendoza: Oh, it’s not so bad. Garrison prisoners eat the same food as the soldiers. Tonight they are serving chile verde. (Diego leaves.) Diego?

(The jail)

Victoria: I would rather eat garbage. (She knocks the plate of food from Ramon’s hand.)

Ramon: Be reasonable, Señorita. You do not answer my questions. You do not accept my hospitality. What am I to do with you?
Victoria: You can start by letting me go.

Ramon: Your failure to cooperate can only mean that you support the traitors who would undermine my authority.

Victoria: Authority? You have no authority.

Ramon: I am the alcalde.

Victoria: And that is all that you are. The people are the people.

Ramon: I know they speak against me in the tavern. I want to know who. I want to know names.

Victoria: Never.

Ramon: Never say never, Señorita. There are always ways to make you talk.

(The hacienda. Felipe pulls Diego towards the fireplace.)
Diego: What is it? Felipe, this is no time for games. (Felipe motions him toward the opening.)
There’s something down here? (Felipe shows him a fox in the cave. The fox is occasionally making little whimpering noises.) A fox. It’s amazing with everyone hunting them for such beautiful pelts how those creatures of the night manage to survive. Yes, cunning and intelligence. (They start to go. Felipe turns away from the fox. It makes a noise and Felipe turns back to look. Diego sees him do it.) Felipe, you heard that. Felipe, look at me. You can hear, can’t you? That’s wonderful. (Diego hugs him.) Why didn’t you let us know? (Felipe signs.) Because of my father. Felipe, my father would never treat you differently if he knew you could hear. He loves you. We all do. We’ll talk of this later. Come on. (Felipe goes to the doorway, but Diego turns back and stares at the fox as he comes to a decision.)

(The hacienda. Zorro comes around a corner and confronts Felipe who is scared at seeing a man in a black mask.)

Zorro: It’s me, Felipe. Really. (He lifts his mask to show him.) I’m pleased to see it’s so effective. Ah, the disguise will protect our friends from retribution. I’ll need something to conceal myself a bit more. Perhaps a cape? What’s wrong, Felipe? (Felipe signs.) Without knowing it, you may have done us all a great service. We’ll keep the cave a secret and your hearing. This will be our secret too. (He draws his sword.) Not even my father knows of this. It was given to me by Sir Edmund Kendall, my fight master. (Felipe touches the blade.) It’s sharp, strong too. (Felipe signs.) Yes, I know. We must convince people I am weak-willed, a bit too studious. But like the fox that is timid and frail, so do I share his instinct for survival. (He snuffs out the candles with the sword.) Justice will be ours.

(The plaza. Felipe drives a wagon through the gates and into the plaza. Zorro jumps out from the back of the wagon and Felipe keeps going. Zorro goes into the jail, entering through the roof.)

(The jail.)_

Zorro: Buenas Noches.

Alejandro: Who are you?

Victoria: What are you?
Zorro: A creature of the night. Like a fox. El Zorro.

Victoria: El Zorro?

Zorro: Perhaps you’d like to leave.

Alejandro: How do we know you don’t work for the alcalde? Maybe he just wants an excuse to shoot us?

Zorro: Then he’ll have to shoot me first. (He takes the keys.) If it’s freedom you want, follow me.

(He opens the doors to the cells and throws the keys back onto the hook. They all go out the door. Zorro knocks out one guard and then they are confronted by the alcalde and Mendoza.)
Mendoza: Oh, my God, it’s a demon!

Zorro: I am Zorro. (Ramon and Zorro fence.)  I do wish I could stay for such sport. But I really must be going. (Zorro cuts off Ramon’s blade.)  I look forward to our next encounter.

(Flashforward. The trail by the ravine.)

Mendoza: Careful, men, it was around here that Zorro fell.

(The ravine)

Zorro: Felipe, they found us. Go on. Go. Hide. Yes! No, there’s no time for fighting. Come one, now go.

(The tavern. Ramon enters.)

Ramon: A bottle of your best vintage, Señorita. It’s time to celebrate.

