Zorro (1990–1993): Season 1, Episode 1 - Dead Men Tell No Tales - full transcript
Don Diego de la Vega shows his trusted houseboy Felipe how astronomy studies the moon, and dreams about mankind going there one day, when his telescope sees a horseman approaching the pueblo hastily. It's a certain señor Morales, who most unkindly asks a room in her inn and commandeers señorita Victoria Escalante to wake him at dawn; when she does, she is found standing over his body, with a bloody stab-wound, arrested and quickly condemned to death by Alcalde Luis Ramone. Diego investigates, and discovers the alcalde actually used his friend, Mexico City's actor Ricardo Cortez, to play dead in order to set a trap for Zorro, but the fox is hard to bait and even harder to catch in a trap...
Put out that light.
What is it, Felipe?
Well yes, I know the hour is late.
You see there is one obstacle which has
vexed astronomers down through the ages.
Man can only study the moon at night.
Take a look.
Isn't she magnificent?
She's the empress of all she surveys.
You know, one day I believe we'll
actually journey to the moon.
Not you and I, Felipe.
When I say ?we', I mean mankind.
Who could be in such a hurry at this time of night?
That man is riding as though a pack
of jackals were at his heels.
Mendoza, couldn't it have waited until the morning?
A room for the night, Se?orita.
- A room?
It's rather late.
- And I have ridden long and hard.
Is this a tavern or is it not?
- Very well.
This way please.
Is the best you have to offer?
- I'm afraid so.
But as you said, it's just for one night.
- Then I suppose it will have to suffice.
I expect breakfast at dawn.
- So early?
You must have a long journey ahead of you.
- That is none of your business.
At dawn.
Don't forget.
- Si, Se?or.
Buenas noches.
I should be in bed.
Se?or Morales?
Buenas dias.
Se?or Morales?
Dios mio.
Se?orita, I was just bringing the Alcalde's coffee
when I heard you scream.
Se?orita, what have you done?
Felipe, it's time for you to learn
some swordsmanship.
Here.
Excellent. But you forgot the salute.
That's very impolite.
You don't care if you're impolite?
You're trying to kill him?
No, Felipe. The salute is an essential
part of the ritual.
- Diego!
- I thought my father went to town?
That's strange. I looked in here just a...
Have you heard the news?
- No.
- Se?orita Victoria has been arrested.
- On what charge?
- Murder.
Sergeant Mendoza found her in a dorm with a bloody
dagger in her hand and a dead man at her feet.
They arrested her on the spot.
Now I ask you,...
...how could anyone possibly believe
that Victoria would ever...
Ah, it's an outrage!
- How convenient that the good sergeant just
happened to be passing by at such an early hour.
- Yes.
What was that?
- Ah, nothing.
Just an idle thought.
- Um, the Alcalde is up to something.
Victoria needs our help.
- You're right. I'll take a basket
of food to the jail for her.
- And that's all?
- What else can we do?
There's no evidence against the Alcalde.
Everything in order, Sergeant?
No files, no pistols?
- Ah, this custard looks mouth-watering, Se?or.
I better examine it further. There might
be a weapon at the bottom.
No, nothing there.
Come along, Don Diego.
Se?orita Escalante!
- Don Diego!
- I brought you some food.
- And it's very tasty too.
Don't touch the custard. It was made
especially for the sergeant.
Ah, Mendoza. I want you to...
- Sorry, Alcalde. Urgent business.
He was very tall.
And very rude.
Oh, and he also had a mustache.
- Whoever killed him certainly had a reason.
Find out who exactly this Morales was
and you're closer to finding the real killer.
At least that's what my father believes.
- But how can it be done?
- The dead man's belongings?
- The Alcalde impounded them at once.
They are locked away in his office.
- Indeed.
- Don Diego?
Please help me.
Felipe!
Saddle Toronado.
Yes.
Tonight Zorro rides.
I wish the Alcalde would have this roof repaired.
Good evening, Zorro.
Those shots were a warning.
