Written by Philip John Taylor
Directed by Peter Diamond

First US Airdate 16 November 1990   Episode 2.10

[Exterior shot of the plaza as people are milling about the market stalls.]

[Exterior shot of the tavern as Mendoza hammers a nail into a piece of paper he holds up against a porch post.  He hits his thumb with the hammer.]

Mendoza [as he shakes his hand then sticks his thumb in his mouth]
Ay!  Maldita sea!

[Victoria looks at the paper then at Mendoza.]

Victoria
A curfew indeed!  Mendoza, do you know what that will do to business?

Mendoza
Well, I have always said, Señorita Escalante, a good man should be home in bed by midnight.

Victoria
Then why do I find you in the tavern so late every night?

Mendoza
Oh, that's because. . .

Diego [as he walks up to Victoria and Mendoza]
Because a good sergeant is always vigilant for the welfare of his men.

[He pats Mendoza on the shoulder.]

Mendoza
That is exactly what I was going to say, Don Diego.

Diego
Now, what's this about a proclamation?

Victoria
A curfew, can you believe it?

Mendoza
Oh, well, that's only while the Alcalde is gone to Santa Barbara.  He's attending a tribunal on political corruption.

Diego
Indeed.  As an expert witness, no doubt.

[People laugh as Victoria smiles at Diego.]

Mendoza [looking around nervously at first]
Oh, oh, I forgot.  He's gone for two whole days.

Victoria [looking off into the distance]
I hate to disappoint you, Mendoza.

[Mendoza and Diego turn around as a horse whinnies.  Ramón comes riding into the plaza on a white horse.  A lancer comes up and holds the horse's reins as Ramón dismounts.]

Mendoza [stunned]
Alcalde!  Wh. . .ooh, ooh. . .What are you doing back here?  Is something wrong?

Ramón
Not at all.  I had a revelation like Saint Paul in the desert on the way to Damascus.   My place is here with my people.  Uh. . .  Sergeant?  How much do you earn in a month?

Mendoza
Twenty pesos. [Ramón looks at him thoughtfully.] Oh, Alcalde, please, not another cut in pay.

Ramón
Make it. . .forty. [He holds up four fingers.] Señorita, as always, your beauty brightens our pueblo.

[He turns and walks off to his left.  A boy drops a pot as Ramón walks past him.  Ramón catches it before it falls to the ground.]

Boy
Sorry, Alcalde.

[Ramón chuckles and pats the boy's cheek before continuing on his way.  Diego looks on thoughtfully.}

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Interior shot of the de la Vega hacienda library where Diego and Felipe sit on a settee while Don Alejandro stands opposite them, resting his arm on the fireplace.]

Diego
You should have seen him in the plaza.  He even doubled Mendoza's salary.  But a man doesn't shed his personality like a snake sheds an old skin.

Don Alejandro
Did I ever tell you the story about the crocodile and the little rabbit on the riverbank? [Diego's expression says that yes he had, many times.] The crocodile turns to the little rabbit and says, "Hop on my back and I'll take you across to the other side."  The little rabbit said, "Oh, no, you'll eat me!"  The crocodile said, "No, never.  I've changed my ways."  The little rabbit hopped on his back and away they went.  Halfway across the river, the crocodile turns and swallows the little rabbit.  The little rabbit yelled, "You lied to me!"  The crocodile just shrugged.  "What did you expect, little rabbit?  After all, [Diego mouths the words along with his father's] I'm only a crocodile."

[Don Alejandro laughs as Felipe smiles.]

Diego
So what you're saying is the Alcalde is up to something.

Don Alejandro
Right.  It wouldn't be the first time, Diego.

Diego
But what?

[Off camera, knocks are heard on the front door.]

Diego [to Don Alejandro]
Are you expecting anybody?

Don Alejandro [shaking his head]
Uh-uh.

[Diego stands up, sets down the book he was holding, and walks over to the front door.]

Diego [off camera]
Come in, Sergeant, come in.

Mendoza [off camera]
Oh, thank you, Don Diego.

[Diego escorts Mendoza into the library.]

Mendoza
Buenos dias, Don Alejandro.