Victoria. What is the occasion? Did you collect some new taxes?

Ramon: No, Zorro is dead.

Victoria: That’s impossible. No one can kill Zorro.

Ramon: He fell off the bluffs at Canyon Perdito. My men are there right now retrieving the body

(The trail above the ravine.)

Lancer: Look

Mendoza: It is Zorro. And he is dead. You and I were so much alike. Men of incredible courage, tremendous skill. If only the alcalde knew you like I did. We were truly brothers of the heart. Adios, amigo. Ready. Aim. Fire! (The soldiers fire into the body.)

Mendoza: No, no, I’ll go first. Madre de Dios! (Mendoza uses a rope to go down into the ravine.) Lancer: Sergeant, just don’t look down. Don’t even think about falling.

Mendoza: It’s not the falling that worries me. It’s the landing I’m afraid of. (At the bottom, they find that what they thought was Zorro is just his cape and hat.)

Lancer: He’s not there.

Mendoza: He’s not? I mean he’s not. He was here somewhere. We just saw him

Lancer: What we saw was this. He has slipped us again. The alcalde’s going to have our heads.

Mendoza: Quickly, men, search the area he must be in the bushes

(The trail above the ravine. Toronado comes and sets the lancers’ horses free.)

(The ravine. Mendoza is shouting orders to his men to search for Zorro. They hear the horses.)

Mendoza: Zorro! Escaping! Come on. Faster, faster. (The lancers quickly climb up out of the ravine. Zorro and Felipe emerge from a water hole. They’ve hidden there, breathing through reeds while the soldiers searched.)

Zorro: Yes, we’ve been very lucky.

(The trail above the ravine.)

Mendoza: The horses they are all gone

Lancer: Zorro’s not dead at all.

Mendoza: Not even bullets can kill him.

Lancer: Without our horses, how are we doing to get back to the pueblo?

Mendoza: Corporal Gomez, what is the first thing that a soldier learns?

Lancer: Why, to march. But it is ten miles back to the pueblo.

Mendoza: Well, perhaps you would like me to go back to the quartel. I can tell the alcalde that you and the men would like some fresh horses sent out to you.

Lancer: The alcalde would do that?

Mendoza: Yes, and in the morning he would have you shot! Now march!

(The ravine.)
Zorro: I don’t know what happened. I don’t know why the soldiers left. My guess is that Toronado is somewhere up there. Yes, Toronado has always been a faithful ally. Toronado…Toronado. (Zorro again begins to waver in his consciousness.)

(Flashback. Zorro and Felipe in the cave, returning from freeing Alejandro and Victoria.)

Zorro: That was too close. Another moment’s delay and you would have been recognized. Perhaps you’re too brave. (Zorro begins to take off the black clothing.) If you are linked to the man who saved my father and Victoria, that could lead the alcalde directly to me. No, I need to be able to ride at night without being identified as Don Diego de la Vega. What I need is a good horse, a horse that no one has ever seen before.

(The hacienda. Diego emerges from the opening in the fireplace.)

Alejandro: Diego!

Diego: (As he passes him by) Hello, Father. (He turns back and stops.) Father! What are you doing here?

Victoria: Your father and I escaped from the jail. It was incredible.

Diego: But how did you—

Alejandro: A man in a mask came in and released us. He was dressed in black with a long flowing cape.

Victoria: And a whip!

Alejandro: And a sword!

Diego: A masked man? (He sounds doubtful.) Really?

Victoria: It’s true. How do you think we escaped?

Diego: Well, what about the alcalde? The soldiers?

Alejandro: He overpowered them all, single handed.

Diego: That is impressive. Who is he?

Alejandro: He said his name was…

Victoria: El Zorro!

Alejandro: Zorro.

Diego: El Zorro. A fox?

Victoria: Yes. And like a fox, he disappeared into the night.

Diego: The alcalde must be enraged.

Alejandro: Hah!

Victoria: If only…if only we could find this man in black...this…this Zorro. Well, he could help us fight the alcalde.

