Zorro: The Gay Blade Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A swashbuckling hero breaks his ankle, so his flamboyant twin brother takes over and makes Zorro fabulous, colorful, and possibly better with a whip.

🍿 Zorro: The Gay Blade: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Legend’s Legacy and a Smooth Operator

In 1840s Mexico, the dashing Don Diego Vega, a notorious ladies’ man, is called back to California following the death of his father. Upon his return, he discovers that his father was the legendary masked hero, Zorro. Inheriting the mantle, Diego decides to continue the fight against injustice under the black mask.

The Rise of a New Zorro

The corrupt Captain Esteban has risen to power as the new Alcalde, grinding the local peasants under his heel. Diego dons the Zorro costume, becoming a symbol of hope and defiance for the oppressed. He begins a campaign of daring rescues and public humiliation against Esteban and his cronies, quickly establishing himself as the people’s hero.

An Unexpected Injury and a Twin’s Arrival

During a confrontation, Diego is injured, severely spraining his ankle. Incapable of continuing his work as Zorro without revealing his identity, he faces a dilemma. Coincidentally, his long-lost twin brother, Ramon, arrives for a visit, having been sent away years ago to the British Royal Navy to ‘make a man’ of him.

Enter Bunny Wigglesworth, The Gay Blade

Ramon, who now goes by ‘Bunny’ Wigglesworth and is openly flamboyant and distinctly un-masculine by their father’s standards, agrees to fill in for his injured brother. However, Bunny has his own unique style, favoring colorful costumes over traditional black and preferring a whip to a sword. He takes on the mantle of Zorro, becoming ‘The Gay Blade’ and continuing the fight with a flair that bewilders the authorities and amuses the people.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Don Diego Vega / Zorro (George Hamilton): The noble son who inherits the Zorro mantle but is sidelined by injury.
• Ramon / Bunny Wigglesworth / The Gay Blade (George Hamilton): Diego’s flamboyant twin brother who takes over as Zorro and adds his own unique style.
• Esteban (Ron Leibman): The corrupt and shouting Alcalde who relentlessly pursues Zorro.
• Charlotte Taylor Wilson (Lauren Hutton): A liberal American activist and Zorro admirer who becomes Diego’s love interest.
• Florinda (Brenda Vaccaro): The neglected wife of the Alcalde with secret desires.
• Paco (Donovan Scott): Don Diego’s loyal and mute servant.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Chorus/Paco: “Two bits, four bits, six bits, a peso! All for Zorro, stand up and say so!” – A catchy chant used by the villagers to express support for Zorro and rally resistance against the Alcalde.
• Zorro (Bunny): “It is a ‘Z’, Esteban, not a two!” – Zorro corrects Alcalde Esteban’s frustrated misidentification of his iconic mark.
• Zorro (Bunny): “It is better to be poor… than to dress poorly.” – Bunny, acting as Zorro, delivers this line to critique the Alcalde’s gaudy fashion sense while defending the impoverished peasants.
• Charlotte Taylor Wilson’s Husband: “And he is not in Barcelona.” – Said by a husband who unexpectedly returns home to find Don Diego Vega in bed with his wife.
• Alcalde Esteban: “My people! They are starving!” – Alcalde Esteban shouts this line with feigned concern for the villagers he is actively oppressing and taxing heavily.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $11,118,000
• Worldwide Gross: $11,118,000

💥 Zorro: The Gay Blade Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I finally watched ‘Zorro: The Gay Blade’ because friends kept telling me it was a hidden gem. And wow, they weren’t wrong! This movie is pure, unadulterated silly fun. George Hamilton doing double duty as the suave Diego and the utterly fabulous Bunny Wigglesworth is just everything. Seeing Zorro suddenly appear in bright, colorful outfits and wielding a whip instead of a sword had me cracking up. It’s so over-the-top but everyone commits! That masked ball scene where everyone dresses as Zorro? Hilarious chaos. And Ron Leibman as the villain just screaming everything? Annoying but also kind of perfect for the tone. It’s the kind of movie you can watch repeatedly and still catch little jokes. It just puts you in a good mood!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of George Hamilton’s comedy (e.g., Love at First Bite)”
  • “Viewers who enjoy parodies and spoofs”
  • “Fans of campy or cult classic comedies from the 1980s”
  • “Those looking for lighthearted swashbuckler adventures with a comedic twist”
  • “People who enjoy slapstick and exaggerated performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive humor and adult jokes”
  • “Over-the-top acting and shouting (particularly by the villain)”
  • “Mild comedic violence (sword fighting, whips)”

Professional Reviews

• Inspired by User Reviews: “”Zorro: The Gay Blade” is an absolute riot, a campy send-up that never takes itself seriously. George Hamilton delivers dual performances that are nothing short of comedic genius, especially as the delightfully outrageous Bunny Wigglesworth. While Ron Leibman’s villain can be a bit much, the sheer energy and witty dialogue keep you laughing. It’s a surprising classic that holds up thanks to its unique blend of slapstick, parody, and genuine charm. Highly recommended for anyone needing a dose of pure, unadulterated fun.
• Inspired by User Reviews: “Step aside, traditional Zorro! This ‘swishbuckler’ throws caution and black capes to the wind, replacing them with technicolor flair and impeccable comedic timing. George Hamilton is brilliant in both roles, but it’s his turn as the flamboyant Bunny that steals the show. The supporting cast, particularly Ron Leibman’s over-the-top alcalde and Brenda Vaccaro’s neglected wife, lean into the absurdity beautifully. It’s a unique gem from the 80s that proves classic legends can be reimagined with hilarious results.
• Inspired by User Reviews: “While some of its humor is undoubtedly dated, ‘Zorro: The Gay Blade’ remains a surprisingly engaging and funny film. George Hamilton is clearly having a blast in his dual roles, bringing a delightful self-awareness to the proceedings. The film excels when leaning into its madcap energy, particularly during scenes like the chaos of the masked ball. It’s not always subtle, and the yelling gets old, but enough jokes land and the core concept is executed with such enthusiastic silliness that it’s hard not to crack a smile.