Don Alejandro
And to you, Sergeant Mendoza.

Mendoza
I bring felicitations from the Alcalde.  He would be honored if you all would join him tonight in the tavern at eight o'clock.  He is having a banquet for all his caballero friends.

Don Alejandro [looking over at Diego]
Why do I feel like the little rabbit, Diego?

Mendoza
Rabbit?  Oh, no, Don Alejandro.  He is serving roast chicken.

[Diego smiles and nods.]

[Exterior night shot of the de la Vega hacienda as an owl hoots.]

[Interior shot of the secret cave where Felipe is wielding Zorro's saber at an effigy of Ramón.  Felipe stabs the effigy in the throat.  Felipe then salutes with the saber then whips it around by his side.  Footsteps are heard off camera and Felipe hurriedly puts the saber away on a rack.  Diego steps into the cave and looks at Felipe then the effigy.]

Diego [pointing at the effigy]
What's this?  The Alcalde?

[Felipe looks up at him and nods.  Diego chuckles.]

Diego [turning and looking sternly at Felipe]
You haven't been practicing with Zorro's swords again, have you?

[Felipe shakes his head no.]

Diego
You're absolutely positive?

[Felipe nods.]

Diego [unconvinced]
Hmm. [He pats Felipe's right shoulder.] Let me show you a little experiment I've been struggling with. [He  picks up a wine glass, wipes it with a cloth, then holds it up.] Perfectly clear, yes?

[Felipe nods.  Diego then presses his right thumb onto the glass then scoops up a white powder and sprinkles it over the glass.  He then blows off the excess powder then dusts it with a little brush.  White smudges appear on the glass.]

Diego
These are the patterns by my fingertips.  You know, the interesting thing, Felipe, it that I've discovered no two patterns are alike. [He glances over at the sword rack.] Are you still certain you weren't using Zorro's sword?

[Felipe looks up at Diego and shakes his head guiltily.]

Diego
The truth can never be hidden.  Which reminds me, I mustn't be late for the Alcalde's banquet.

[He turns to go but Felipe grabs his arm.  Felipe then points at Diego, then at his own head, then gets a stern expression on his face.]

Diego
Do I think the Alcalde might have changed?

[Felipe shrugs his left shoulder.]

Diego
I wish that it were true, Felipe.  And if a man makes an effort to improve himself, then we should make every effort to support him.

[Felipe nods thoughtfully.]

Diego
However, remember your Shakespeare; "One may smile and smile and be a villain."

[Diego looks over at the effigy of Ramón.]

[Interior shot of the tavern where Ramón turns away from the bar and faces the other people in the room.]

Ramón [smiling broadly]
There once was girl named. . .Victoria!

[Victoria turns to look at him with a bemused expression.]

Ramón
Whose. . .beauty was simply. . .glorious!

[Victoria smiles as he walks up to her and bows.]

Ramón
For want of a kiss. . .  I'll tell you just this. . .

[Don Alejandro and Diego stand in a corner and look at each other with slightly disgusted expressions.]

Ramón
Courting her would not be laborious.

[He bows to Victoria again.  People start clapping.]

Ramón [as he takes Victoria's hand and leads her across the room]
More wine for my friends, dear lady.  A good bel de pina claret.

Victoria [acting flattered]
My pleasure, Alcalde.

Ramón
A good claret should be warm. . .and soft. . .and the color of red rubies. . .and inviting as a woman's lips.

[He takes Victoria's hand again and leads her over to the bar.  She picks up a pitcher then turns and stares at Ramón.]

Ramón [raising his right hand]
Musicians.

[Music starts playing and people start dancing.  Victoria takes the pitcher into the kitchen.  Mendoza carries a plate of food over to where Don Alejandro and Diego are standing.]

Mendoza [with his mouth full]
Empanadas, amigos?

Diego [patting Mendoza on the arm before walking away]
No, thank you, Sergeant.

Don Alejandro [bending over the plate]
Let's see what you have, Sergeant.

[Diego makes his way through the dancers and into the kitchen.]

[Interior shot of the tavern kitchen as Victoria holds up a bottle of wine.  She turns to see Diego enter.]