Diego: I wouldn’t count on that, Señorita. The man sounds like a brigand to me.

Victoria: I wish you could have seen him. Then you’d know what a true hero looks like.

Alejandro: Diego, there’s to be a meeting of the caballeros tomorrow. Until we can do something about this tyranny, better stay out of the alcalde’s way.

Diego: Sounds like good advice.

(Alejandro and Victoria leave. Diego heads back to the fireplace, presses the lever. Felipe comes through.) The alcalde must be distracted. I think if we can get a good horse, this Zorro will be the man for the job. (They return to the cave.)

(Outside Los Angeles. Felipe and Diego are riding. They spot a black horse running in the distance.)

Diego: He looks perfect. Vamanos. (They follow the horse.) Split up. We’ll run him down on the other side of the rise. (They spot the horse ahead.) Easy. Easy. Whoa! Look at that, Felipe. He’s got a foal. (The black horse is with a brown horse and a foal.) Easy, slow. Something is very wrong here. Look at that foal. Stay here with the horses. It’s very dangerous. Stay out of reach. (They dismount. The black horse rears.) Stay here. Easy, boy, easy. Stay back, Felipe. He’s not happy. Easy. I’m not going to hurt you. That foal looks sick. I’m going to help you. I know you’re protecting your family. Easy. Whoa, little fellow. I’m not going to hurt you. Easy… easy. He’s sick. We’ve got to get him on his feet or he’ll die. His lungs will fail. There… easy… shhh. Come on. Come on. Come on, now.  (He lifts the foal from the ground.) That’s it. Try. That’s good, boy. Yeah, sure. Easy, boy. I’m not going to hurt him. It’s all right. Come on, breathe. Breathe. That’s a good boy. I know. It’s all right now. Your family is here. Your foal is safe. He’s safe. Let’s be friends. Whoa, easy. He’s big, Felipe. There boy, easy. Good boy. Good boy.

(The cave)
Diego: I think he senses the task at hand, wants to be a part of it. What do you think we should call him? (Felipe signs.) He does run like the wind, doesn’t he? (Felipe signs some more.) He appears out of nowhere like a sudden storm. Toronado. We should call him Toronado. Very Good. Toronado. What do you think of your new name, boy? I think he likes it.

(Inside the hacienda. Ramon and lancers are arresting Alejandro)

Alejandro: Do you have a warrant for this outrage?

Ramon: The only warrant you’re going to see is the one calling for your execution in the morning.

Alejandro: Execution! Resisting your tyranny is no crime. (Diego is watching through the viewing hole.)

Ramon: But breaking from jail is a capitol offense, Señor. One for which you and the peasants that aided in that effort will be hung in the morning. Take him away.

(The cave)
Diego. They’re arresting my father! Well, someone has to stop the alcalde! (Felipe signs a “Z”) Zorro.

(The alcalde’s office. Ramon, Alejandro and a lancer enter.)
Ramon: You won’t escape this time.

Alejandro: This is a mockery of justice.

Ramon: I was appointed by the territorial governor and given the task of maintaining order in the pueblo. Am I to blame if that calls for the suppression of certain rebellious factions?

Alejandro: There’s no rebellion in Los Angeles and you know it.

Ramon: You’ve been something of a pearl in my oyster ever since my arrival, de la Vega. Perhaps it’s time to remove the source of that irritation.

Alejandro: You’ll never get away with this.

Ramon: Oh yes? And who is going to stop me? The masked bandit who helped you escape?

Alejandro: One never knows, does one?

Ramon: There is a way to win commutation of your death sentence. Just give me the name of the man behind the mask who helped you escape.

Alejandro: I have no idea.

Ramon: Don Alejandro, be reasonable. I only want the name of one man in exchange for your own life. What better bargain is there?

Alejandro: No bargain at all.

Ramon: You die at dawn. Take him away. (They lead Alejandro away. Ramon goes to the door.) Mendoza!

Mendoza: Sí, mi alcalde.

