In the early 1990's, the Family Channel (now ABC Family) began filling their Saturday morning schedule with replays of their original programming that was airing in prime time (or earlier) during the week. One such instance was a revival of Zorro, who last appeared in animated form nearly a decade earlier.
Everyone knows the story. Don Diego de la Vega (Duncan Regehr) is summoned to the pueblo of Los Angeles in 19th century California to challenge the corrupt Alcalde (Michael Tylo, ex-Guiding Light). Diego adopts the guise of Zorro, a dual identity known only to his mute aide, Felipe (as opposed to Bernardo in other adaptations, including the Disney series of the 50's).
Zorro was a mid-season replacement, debuting in January 1990, and lasted until 1994. Today, the series is back on the air, added this week to Retro's lineup (check local listings). The series underwent a couple of minor changes during its 4 year run. Henry Darrow (ex-High Chaparral), who was the voice of Zorro in the 1981-82 CBS series from Filmation, took over for Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. (ex-The FBI) after the first season as Don Alejandro, Diego's father. Tylo left after 2 seasons, replaced by John Hertzler.
Spinhx1984 uploaded this intro:
Now, if only Disney could be persuaded to release their series on DVD, along with this show........
Rating: A.
2 comments:
Disney has in fact released their Zorro series, seasons 1 & 2, on DVD back in 2009 as the (apparently) final two entries in their Walt Disney Treasures line. The Walt Disney Treasures were always limited-issue runs, and many have sold out, so it now goes for over $200 total for both sets on Amazon. By the way, I've read every one of your Saturday Morning posts, and I love 'em. Keep them coming!
Thanks. I wonder if I can trade for them......
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