Diego
It's getting warm out there.

Victoria [slightly annoyed]
Can I help you, Don Diego?

Diego
What do you think of our new alcalde?

Victoria
I really don't know.  He does seem different.

Diego
He does, doesn't he?

Victoria
But if he has truly changed, we owe him the opportunity to at least prove himself.

Diego
Indeed.  But I gather you're not actually taken with him then?

Victoria
Oh, please, Don Diego, don't be silly. [She then tilts her head.] Although you do have to admit he is quite charming, isn't he?

Ramón [off camera]
Stop the music!

[Interior shot of the tavern as people look down from the balcony as Ramón licks his gloved right thumb while holding a knife in his left hand.  Diego emerges from the kitchen with a curious expression.]

Ramón [as he lifts the knife in his right hand]
Steady, Mendoza.

[Mendoza is standing opposite Ramón, holding an apple in his right hand.]

Ramón
Now!

[Mendoza tosses the apple into the air then backs up.]

Mendoza
Aah!

[Ramón throws the knife into the air and it stabs the apple in mid-air.  The apple and knife land in Mendoza's hands.]

Mendoza [impressed]
Madre de Dios!

[People start clapping.  Ramón holds out his arms.  Don Alejandro slowly claps as he looks at Ramón.  Ramón goes over and shakes hands with Mendoza, then bows to the people.]

Ramón
Music!

[The music starts up again and people resume dancing.  Diego goes over and says something to Don Alejandro then they start walking.  Don Alejandro stops at a table of food as Diego leaves the tavern.  Mendoza is still staring at the knife in the apple.]

[Closeup shot of a door as a piece of folded paper is slipped through the crack between it and the wall.]

[Closeup shot of the other side of the door as a black gloved hand holds a lit candle to a thin strip of paper placed across the gap between wall and door.]

[Closeup shot of an explosion that unhinges the door.]

[Interior night shot of Ramón's office as the door is moved aside as Zorro steps into the room.  He goes over Ramón's desk as a wolf howls.  Zorro taps his right hand on the desktop then picks up a fountain pen.]

[Interior shot of the tavern where Victoria is dancing with Ramón.]

[Interior shot of Ramón's office as Zorro collects several items from the desk and wraps them in a black cloth.  He puts the unhinged door back into place as he leaves the office.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Exterior night shot of the tavern.]

[Interior shot of the tavern as Don Alejandro looks at his pocket watch and shakes his head.]

Ramón [as he and Mendoza come up to Don Alejandro]
Are you leaving, Don Alejandro?

Don Alejandro [as he puts the watch away]
Yes, I am, Alcalde.  I don't want to be the first Los Angelino arrested for breaking the curfew.

Ramón
Ah, the curfew.  The curfew. [He raises his voice and his arms.] The curfew is rescinded!

[People start clapping.  Victoria stops in surprise in front of Don Alejandro, Ramón, and Mendoza.]

Don Alejandro
I'm very pleased to know that.

Victoria [with a puzzled expression]
And so am I.

Ramón
Well. . .  However, I must be off to bed.  I have to get up early.  So many poor peasants to help.  It's been a delightful evening. [He raises his voice again.] Goodnight, ladies and gentlemen. [He takes Victoria's hand.]  Señorita. . . I am yours to command.

[He kisses her hand then leaves.]

Victoria [staring after him]
I would never thought it possible.

Mendoza [stepping forward]
Unbelievable!  He even rescinded the curfew.  Los Angeles will be a different place from now on.

Ramón [angrily off camera]
MENDOZA!

[Ramón then comes marching into the tavern, stopping in front of Mendoza.]

Ramón [glaring angrily at Mendoza]
I thought I told you this pueblo is under official curfew!

Mendoza
But you. . .

Ramón
Don't ‘but' me, you blemish on the face of this garrison. [He turns and points at Victoria.] And you, your establishment is open, past curfew.  This is a fine of two hundred pesos, payable by noon tomorrow!

[He turns and looks at Mendoza then Don Alejandro then leaves.  Mendoza, Don Alejandro, and Victoria all look at each other in confusion.  Mendoza steps forward again, about to say something.]