Audience Reactions

George Hamilton’s performance as both Zorros, especially the flamboyant Bunny, is a consistent highlight.: Many viewers praise the film for its hilarious, over-the-top humor, slapstick comedy, and surprising rewatchability, often calling it a cult classic.

The masked ball scene where everyone dresses as Zorro is frequently mentioned as a comedic peak.: Audiences loved the film’s campy nature and the clear fun the cast, particularly Hamilton and Ron Leibman, seemed to be having.

Overall Consensus: A beloved cult classic appreciated for its campy humor, George Hamilton’s dual comedic performance, and over-the-top energy, despite some dated jokes and polarizing supporting performances.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The names of the Dons and their places of residence, introduced during the election scene, form a running joke as the surname and location reference California cities, but none of the pairs match (e.g., Don Diego from San Fernando, Don Fernando from San Diego).”
• “The film utilizes music themes lifted from the classic 1948 Errol Flynn swashbuckler “The Adventures of Don Juan” for its score.”
• “The comedic choice to set the film in 1840s Mexico with a Spanish Governor is historically inaccurate, as Mexico had gained independence from Spain by 1821, adding to the film’s absurdist tone.”
• “George Hamilton received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for his dual role.”
• “The closing title card simply reads “Z END”, a comedic play on typical movie endings like “The End”.”

🖥️ How to Watch Zorro: The Gay Blade?

As a classic comedy, ‘Zorro: The Gay Blade’ may not always be readily available on major subscription streaming services. Check platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu for options to rent or purchase the movie digitally. Physical copies on DVD or Blu-ray are also available from online retailers and potentially libraries. Search ‘Zorro: The Gay Blade search Amazon‘ or your preferred digital storefront for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Zorro: The Gay Blade, you might like these similar films:

• Love at First Bite (1979): Stars George Hamilton in a comedic spoof of another iconic character (Dracula), featuring a similar blend of genre parody and charming lead performance.
• Young Frankenstein (1974): A highly regarded comedy parody by Mel Brooks that spoofs classic horror films with witty dialogue and physical comedy, akin to ZTG’s send-up of swashbucklers.
• Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993): Another historical adventure film spoof directed by Mel Brooks, directly parodying the swashbuckler genre with slapstick humor and anachronisms, much like ZTG.
• The Mask of Zorro (1998): Offers a more serious and acclaimed take on the Zorro legend, providing context for the tropes and character archetypes that ‘Zorro: The Gay Blade’ parodies.
• La Cage aux Folles (1978): This French comedy features flamboyant gay characters and explores themes of identity and performance in a humorous way, sharing a comedic sensibility and relevant cultural context with ZTG’s portrayal of Bunny Wigglesworth.

🛒 Zorro: The Gay Blade Related Products

• Zorro: The Gay Blade Blu-ray/DVD: Own the classic comedy in high definition for the best viewing experience. Features include the original theatrical cut.
• Zorro Mask & Cape Set: Embrace your inner hero (or flamboyant alter-ego!) with this classic Zorro costume set, perfect for parties or just for fun.
• The Mark of Zorro (Original Novel): Read the original pulp adventure story that introduced the legendary character of Zorro, offering insight into the source material spoofed in the film.
• Zorro: The Chronicles (Video Game): Step into the boots of Zorro or his sister, Ines, in this action-adventure game based on the animated series, featuring combat and stealth gameplay.

🎧 Soundtrack

Zorro: The Gay Blade features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title / Zorro’s Theme” – performed by Max Steiner (from The Adventures of Don Juan)
• “Danses Fantastikas (Selections)” – performed by Joaquim Turina
• “Love Theme” – performed by Uncredited Composer
• “Swashbuckling Action / Chase Music” – performed by Max Steiner (from The Adventures of Don Juan)

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Western comedy D.i.D. scene

Want a taste of the unique comedic timing in Zorro, the Gay Blade? This particular scene is super popular online and gives you a quick, hilarious look at the kind of gags you’re in for!

Zorro – The Gay Blade – Bear with pig ears

Ever heard a line from this movie that just stuck with you? This clip features the hilarious ‘bear with pig ears’ exchange that’s a fan favorite – you gotta see it in context!

Zorro – The Gay Blade – El Zorro rides again!

Curious to see Zorro in action? This clip titled ‘El Zorro rides again!’ is quite popular and gives a great sense of the swashbuckling (and comedic) spirit of the movie.

Zorro, The Gay Blade – He hurt his footsie…

Need a good laugh? This scene, affectionately titled ‘He hurt his footsie…’, seems to be a real hit with fans based on the likes – check out this moment for some classic Zorro comedy!

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