Ramon: Mendoza, I have been thinking of making some promotions within the garrison.

Mendoza: You have? What an excellent idea.

Ramon: But in order to assess each candidate, I have to know the men’s feelings on certain things.

Mendoza: You want to know my feelings? Alcalde, I am touched.

Ramon: Perhaps attitude is a better word.

Mendoza: It is a bigger word. That’s for sure.

Ramon: Yes, Mendoza, what do you think is the greatest challenge that faces our garrison?
Mendoza: Frijoles.

Ramon: What?
Mendoza: Frijoles, Alcalde. The company cook prepares them as if he were boiling shoe leather.

Ramon: I’m not talking about beans, you fool! I’m talking about the suppression of rebellion.

Mendoza: Well, beans cannot suppress a rebellion.
Ramon: Do you know what I think the greatest challenge that faces our garrison is? This bandit called Zorro.

Mendoza: The one with the mask, the cape and the whip?

Ramon: The man who brings me this Zorro, dead or alive, he’s the one who wins promotion.

Mendoza: But you know, Alcalde, being a sergeant is not so bad after all. (Mendoza salutes and leaves.)

(The cave. Diego is holding a drawing. He talks to Felipe.)

Diego: All right. Let’s just see if we have enough. Hold this up. Good. You know, this cave is the perfect place for such work. I think we’ll be able to fit a small laboratory in here if we try. While I was at the university, I studied the theories or Leonardo da Vinci, including his principles of winged flight.

Not exactly like a bird. But I think I’ll be able to make an entrance spectacular enough to convince the alcalde’s men of my mysterious powers. Just hold this for a moment, would you?

(The plaza. Alejandro is being led to a gallows.)
Victoria: Don Alejandro, they can’t do this to you!

Alejandro: Strength, Victoria. Show them your strength.

Ramon: (To Victoria) Tell me the name of the man who wears the black mask and I will spare these men.

Victoria: Even if I did know his name, I wouldn’t make one deal with the devil himself.

Ramon: Why do you insist on protecting a mere criminal?

Victoria: He may be a criminal in your eyes, but in mine, he’s a hero.

Ramon: Then you, my dear, are terribly short sighted. (To the crowd.) Listen! Yesterday in the black of night, the security of our pueblo was threatened by the incursion of a masked bandit who released a number of vicious prisoners. This masked bandit who calls himself Zorro will soon be seeking refuge from justice while my men are on his trail and about to close in on him.

Victoria: That’s a lie. Your men are terrified of him. He is smarter and more clever than your entire garrison.

Ramon: He wears a mask. He releases criminals. He himself is a criminal. Any citizen who brings evidence that leads to the capture of this Zorro will be rewarded. Any traitor who helps him escape will hang along side of him on my gallows.

Victoria: Last night Zorro helped us. He is on our side. And now we must help him.

Ramon: I’m warning you, Señorita.

Victoria; Even you are afraid of him, aren’t you?

Ramon: I will show you how afraid I am.  Prepare the gallows.

Alejandro: You’re a fool. My death, the death of any of us will only strengthen the will of the people.

Ramon: Who would like to be the first to try my new rope. (Zorro is seen in the distance on the back of a wagon Felipe is driving with a black flying contraption while Ramon speaks.) Hm? Any Volunteers?

(Zorro soars in the air on the home-made kite.)

Zorro: I hope da Vinci knew what he was doing.

Ramon: Don Alejandro, would you like to be the first to die?

Alejandro: Your gallows don’t frighten me. (Zorro is seen flying over the church.)
Mendoza: Madre de Dios.

Ramon: Fire! Go find him. Kill that man!

Mendoza: Alcalde, that is the man from last night. That is Zorro. (Zorro lands)

Ramon: Who cares. You’re a soldier. You’re trained to kill the enemy. Get him. (Victoria unties Alejandro.)

Zorro: I am Zorro. Friend to all those who support the cause of freedom and the enemy of those who support tyranny.

Ramon: Take him. He’s ours. (Zorro uses his whip to keep the men back.) Stay back. He’s just a man.