The pleasure of killing you is mine.
- My sword says differently,
Se?or Alcalde.
Indeed, a sword is no match for a pistol,
as your valor is no match for your mouth.
- Choose your next witticism with care,
for it will be your last.
- Your office is so drab, Se?or.
Allow me to redecorate it.
Much better.
But such a cheap wood.
Yours, I believe.
Get your rifles!
Get your rifles!
Ready! Aim!
- Fire!
Ah ha, baked for me?
I think I'll have a piece of this cake.
Gracias.
Who is this boy?
- A servant of the de la Vegas. He's a deaf-mute.
- Get out of here!
A gift from the oh so
chivalrous Don Diego?
- Yes. Chivalry is a rare
commodity around these parts.
- I am astonished at your composure, Se?orita.
- I'm innocent and
my trial will prove me so.
- Trial? There will be no trial.
The evidence is overwhelming.
Under the emergency statute, I can hang you in the
morning and I have every intention of doing so.
Victoria will hang? At dawn?
We've got work to do.
See this crest, Felipe?
I saw it on the dead man's saddlebags.
It may prove to be the Alcalde's undoing.
Let's see if the intrigue goes any deeper.
This is a piece of the dead man's shirt.
Now let's just see what kind of blood
ran through his veins.
Now the only question is...
Where is this dead man?
By tomorrow Zorro will be nothing but a memory.
- Ah, be careful, Lu?s. A memory like Zorro
has a nasty way of turning into a legend.
He could be more trouble dead than he is alive.
- As you were?
- Alcalde. Con permiso.
The men are...
Oh, buenos noches, Se?or Morales.
You look much better than when I saw you last...
And with good reason, you were dead.
He was deaaaad!
- Get up, Mendoza!
- You were stabbed in the heart.
I saw it with my own eyes.
- A subterfuge, I fear, Sergeant.
You and your men dragged me all the way
over here without ever realizing I was still alive.
Ricardo Cortez at your service.
- Madre de Dios! Why didn't you let me
in on this plan, mi Alcalde?
- It was all a part of my strategy, Sergeant. If we could fool
you, we could fool anyone, for you are a fool's fool.
- Oh, thank you, sir.
- He gave a superb performance, did he not?
Ricardo and I have been friends for many years.
He is one of the finest actors in Mexico City.
- Oh, just a minute. Now I understand.
This was all a trap to catch Zorro!
- Excellent, Sergeant, excellent.
Was there ever a doubt that Zorro would
try to rescue the se?orita, hm?
He will not elude me like he did last night.
That is why every soldier in the pueblo is on full alert.
- Yes, sir!
They are on full alert and at their post.
- Lu?s, I propose a toast,
to the ruin of your archenemy.
Ah, Se?or Corpse. You are leaving us?
You're not staying for Zorro's capture?
Every good actor knows when
to leave the stage, Sergeant.
Sergeant.
Whow.
Se?or, don't you know that cigars
are detrimental to your health?
- Zorro!
- At your service. Down please.
- But, how did you know that
I was really still alive?
- The insignia of the great Calder?n Theatre Company
of Mexico City.
So nicely embossed upon your saddlebags.
Who would want to kill an actor, I asked myself?
Not even his harshest critic.
- But Se?or Zorro, I swear to you,
this was not my idea.
- No more words, my fine actor.
For the rest is silence.
Now if you would be so kind as to come with me.
Be it known that this woman, Victoria Escalante,
has been found guilty of murder.
The sentence is that she is to be hanged.
Proceed, Sergeant.
Does anyone smell burning?
Madre de Dios! It's me!
Yes, Sergeant. I burn too.
I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable.
But such are the forces of nature
when harnessed by man.
I burn too.
With injustice.
Alcalde, a remarkable thing has occurred.
A dead man has been resurrected.
May I present Ricardo Cortez, alias a corpse,
known as Morales.
- Seize him!
- Another step and your old school
friend may die yet again.
Be so kind as to let the se?orita go.
- Zorro, I knew you would come.
- At your service.
