Synopsis:
Set in the 1820s, a young California nobleman, Don Diego Vega, comes home from Spain to find the people oppressed and afraid of the ruthless and power-hungry Governor, Don Luis Quintero, and the Governor's henchman, Captain Esteban Pasquale. Don Diego's father, Don Alejandro, was the Governor, but was forced out by the dastardly Quintero. Adopting the guise of a harmless fop to throw off his enemies, Don Diego crusades for justice in private as the masked hero, Zorro. Meanwhile, he pursues Lolita Quintero, niece of the Governor, who is in love with Zorro but repulsed by his alter-ego. Zorro's reputation grows as he fights for the people, with such daring exploits as robbing Quintero and his wife while they ride in their coach, and robbing the tax collectors who have taken money from the peasants. Quintero, tired of being made a fool by Zorro, sends his henchman Esteban to kill him. The two engage in a vicious swordfight, and Zorro kills him. Undaunted, Quintero has Zorro arrested and plans a public execution. While in jail, Zorro gets the jailer's gun and escapes, freeing all of the improperly imprisoned peasants as well. After forcing Quintero to resign, Zorro reappoints his father, Don Alejandro Vega, to the position of Governor. He then decides to stay in California and marry his love, Lolita.