The Bold Caballero (1936) Reviewed

The Bold Caballero (1936) was both the first Zorro movie in color and the first Zorro movie with sound. Produced by Republic Pictures (which followed it with five serials from 1937 to 1949), it is a vivid demonstration of the adventure, romance, and comedy of Zorro in shorthand. From the outset, Zorro (Robert Livingston) is introduced as a prisoner about to be executed for his crime of leading a Native revolt against the corrupt regime of Commandante Sebastian Golle (Sig Ruman). It is not long before an escape is effected just as the Commandante is confronted with the news that a reckoning may be at hand with the impending arrival of a new governor (Robert Warwick) appointed by the King of Spain. It is Governor Palma's daughter, Isabella (Heather Angel), however, who will play the the more crucial role as events unfold, proving to be easily as strong-willed and decisive as her militaristic father.

At 67 minutes, The Bold Caballero tells a story of Zorro succinctly (albeit without mention of his powerful family or his faithful servant, Bernardo, and by substituting Isabella Palma for Lolita Pulido), through humor, gallantry, and an array of dazzling stunts and fight scenes. Livingston is likeable as Don Diego Vega and his alter ego Zorro. Ruman plays the Commandante (here an Austrian deserter who has sold his loyalty to Spain) as half amoral mercenery, half comedy relief buffoon, which serves the film's brevity well enough, although it reduces the antagonist to that of a comic strip villain. Angel's Lady Isabella shines as a counterpart to Zorro (and outshines him to a degree), and she can rightly be regarded as the film's secret weapon.

The Bold Caballero is enjoyable enough that I've watched it three times this year, but it's worth noting that some streaming services offer it only in black & white. It was filmed in Magnacolor, though, and the night scenes are far more effective when viewed in color as intended. It may not be the greatest Zorro film, but it deserves greater recognition (and a full restoration).

Writing: Good
Directing: Good
Acting: Good
Cinematography: Good
Stunts: Great
Swordplay: Good
Panache: Good

Overall Rating: Good
Swashbuckling Rank: Good

Written by: Wells Root
Based on: "Idea of Johnston McCulley"
Directed by: Wells Root
Performed by: Robert Livingston, Heather Angel, Sig Ruman, Ian Wolfe, Robert Warwick, Emily Fitzroy, et al.