Zorro Swashbuckling News and Updates

Zorro Swashbuckling News and Updates

Friday, January 6, 2012

Sound Commentary selects The Mark of Zorro as one the best of 2011



 
According to the October 1, 2011 edition of Sound Commentary The Mark of Zorro has been voted one of the best audiobooks of 2011. Here's the original review from Sound Commentary's October issue:

Campy is the first word that comes to mind to describe this story, set in early southern California, of the masked bandit Zorro who fights the abuses of the rich and powerful, humiliates them when he can, and steals from them so he can give to the poor and others in need. He also romances the special young lady Lolida at the same time. Zorro’s real identity is the effete, very rich Don Diego de la Vega who has been informed by his father that he must marry or else forfeit his inheritance. Too lazy to actually romance the beautiful Lolita, Don Diego instead is blunt and honest about his need to marry and thus turns her off just as she finds herself drawn to the dashing hero Zorro, who saves her on several occasions. Zorro’s accomplishments are told by a barkeep who fails to notice how frequently, and coincidentally, Zorro appears just as Don Diego disappears. The story may be campy but the dramatization is first class and the full cast includes many familiar narrators in smallish parts all of whom are having a very good time with this fast paced adventure story. And so will listeners. Great fun, and room for a sequel that would be very welcome! And there are many listeners who might welcome a Zorro to their towns these days!

Monday, December 26, 2011

The Mark of Zorro audio book from Blackstone Audio


Now available from Blackstone Audio the audio book version of The Mark of Zorro. This unabridged presentation is approximately 7 hours in length and is read by Armando Duran.

DESCRIPTION
Originally serialized, this exciting adventure story achieved immortal fame thanks to the Douglas Fairbanks film of the same name—a cinematic triumph that inspired author Johnston McCulley to dedicate the book release to Fairbanks. It has since seen numerous film and other adaptations, including Blackstone Audio’s full-cast audio drama produced by the renowned Yuri Rasovsky and featuring the voice talents of Val Kilmer. 

1820s California, in a bygone era of sprawling haciendas and haughty caballeros, suffers beneath the whip of oppression. Missions are pillaged, native peasants are abused, and innocent men and women are persecuted by the corrupt governor and his army. But a champion of freedom rides the highways. His identity hidden behind a mask, the laughing outlaw Zorro defies the tyrant’s might. A deadly marksman and a demon swordsman, his flashing blade strikes down those who exploit the poor and oppressed. 

First published in 1919, The Mark of Zorro remains a paradigm of swashbuckling adventure and a popular novel to this day.


http://www.blackstoneaudio.com/audiobook.cfm?id=6807

Thursday, December 1, 2011