I’ll prove it. I’ll make you bleed. (Ramon lunges at him with a sword. Zorro draws his sword. They fence. Zorro disarms Ramon.)
Zorro: Arrest those men without cause and I’ll put your neck in the noose.

Ramon: I will hunt you down.

Zorro: Fine. But the tavern belongs to Señorita Escalante, comprende?

Ramon: I will see you hang. I will torture you. I will shoot you.

Zorro: You know, you surprise me, Alcalde. You’ve led everyone to believe you’re a man of great control, of stature. But you’re really quite emotional, aren’t you? (Ramon dives for his sword, and Zorro carves a “Z” on the tail of his jacket. The crowd laughs. Ramon retreats to his office. Zorro starts to ride away.)

Alejandro: Señor Zorro! Remove the mask so we can see the man to whom we owe so much.

Zorro: Nothing would please me more than to reveal my true identity and to show my true affections for you, Señorita.

Victoria: Oh, the feeling is mutual. You can be sure of that.

Zorro: Knowing my identity would only give the alcalde more reason to threaten you. As long as I wear this mask, your safety is guaranteed.

Victoria: But how can I thank you?

Zorro: Someday when our people are free, I will give you ample opportunity to show me that appreciation. (The crowd cheers as Zorro rides away.)

(The alcalde’s office. Mendoza is sewing the alcalde’s jacket.)

Ramon: No man humiliates me like that and gets away with it.

Mendoza: His skill with the sword is incredible, huh? Look what a pretty “Z” he carved on your jacket.

Ramon: If I am ever to have control over this pueblo, I must get rid of this man. Zorro must die.

Mendoza: Sí, mi alcalde, but from what I’ve seen, it’s not going to be such an easy task.

(The ravine)

Zorro: My head. At least I can see a bit better. The ringing in my ears has stopped. Now if we can just find some way out of here. (There is the sound of horses.) The soldiers are coming back. (Felipe signs that they should hide.) No, they’ll find us this time, Felipe. Yes, we’ll die. But we’re going to die fighting. (He raises his sword, ready to fight.) You should have gone when you had the chance. Now you’re trapped here with me. (Felipe raises a large stick to indicate he’s willing to fight too.) No, Felipe, let me do the fighting. That way the soldiers may take mercy on you. I’d rather die than surrender. We may have no choice in the matter. (The sound of hooves grows louder.) Brace yourself.  The sound bounces off the rocks. (Two horses come into view.) It’s Toronado. He found a way out of here. (He approaches Toronado.) Old friend. (He mounts the horse in obvious pain.) A tiny blow to the head and my entire body seems weak. Now that Toronado has brought us hope, we must take that same faith to the people of Los Angeles.

(Los Angeles. Ramon strides up to the group of soldiers entering the pueblo.)

Mendoza: Search party reporting, sir!

Ramon: Where have you been?

Mendoza: Searching, Alcalde.

Ramon: Your horses returned with empty saddles eight hours ago.

Mendoza: Well, that is because Zorro’s horse frightened our horses away.

Ramon: His horse stranded an entire patrol?

Mendoza: Well, apparently it is a very smart horse.

Ramon: But it was just the horse? Zorro wasn’t on it?
Mendoza: Oh, sí, mi alcalde. I can assure you Zorro is dead. We saw his lifeless body at the bottom of the ravine.

Ramon: But your orders were to retrieve that body.

Mendoza: I’m afraid that is impossible, sir.

Ramon: Don’t you see? I need the body of Zorro to prove that he is really dead. Now I need that body. Where is it?

Mendoza: I’m afraid the coyotes took it away. But-but-but we do have these. (He turns to take Zorro’s things from one of the soldiers and gives it to the alcalde.) The sword and the-the hat, see?

Ramon: Very good, Sergeant. There’s blood on it. (Smiles)

Mendoza: I’m afraid so. Zorro would never leave anything like that behind. He must be dead.

Ramon: Of course, you know this entitles you to a reward.

Mendoza: A reward?

