The Bold Caballero

The Bold Caballero is a 1936 American Western film written and directed by Wells Root. It is based on the character Zorro, created by Johnston McCulley. The characters Don Alejandro Vega (Don Diego's father) and Bernardo (Don Diego's mute manservant) are notably absent. Native American stars include Chief Thundercloud as Don Diego Vega/Zorro's aide and Charles Stevens as Captain Vargas. John Merton appears uncredited in this film as a First Sergeant. Merton also appears in Zorro's Fighting Legion as Manuel and Zorro's Black Whip as Harris. The Bold Caballero is notable for being the first talking Zorro film, as the first two Zorro films (1920's The Mark of Zorro and 1925's Don Q, Son of Zorro) were silent films, and the first Zorro film in color (Magnacolor). It was shot in Chatsworth, Los Angeles. The film was released on December 1, 1936, by Republic Pictures.