Ramón [off camera]
MEN-DO-ZA!

[Mendoza jumps, puts on his hat and runs out of the tavern.  Don Alejandro shakes his head.  Victoria goes and stares after Mendoza then looks up at Don Alejandro, who puts his hands as if trying to calm her.]

[Exterior night shot of Ramón's office as Ramón stands outside the front door, holding a key.  Mendoza comes running up to the office and comes to a stop, out of breath.]

Ramón
After tonight, you will be wearing the uniform of a latrine officer's assistant.

[He puts the key into the door lock.  The door falls into his office.  Mendoza puts his hands on his face.]

Ramón
What is this?  This is your fault.

Mendoza
It is?  Why?

Ramón
My quarters come within the area of your responsibility.  This is nothing but shoddy workmanship.  First I was sent on a fool's errand to Santa Barbara.  Then I return to find the entire pueblo breaking my curfew.  And now this! [He points at the fallen door.] It's obvious I cannot sleep in quarters without security.  So tonight, I will be sleeping in your room.

Mendoza
Where will I sleep?

Ramón [with a sneer]
Try the stables.

[He turns and walks off to his left.]

Mendoza
I don't understand.  One minute he's a nice guy, the next he's a monster!  ‘You'll sleep in the stables.'  ‘I'll sleep in the stables.'

[He walks off to his right.  Ramón comes out from behind a wall after Mendoza passes it by.  Ramón walks around to the front door of the office, smiling.  He looks both ways then goes inside.]

[Exterior day shot of the plaza where people are milling about.]

[Exterior shot of Ramón's office where two lancers try to open the front door while Ramón stands behind them.]

Ramón [angrily waving his right fist]
It can't be locked!  Last night it was wide open!

Victoria [off camera]
Alcalde!

[She walks angrily across the plaza and shoves a bag at Ramón.]

Victoria
There!  Two hundred pesos!  So much for your generous offer to repeal the curfew last night.

Ramón [slightly confused]
Repeal it?  Why would I?

Victoria
And we all thought you had changed.  "A good claret should be as warm and inviting as a woman's lips."  Ha!

Ramón [disgusted]
Who said that?

Victoria
You did.  And you were actually quite charming.  Although I never would have thought a man would sink to such devious depths for two hundred pesos.

[She turns and walks away.  Ramón chuckles then tosses the bag in his left hand as the lancers still struggle to open the door.  Ramón then gets a worried expression on his face.]

Ramón
It couldn't be.  It couldn't possibly. . .

[He walks off to his left.  Mendoza walks on the opposite side of the office.  The two lancers are still trying to open the front doors.]

Lancer [to the other lancer]
Did you try turning the handle?

[They stand back as Mendoza comes around the corner of the office and notices the door appears to be fixed.]

Mendoza [as Ramón opens the door and steps out]
Well. . .

Ramón
Ah, buenos dias, Sergeant Mendoza.  You know I think the lock on this door has a curious habit of sticking.  Oh, I was wondering if you could go down to the port of San Pedro for me.  I am expecting a consignment of books that should have arrived by ship this morning.

Mendoza
But that will take all day!

Ramón
Ah, si. [He reaches into his vest pocket.] Then perhaps you should stop along the way. [He pulls out some coins.] Have something to drink. [He hands the coins to Mendoza.] Perhaps a little lunch.

Mendoza
Ah, mil gracias, Alcalde.  Mil gracias.

[He bows to Ramón then leaves.  Ramón smiles at the two lancers still on the porch then backs inside his office and closes the door.]

[Exterior shot of the church.]

Priest [off camera]
How long has it been since your last confession, my son?

[Interior shot of the church where Ramón is kneeling.]

Ramón [thoughtfully]
Let me think.  Fifteen years.  The reason I'm here, Padre, is that I might. . .die very soon.  Someone is in Los Angeles to kill me.

[Interior shot of the secret cave where Diego looks through magnifying glass at one of the objects Zorro took from Ramón's desk.]

Diego
That's odd.  Personal effects from his desk and yet there are two different sets of fingertip patterns on each of these items.

