Zorro The Gay Blade

Starring: George Hamilton, Lauren Hutton, Brenda Vaccaro, Ron Leibman
Written by: Johnston McCulley, Hal Dresner
Director: Peter Medak
Year: 1981

Rating: * * *  Stars       +       (Fan Bonus - )  Total: * * *

Some times all a comedy film needs is just an absurdly stupid idea with wonderful performances to work. Zorro the Gay Blade is exactly that. Whether you're a Zorro fan who can appreciate a good spoof, or just silly send-offs to classic cinematic standards, Zorro the Gay Blade delivers. This film in no way aims to insult or degrade the gay community, but it's clearly made in an era before political correctness put a stranglehold on our culture, and we were just allowed to laugh.

George Hamilton is at his comedic best playing the dual role of the real Zorro's grown up twin boys. First is Don Diego Vega, a Spanish Noble who returns to California upon learning of his Father's Death. There he takes up the mantle of Zorro, and begins fighting for "the pepples." The other role is that of Don Diego's twin brother, Ramon Vega, who was sent off to the British Navy by his father to "make a man out of him". Ramon tells Don Diego that he changed his name to Lt. Bunny Wigglesworth.

As Zorro, Don Diego fights to end the tyranny of his old boyhood chum, now turned corrupt Governor, Captain Esteban, wonderfully played by Ron Leibman. Captain Esteban is one of those on-screen villains that we just can't hate, because he's just too funny. He also falls in love with Charlotte Taylor Wilson, a wealthy woman devoted to spreading the message of freedom and liberty to the oppressed villagers. Where the film picks up is after a daring escape by Don Diego as Zorro, he breaks his ankle. Unable to continue as Zorro, his brother Bunny assumes the role, conditional that if he does, he needs to make a statement. Not content to dress in dreary black, Bunny treats the people (oops, the pepples) to a colorful, more randy and flamboyant Zorro, who's trademark sword is substituted with a whip and handkerchief.

All the hallmarks of a classic Zorro film are here, including sword fights, daring escapes, and cat and mouse games played against the Governor. The film makes no apology in making fun of Spanish accents or gay stereotypes, resulting in a film that'll make you laugh, even if you feel you shouldn't.

SEE THE TRAILER: Zorro: The Gay Blade