Ramon: All 500 pesos… except for the tax.

Mendoza: There’s a tax on rewards?

Ramon: Oh no. There’s a tax on windfalls while serving in the military, and since this reward is a windfall and you are serving in the military, I’m afraid you’re subject to this particular tariff.

Mendoza: How much is this tariff tax?

Ramon: A hundred per cent, of course.

Mendoza: Of course.

(Outside Zorro’s cave. Felipe opens the secret doorway and Zorro rides through on Toronado. Then, inside the cave, Zorro dismounts and Felipe assists him to walk.)

Zorro: The ride took more out of me than I thought.  I’d better get to bed, yes.

(The tavern.)

Victoria: (She sets a drink down in front of Mendoza.) That will be two pesos, Sergeant. (He puts a coin on her tray.) Ah! Was it payday today at the garrison?

Mendoza: That is a mere token of the alcalde’s appreciation for my service above and beyond the call of duty. Eh, the fact is, he has a great deal of respect for me now.

Victoria: And why now?

Mendoza: Well, you might be interested in knowing that I, leading my men in extremely dangerous terrain, that I discovered the spot where Zorro tragically met his end.

Victoria: You mean to tell me that Zorro is dead?

Mendoza: Well, his cape had bloodstains on it. (Victoria turns away and sees Ramon.)

Victoria: Is it really true what Mendoza says about Zorro? That he is dead?

Ramon:  Wonderful news, isn’t it?

Victoria: I don’t believe it and no one else will believe it either.

Ramon: Believe it or not as you wish, Señorita. Zorro’s absence speaks for itself. Now then. (He claps his hands and raises his voice.) May I have your attention, please! Zorro is dead. (There are gasps from the crowd.)

Victoria. There’s no proof of that and even if there is, Don Alejandro de la Vega will soon return from Monterey with news from the territorial government.

Ramon: Alejandro de la Vega does not speak for this pueblo.

Victoria: But he does speak for the people.

Ramon: Without Zorro to support his revolutionary politics, Don Alejandro will have to become a model citizen. Failing that, I shall have to make an example of him. A very painful example. (He laughs.)

(The hacienda. Diego’s bedroom.)

Dr. Hernandez: (Fixing a bandage for Diego.) I don’t think I’ll do anything to adjust now. Let it dry. I’ll do something later on. That was quite a nasty fall you had.

Diego: I was trying to follow my father to Monterey when the mare threw me.

Dr. Hernandez: I hope Don Alejandro can speak directly to the governor. The alcalde is bearing down more on the people, now that Zorro is gone.

Diego: Gone? What do you mean “gone?”

Dr. Hernandez: Haven’t you heard? Zorro is dead.

Diego: Oh no.

Dr. Hernandez: You were lucky that blow to the head didn’t kill you, Diego.

Diego: How long will I have to stay like this?

Dr. Hernandez: A few more days, possibly more. Whatever you do afterwards, stay away from horses.

Diego: Thank you, Doctor. (The doctor leaves.) I can’t just lie here and let the alcalde run rampant. He’ll destroy the entire pueblo in no time. (Diego tries to get up but faints back into the pillows.)

(Later. Victoria enters with a tray and puts it before Diego.)

Victoria: Any news from your father yet?
Diego: Oh, he should be back in another five days.

Victoria: Some of us may not last that long.

Diego: Are things in town really that bad?

Victoria: Not only does the alcalde have the young men working on his highway project where he works them like slaves, he now has a new series of taxes.

Diego: What more could he tax?

Victoria: Oh, caballeros must now pay a fee for tying their horses in the plaza. Merchants are taxed on the goods that they sell and now every citizen must now pay a levy upon their earnings. And this he calls income tax.

Diego: What a bizarre concept.

Victoria: If only Zorro were still alive.

Diego: Don’t be so sure that he’s dead.

Victoria: If he were still alive, he would have helped us by now. (He can see she is about to cry.) There is a memorial service for him tomorrow evening.

Diego: Whose idea was this?