As always, Se?orita.
Se?or, a memento of our encounter.
Careful, Se?or. Don't fall.
The Alcalde is an incredibly
determined, dangerous man.
That viper was prepared to sacrifice
Victoria in order to catch Zorro.
It's ready?
Ah, it's beautiful.
Let's see what the man and the
moon has in store for us tonight.
Subtitles:
Ann Wauters
What is it, Felipe?
Well yes, I know the hour is late.
You see there is one obstacle which has
vexed astronomers down through the ages.
Man can only study the moon at night.
Take a look.
Isn't she magnificent?
She's the empress of all she surveys.
You know, one day I believe we'll
actually journey to the moon.
Not you and I, Felipe.
When I say ?we', I mean mankind.
Who could be in such a hurry at this time of night?
That man is riding as though a pack
of jackals were at his heels.
Mendoza, couldn't it have waited until the morning?
A room for the night, Se?orita.
- A room?
It's rather late.
- And I have ridden long and hard.
Is this a tavern or is it not?
- Very well.
This way please.
Is the best you have to offer?
- I'm afraid so.
But as you said, it's just for one night.
- Then I suppose it will have to suffice.
I expect breakfast at dawn.
- So early?
You must have a long journey ahead of you.
- That is none of your business.
At dawn.
Don't forget.
- Si, Se?or.
Buenas noches.
I should be in bed.
Se?or Morales?
Buenas dias.
Se?or Morales?
Dios mio.
Se?orita, I was just bringing the Alcalde's coffee
when I heard you scream.
Se?orita, what have you done?
Felipe, it's time for you to learn
some swordsmanship.
Here.
Excellent. But you forgot the salute.
That's very impolite.
You don't care if you're impolite?
You're trying to kill him?
No, Felipe. The salute is an essential
part of the ritual.
- Diego!
- I thought my father went to town?
That's strange. I looked in here just a...
Have you heard the news?
- No.
- Se?orita Victoria has been arrested.
- On what charge?
- Murder.
Sergeant Mendoza found her in a dorm with a bloody
dagger in her hand and a dead man at her feet.
They arrested her on the spot.
Now I ask you,...
...how could anyone possibly believe
that Victoria would ever...
Ah, it's an outrage!
- How convenient that the good sergeant just
happened to be passing by at such an early hour.
- Yes.
What was that?
- Ah, nothing.
Just an idle thought.
- Um, the Alcalde is up to something.
Victoria needs our help.
- You're right. I'll take a basket
of food to the jail for her.
- And that's all?
- What else can we do?
There's no evidence against the Alcalde.
Everything in order, Sergeant?
No files, no pistols?
- Ah, this custard looks mouth-watering, Se?or.
I better examine it further. There might
be a weapon at the bottom.
No, nothing there.
Come along, Don Diego.
Se?orita Escalante!
- Don Diego!
- I brought you some food.
- And it's very tasty too.
Don't touch the custard. It was made
especially for the sergeant.
Ah, Mendoza. I want you to...
- Sorry, Alcalde. Urgent business.
He was very tall.
And very rude.
Oh, and he also had a mustache.
- Whoever killed him certainly had a reason.
Find out who exactly this Morales was
and you're closer to finding the real killer.
At least that's what my father believes.
- But how can it be done?
- The dead man's belongings?
- The Alcalde impounded them at once.
They are locked away in his office.
- Indeed.
- Don Diego?
Please help me.
Felipe!
Saddle Toronado.
Yes.
Tonight Zorro rides.
I wish the Alcalde would have this roof repaired.
Good evening, Zorro.
Those shots were a warning.
The pleasure of killing you is mine.
- My sword says differently,
Se?or Alcalde.
Indeed, a sword is no match for a pistol,
as your valor is no match for your mouth.
- Choose your next witticism with care,
for it will be your last.
- Your office is so drab, Se?or.
Allow me to redecorate it.
Much better.
But such a cheap wood.
Yours, I believe.
Get your rifles!
Get your rifles!