[Felipe stands to Diego's left as Diego lowers the magnifying glass.]

Diego
The Alcalde doesn't seem the sort of man to let anybody else sit behind his desk, does he?

[Felipe shakes his head.]

Diego [looking at Felipe]
I think it's time to saddle Toronado.

[Exterior shot of the cuartel gates as Ramón walks past.  Mendoza rides out through the gates and out of the pueblo as Ramón turns and watches.  Ramón then walks backward to the front doors of his office.  He opens the door then stops.]

Ramón
Where's that imbecile going now?

[He shakes his head then goes inside his office.]

[Interior shot of Ramón's office as Ramón steps inside, closing the door behind him.  He turns then freezes, a frightened expression on his face.  An identical version of Ramón sits with his boots on the desktop.  He moves his feet aside to aim a pistol at Ramón.]

Vicente
I sent him to San Pedro so that we could be alone.

Ramón
Vicente.  I knew it was you.  Mother wrote to me and told me you were in Venezuela.  You're wanted for murder and armed robbery.

Vicente
Ah, yes, dear mother.  But then she always liked you best.

Ramón
Then you're the one who sent me to Santa Barbara.

Vicente [crossing his left leg over his right]
Yes.  And why did you come back so early?

Ramón
On the road north, I met the very man who supposedly sent me that letter.  But what is the purpose of all this?

Vicente
I'm in trouble.  Where better to hide but in a twin brother's skin?

Ramón
How long do you think you can fool these people?

Vicente
They love me.  You're not well liked, Luis.  Notice I use the past tense.

Ramón
You wouldn't kill your own brother?

Vicente
Oh, no.  No, just a ride in the desert.  No food.  No water.  The buzzards will do the rest for me. [He takes his feet off the desk and starts to stand up.] Time to go.

[Ramón dodges to his left and knocks Vicente's arm upward.  The pistol discharges into the ceiling.  The two brothers struggle then Vicente pushes Ramón backwards.  Ramón draws out his sword as does Vicente.  They begin to duel.]

Vicente [stepping backward]
Ooh!  Polished, precise.  The technique of a true gentleman.  However, you'd never last on the back streets of Caracas.

[He throws dust from the ceiling into Ramón's face then lunges at him, laughing maniacally.  Vicente drives Ramón backward toward the front doors.]

[Exterior shot of Ramón's office as a woman carrying a bucket of water walks in front of it.  She has to jump out of the way as the door flies open and Ramón backs through it as he is being driven outside by Vicente.  Vicente has a dagger in his left hand and slashes as Ramón's face with it.  Ramón ducks out of the way.  They continue their duel in the plaza until lancers come running out of the cuartel.]

Ramón [pointing at Vicente]
Quickly, men, seize him!

Vicente [pointing at Ramón]
No, seize him!

[A lancer looks from man to man in confusion.]

Lancer
Shoot!

[Zorro steps to the end of the line of lancers aiming their muskets and pushes the lancer standing nearest him.  The lancers topple like dominos.  Zorro grabs the musket of the lancer next to him before he falls to the ground.]

Zorro
I believe I can solve this dilemma, gentlemen.

Ramón [pointing at Zorro]
You can prove I'm the real alcalde?

Vicente [looking at Ramón]
I'm the real alcalde.

Zorro
Then I shall give you both the opportunity to prove your points.  [He unsheathes his saber and salutes with it.] En garde!

[Zorro engages both men in swordplay.]

Zorro [as the duel continues]
You both have the same appalling basic technique.  Probably learned from the same fencing master when you were children.

[The two brothers look at each other.  Zorro slashes his saber at their chests and they jump back, knocking over an apple cart as they fall onto their backs.  Victoria comes out of the tavern and walks into the plaza.]

Zorro [as he circles the two men]
However, the true alcalde will remember the only time I ever actually wounded him.

Vicente
Of course I do.

Ramón [angrily, looking at Vicente]
How could you?

Zorro
I became quite incensed as I recall and cut you on the right arm.  The true alcalde will still bear that scar.