Victoria: The alcalde wants to end the myth of Zorro once and for all.

Diego: He won’t be able to do that very easily.

Victoria: (She cries and Felipe offers her his handkerchief.) He has promised to display the body for all to see.

Diego: We can’t let this destroy the will of the people.

Victoria: Oh, but he may already have. Send Felipe if you need anything.

Diego: Thank you, Victoria. (She leaves.) I don’t care what the doctor said. (He lifts the tray and starts getting out of bed.) I’ve got to stop this now.

(The alcalde’s office. A peon is presented to the alcalde.)
Ramon: Well? (The peon puts a few coins on the table. Ramon counts them.) Is this some kind of a joke?

Peon: But, Alcalde, if I pay more taxes, I will have to sell my land to feed my family.

Ramon: If you cannot pay the government its due, perhaps you should pack up your things and leave the territory.

Peon: But our land, it’s all we have!

Ramon: I’ll give you a hundred pesos for it.

Peon: But it’s worth ten times that!

Ramon: Trust me. Something is better than nothing, which is exactly what you will get if you test my patience. (Ramon puts a paper and quill in front of him.) Twenty-five it is. Sign the quick-claim deed. (The man makes an “X” on the paper.) Right. Now pack up your things and be off my land by sundown. (The soldiers take the peon away.)
Mendoza: Alcalde?

Ramon: Hmm?

Mendoza: Aren’t you being a little rough on them?

Ramon: Rough? I’ll tell you what rough is, Sergeant. Rough is growing up in the shadow of two older brothers, who are not only so well-educated and living in Mexico City, but they still have the respect of my father.

Mendoza: I didn’t know you were the baby in the family.

Ramon: Yes, that’s right. Hand-me-downs, broken toys, fighting for attention. When I’m through here, I’ll not only own most of the land, but all the money that’s in it. That will not only get their attention but their respect as well.

Mendoza: But what about the people who own this land?

Ramon: This land was given to them so that they would have a place to grow corn. Now it’s worth a great deal of money.

Mendoza: But it is their home.

Ramon: Let them live somewhere else. Oh, what about preparations for the memorial service?

Mendoza: Oh, sí, mi alcalde. Eh, the garrison barber has made a perfect little mustache for the body.

Ramon: Excellent. Tonight will be perfect for a joyous day of grieving. (He chuckles.)

(Zorro’s cave.)

Diego: No, this will never overcome the garrison forces. But then force isn’t always the answer, you know. Sometimes we have to be clever as well. (Diego has an attack of dizziness and then recovers. Felipe hands him an arrow with some clay wrapped around its tip.) Small explosive charges on the end of the arrow will give the impression of a full scale invasion. (Felipe signs something.) Exactly. Just as we used time delay fuses, so are these, cut at different lengths. Now, with a little bit of luck, we’ll be able to give the alcalde a memorial service for Zorro he won’t soon forget. (Diego makes the sound of an explosion as he demonstrates with the arrow. Then his face clouds with another wave of dizziness. This time Felipe notices.) No, it’s all right. It’s all right. Thank you, I’ll be all right.

(We see Zorro riding out of the cave and across the desert to Los Angeles. He climbs up on the roof of the church. He enters the chapel, sees the “body” and smiles.)

(Later we see Ramon and Mendoza looking down into the casket.)

Mendoza: It must be a very good casket. It took four of my strongest men to carry it from the vestibule.

Ramon: It’s a very good likeness. I especially like the mustache.

Mendoza: Yes, it does look awfully real, doesn’t it?

Ramon: Hm. (He clears his throat and steps toward the church audience.) Good citizens of Los Angeles, we gather here today to lay to his final rest a man of great potential, a man of great courage. This man was Zorro! And he was like a brother to me, a brother whom I would have welcomed into my heart had he not chosen a life of crime. Where I have dedicated myself to you, my people, Zorro saw fit to exploit and abuse your kindness, to live as a renegade and force us to live in terror. Oh, he could be charming. He could be charismatic on that big, black horse of his. But the simple fact of the matter is that he was a selfish thief, who hid behind his mask, who wasted his potential, violated your trust and perpetrated the most hideous crimes. If he were alive…

(Zorro sits up in the casket behind him. The crowd gasps. Someone says “Madre de Dios!” Mendoza faints.)