Ready! Aim!
- Fire!
Ah ha, baked for me?
I think I'll have a piece of this cake.
Gracias.
Who is this boy?
- A servant of the de la Vegas. He's a deaf-mute.
- Get out of here!
A gift from the oh so
chivalrous Don Diego?
- Yes. Chivalry is a rare
commodity around these parts.
- I am astonished at your composure, Se?orita.
- I'm innocent and
my trial will prove me so.
- Trial? There will be no trial.
The evidence is overwhelming.
Under the emergency statute, I can hang you in the
morning and I have every intention of doing so.
Victoria will hang? At dawn?
We've got work to do.
See this crest, Felipe?
I saw it on the dead man's saddlebags.
It may prove to be the Alcalde's undoing.
Let's see if the intrigue goes any deeper.
This is a piece of the dead man's shirt.
Now let's just see what kind of blood
ran through his veins.
Now the only question is...
Where is this dead man?
By tomorrow Zorro will be nothing but a memory.
- Ah, be careful, Lu?s. A memory like Zorro
has a nasty way of turning into a legend.
He could be more trouble dead than he is alive.
- As you were?
- Alcalde. Con permiso.
The men are...
Oh, buenos noches, Se?or Morales.
You look much better than when I saw you last...
And with good reason, you were dead.
He was deaaaad!
- Get up, Mendoza!
- You were stabbed in the heart.
I saw it with my own eyes.
- A subterfuge, I fear, Sergeant.
You and your men dragged me all the way
over here without ever realizing I was still alive.
Ricardo Cortez at your service.
- Madre de Dios! Why didn't you let me
in on this plan, mi Alcalde?
- It was all a part of my strategy, Sergeant. If we could fool
you, we could fool anyone, for you are a fool's fool.
- Oh, thank you, sir.
- He gave a superb performance, did he not?
Ricardo and I have been friends for many years.
He is one of the finest actors in Mexico City.
- Oh, just a minute. Now I understand.
This was all a trap to catch Zorro!
- Excellent, Sergeant, excellent.
Was there ever a doubt that Zorro would
try to rescue the se?orita, hm?
He will not elude me like he did last night.
That is why every soldier in the pueblo is on full alert.
- Yes, sir!
They are on full alert and at their post.
- Lu?s, I propose a toast,
to the ruin of your archenemy.
Ah, Se?or Corpse. You are leaving us?
You're not staying for Zorro's capture?
Every good actor knows when
to leave the stage, Sergeant.
Sergeant.
Whow.
Se?or, don't you know that cigars
are detrimental to your health?
- Zorro!
- At your service. Down please.
- But, how did you know that
I was really still alive?
- The insignia of the great Calder?n Theatre Company
of Mexico City.
So nicely embossed upon your saddlebags.
Who would want to kill an actor, I asked myself?
Not even his harshest critic.
- But Se?or Zorro, I swear to you,
this was not my idea.
- No more words, my fine actor.
For the rest is silence.
Now if you would be so kind as to come with me.
Be it known that this woman, Victoria Escalante,
has been found guilty of murder.
The sentence is that she is to be hanged.
Proceed, Sergeant.
Does anyone smell burning?
Madre de Dios! It's me!
Yes, Sergeant. I burn too.
I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable.
But such are the forces of nature
when harnessed by man.
I burn too.
With injustice.
Alcalde, a remarkable thing has occurred.
A dead man has been resurrected.
May I present Ricardo Cortez, alias a corpse,
known as Morales.
- Seize him!
- Another step and your old school
friend may die yet again.
Be so kind as to let the se?orita go.
- Zorro, I knew you would come.
- At your service.
As always, Se?orita.
Se?or, a memento of our encounter.
Careful, Se?or. Don't fall.
The Alcalde is an incredibly
determined, dangerous man.
That viper was prepared to sacrifice
Victoria in order to catch Zorro.
It's ready?
Ah, it's beautiful.
Let's see what the man and the
moon has in store for us tonight.
Subtitles:
Ann Wauters