Zorro Rides Again (1937)

The California-Yucatan Railroad, being built for the good of Mexico, is under siege by a gang of terrorists hoping to force its sale; no one can prove their connection to profiteer Marsden.... See full summary »

Directors:

John English, William Witney

Writers:

Barry Shipman (original screenplay), John Rathmell (original screenplay),

Stars:

John Carroll, Helen Christian, Reed Howes

Cast

Complete credited cast:
John Carroll	...	James Vega / Zorro
Helen Christian	...	Joyce Andrews
Reed Howes	...	Phillip Andrews
Duncan Renaldo	...	Renaldo
Noah Beery	...	J.A. Marsden
Richard Alexander	...	Brad Dace aka El Lobo
Nigel De Brulier	...	Don Manuel Vega [Ch. 1] (as Nigel de Brulier)
Bob Kortman	...	Henchman Trellinger (as Robert Kortman)
Jack Ingram	...	Henchman Carter
Roger Williams	...	Henchman Manning
Edmund Cobb	...	Henchman Larkin [Chs. 2-3]
Mona Rico	...	Carmelita [Chs. 1, 9]
Tom London	...	O'Shea [Ch. 1]
Harry Strang	...	O'Brien [Ch. 10]
Jerry Frank	...	Duncan - Pilot

Storyline

The California-Yucatan Railroad, being built for the good of Mexico, is under siege by a gang of terrorists hoping to force its sale; no one can prove their connection to profiteer Marsden. Manuel Vega, aged co-owner, calls in the aid of his nephew James, great-grandson of the original Zorro. Alas, James seems more adept at golf than derring-do; but after he arrives, Zorro rides again! Can one black-clad man on horseback defeat a gang supplied with airplanes and machine guns?

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Plot Keywords:

gang | zorro | mexico | machine gun | railroad | 

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Taglines:

ZORRO - Crak shot, super swordsman...known to few, his iron hand is felt by all who dare defy the law! (original print ad)

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Comedy | Romance | Western

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 November 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

Le retour de Zorro

Filming Locations:

Bronson Canyon, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$110,753 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Republic Pictures (I)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

212 min 212 min (12 episodes) 170 min (part 1: 92'/part 2: 78')

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Victor High Fidelity Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The name of actor John Carroll is not shown on the original-release, Chapter 1 film credits until it appears on a sixth-page of actor credits; the first page is a full-body image of ZORRO. The second page is split between head-shots of HELEN CHRISTIAN and REED HOWES; the third-fourth-fifth actor credits page features singular shots of DUNCAN RENALDO, NOAH BEERY and RICHARD ALEXANDER. That is followed by an "And" page that lists: John Carroll, Nigel de Brulier, Robert Kortman, Jack Ingram, Roger Williams, Edmund Cobb, Mona Rico, Tom London, Harry Strang and Jerry Frank. None of the role names are listed.

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Goofs

In Episode 7, Zorro gives Joyce Andrews the revolver from his left holster and then he is upstairs and the building is on fire there. In Episode 8, Zorro escapes from the burning building and now has both revolvers in the holsters, but has had no contact with Joyce Andrews since he gave her one of his revolvers. In Episode 8, the water flow is restored after the villains had shut off the valve. But Zorro had left the control room without opening the valve.

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Quotes

J.A. Marsden: Zorro, Zorro, Zorro. Can't you get rid of that man?

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Connections

Edited into Zorro Rides Again (1959)

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Soundtracks

"SONG OF ZORRO"
Written by Alberto Colombo, Eddie Cherkose

User Reviews

John Carroll in early dual role as Zorro in Republic serial...

This was typical Saturday afternoon serial stuff from Republic with the script reduced to good vs. bad shootouts, this time involving a crooked man (NOAH BEERY) who wants to take over a railroad and will stop at nothing (including bombs and derailments) to get his way. Only thing stopping him is our man Zorro (JOHN CARROLL) who dons the mask whenever he has to get down to business.

The episodes I watched were three of the earlier episodes (#3, 4 and 5) where the villains open a derailment switch and almost trap Zorro before he can release his foot caught between closing tracks as a train approaches. He uses a unique way of getting out of the situation.

Lots of scenes with the villains using the wireless to contact each other as Zorro overhears their plans. HELEN Christian and REED HOWES are two of the most bland performers in the history of serials, judging from their work in this serial. Christian has the femme lead and she almost disappears while talking.

Carroll is okay as Zorro using his slight Spanish accent and looking boyishly young before he made it to better films as a featured player.

Something only the kiddies could really love--standard serial stuff.