Ramon: …I would ask him one question. Why? Why choose a life of crime rather than support your government?

Zorro: Because the government is a corrupt oppressor of the people.

Ramon: (Turning) You’re alive!

Zorro: So it would seem, Alcalde.

Victoria: Zorro lives!

Ramon: Yes, but not for long. (He tries to draw his sword. Zorro stops him.)

Zorro: This is your last warning, Alcalde. Call off your taxation and your forced labor or my men will begin their assault.

Ramon: You have no men. (Mendoza revives.)

Zorro: While I’ve been dead, the spirits of those you’ve persecuted have joined my army, an army that stands outside the pueblo, eager for revenge.

Ramon: You’re bluffing.

Zorro: Then follow me. (Zorro goes out the door.)
Ramon: Mendoza, come on! (The crowd impedes his way to the door.) After him!

(The plaza)

(Zorro rides toward Felipe who is holding a torch. He takes it on the run and uses it to light the fuses on the arrows he’s set up in the ground.)

Ramon: Drive him into the ground! Hunt him down! I don’t care what it takes.

Mendoza: It won’t take much, sir. (Zorro rides back toward the alcalde.)
Zorro: I’ve come to hear you renounce your enforced labor and return all new taxes to the people.

Ramon: Shoot him.

Zorro: Be warned, Alcalde. If any harm comes to myself or any citizen, my men are prepared to attack.

Ramon: What men? What nonsense.

Zorro: They stand just outside the plaza with cannons primed, waiting for my signal.

Ramon: You’re a fraud and I’m going to prove it. (To his lancers) Take some men and patrol the countryside.

Mendoza: But, Alcalde, we may be outnumbered.

Ramon: I don’t care! Now ride!

(As the men ride out, explosions occur around them. Some are unhorsed.)

Zorro: It appears your soldiers have discovered my men.

Ramon: Impossible.

(Mendoza and his men come stumbling into the plaza.)
Mendoza: An army! There’s an army out there!

Ramon: How many men?

Mendoza: I don’t know but I think they have artillery.

(There are more explosions all around the plaza.)

Zorro: If you release the laborers and call off all new tax impounds, and I’ll call my men off.  

Ramon: You don’t have any men. This is merely one of your nefarious tricks.

Zorro: But if it isn’t, can you afford to lose everything? You’ve been wrong before, you know.

Mendoza: Nobody’s perfect. Maybe this is just another little mistake, muy pequeñito.

Ramon: All right.

Zorro: I beg your pardon. Would you speak up so we can all hear?

Ramon: I hereby renounce all enforced labor and all taxes.

(The crowd cheers. Zorro rides over to Victoria.)

Victoria: I thought you were dead.

Zorro: If I were to let that happen, you and I would never have a chance to —

Ramon: Zorro!

Zorro: I’m so sorry, Señorita.

Ramon: I swear by all that is Holy, I will hunt you down.

Zorro: Then let the hunt begin.

(Zorro rides away as more explosions happen.)

Mendoza: Duck, mi alcalde!

(Arrows strike the door of the alcalde’s office in the shape of a “Z” as Zorro rides out of the pueblo gates.)

(The hacienda. Diego’s bedroom. Victoria and Don Alejandro enter.)

Diego: Father! How was the trip?

Alejandro: Thanks to Zorro, highly successful.

Diego: What did they say in Monterey?

Alejandro: The territorial commission is on its way to investigate the alcalde. What’s this? You’re not feeling well?

Diego: It’s a long story. I…

Victoria: Your old mare didn’t like having him on her back.

Alejandro: The old mare threw you? (He laughs.) Really, Diego, you should take riding lessons.

Diego: As a matter of fact, that’s just what the doctor ordered. (He winks at Felipe.)

The End

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