Zorro, the Gay Blade (1981)

A most excellent comedy spoof of the Zorro series. Spoofs don't always work at feature film length, but this one stays funny throughout. When the aging Zorro dies, he passes on his role, and the mask and cape, to his son. After several humorous escapades, he breaks his leg and cannot continue. But at this moment, his brother Ramon arrives, from England. He is a naval officer, and a very camp one, modelled I think on the Scarlet Pimpernel, as he exclaims "Sink me!" several times. He says he is now known as Bunny Wigglesworth. George Hamilton plays the roles of both brothers.

The brother takes over the Zorro duties until the leg heals, but he thinks that the uniform is rather dull, and declares that he will adopt a more flamboyant persona, as "Zorro the Gay Blade".

When the Mexican commander, Captain Esteban, is at the house of the real (indisposed) Zorro, the Gay one is seen in the grounds in the scarlet cloak he wears. He pretends to be a monk, and when Esteban asks what holy order wears such colourful clothes, he says that they follow Peter the Dressmaker.

Esteban later arranges a ball to which he plans to entice Zorro and capture him. As guests arrive, all the men are dressed as Zorro -- Zorro himself has left messages stating that this is the theme of the ball. But Bunny is there as a woman, Margarita, and he dances and flirts with the Esteban, and makes a fool of him. (The Commander orders a drink, "For Margarita" and the waiter says, "Four margaritas!".

A very funny film, much recommended.

HF December 2006

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