[He executes a move with his saber that twists Vicente's right wrist, causing Vicente to drop his sword.  Zorro does the same move to Ramón, who winces with pain then holds up his right wrist and shows the long, red scar there.]

Zorro
I wager you'd never remember that day with gratitude. [He looks over at Vicente.] Introductions are in order, I think.

Vicente
I'll never go back to prison!  You are a dead man!

[He bends down and picks up his sword, then lunges wildly at Zorro, who sidesteps the thrust.  Vicente comes at Zorro again and they duel.  Zorro punches Vicente in the nose but Vicente keeps fighting.  Zorro climbs up onto a hitching rail as he and Vicente keep dueling.  Vicente slashes at Zorro's ankles but Zorro jumps into the air and Vicente misses.  Zorro lands back onto the hitching rail and Vicente lunges at him.  This time, Zorro jumps off the railing and lands on the ground behind Vicente.  Zorro kicks Vicente in the rear and Vicente tumbles over the hitching rail.]

Vicente [as he lands on his back on the ground]
Aah!

[Zorro walks over and look down at Vicente.]

Zorro
You need cooling off, Señor.

[He picks up a bucket of water and pours it on Vicente's head.  Zorro tosses the bucket aside then grabs Vicente by the back of his jacket.]

Zorro [pushing Vicente forward]
Here. [Vicente is led away by two lancers.] This town isn't big enough for two alcaldes.

Victoria [as she stands to Ramón's right]
And he was so pleasant.  Such an improvement.

Ramón [turning to look at Victoria]
Vicente is a murderer and a thief, Señorita. [He turns to Zorro.] Is that why you helped me?

Zorro
I wasn't helping you, Alcalde.  Anyone who behaved as deceitfully as your brother clearly didn't have the good of the pueblo in mind.  He was so charming.  He impersonated you so. . .badly.

[Zorro walks off to his left then mounts Toronado.]

Zorro [holding up his saber]
And don't forget; better the devil you know that the devil you don't.

[Ramón glares at Zorro as Zorro salutes with his saber then rides off as the people cheer.]

*****COMMERCIAL BREAK*****

[Exterior shot of the tavern.]

[Interior shot of the tavern as Ramón sits at a table, wiping his face with a napkin as Victoria takes his empty plate.]
 
Diego [off camera at first]
Buenas tardes, Alcalde.

[Diego walks into the tavern followed by Don Alejandro.]

Diego
My father tells me I missed quite a skirmish this morning.  I never knew you had a twin brother.

Ramón
We don't speak of him.

Don Alejandro
Well, at least he's in jail.

Ramón
No.  He's not.  By now, he's halfway to the border.

Don Alejandro
You let him go?  I don't understand.

Diego
I think I do, Father.  After all, he is the Alcalde's brother.

Ramón
Exactly. [He gets to his feet.] If you'll excuse me.

[He starts to walk out of the tavern but meets Mendoza walking inside.]

Ramón [pointing at Mendoza]
Where have you been?

Mendoza
To San Pedro.  To pick up your books from the ship.

Ramón
Books?  Ship?  I never gave you such orders.  You are a malingerer!  Your pay is hereby cut in half.

Mendoza
Oh, no, back to twenty pesos?

Ramón
Your pay is already twenty pesos.  Half of that is ten!

[He leaves the tavern.  Mendoza turns and watches him go then shakes his head.  He walks up to where Don Alejandro, Victoria, and Diego are standing near the bar.]

Mendoza
I don't get it.  Yesterday, he treated me like his own brother.

[Diego turns and picks up two glasses of juice from the bar and hand one to Mendoza.]

Diego
To brotherhood.

[Diego touches his glass to Mendoza's then Diego, Mendoza, and Don Alejandro all take a drink as Victoria lifts the pitcher of juice and smiles.]

*****END OF EPISODE*****

Transcribed by Pamela Elbert Poland  26 & 27 April 2007

This transcription is a not-for-profit publication produced solely for the enjoyment of other Zorro fans and is not intended to infringe upon any rights of Goodman/Rosen Productions, New World Television, Zorro Productions, the estate of Johnston McCulley or anyone else.

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