31. ZORRO: The Gay Blade (comedy, 1981) When Major Don Diego dies his evil police commissioner Esteban (Ron Liebman) assumes his post. Before his death, Don Diego sent his son a casket containing the costume of 'El Zorro', a role he invented to fight injustice. Following in his father's 'boots' the new Zorro (George Hamilton) takes over. Injured whilst fighting Estebans' men, Zorro sends for his twin brother Ramon (George Hamilton again). There is just one problem, this new 'Zorro' is gay.
Critique: Send-up spoof of the legendary Zorro character was George Hamilton's follow-up to his delirious Count Dracula in 'Love at First Bite' (1979). A performance that revealed a hidden comic talent. Playing another fictional role, his Zorro is a treat to watch. When we first see Zorro he is the dashing, demeanor figure we've all come to know. But when 'Ramon' takes over, the fun starts.
It's fun to see him don a whip instead of the famous sword, mixing his heavy Spanish-accent with a gay lisp, and dress in an assortment of colorful get-ups ("he was dressed like a big banana"). Though Ron Liebman's 'Esteban' is sometimes off-putting with his overacting, its still fun for the whole family.
QUOTE: Zorro: "That's right, Zorro is back! To defend the defenseless! Befriend the friendless! And to defeat. . .the 'defeatless'."
Critique: Send-up spoof of the legendary Zorro character was George Hamilton's follow-up to his delirious Count Dracula in 'Love at First Bite' (1979). A performance that revealed a hidden comic talent. Playing another fictional role, his Zorro is a treat to watch. When we first see Zorro he is the dashing, demeanor figure we've all come to know. But when 'Ramon' takes over, the fun starts.
It's fun to see him don a whip instead of the famous sword, mixing his heavy Spanish-accent with a gay lisp, and dress in an assortment of colorful get-ups ("he was dressed like a big banana"). Though Ron Liebman's 'Esteban' is sometimes off-putting with his overacting, its still fun for the whole family.
QUOTE: Zorro: "That's right, Zorro is back! To defend the defenseless! Befriend the friendless! And to defeat. . .the 'defeatless'."