J
Writing
Johnston McCulley
Born February 2, 1883 · Ottawa, Illinois, USA
Died November 23, 1958 · aged 75
No biography available.
Known For
The Mask of Zorro · 1998The Mask of Zorro
★ 6.61998
MovieActionAdventure
It has been twenty years since Don Diego de la Vega fought Spanish oppression in Alta California as the legendary romantic hero, Zorro. Having escaped from prison he transforms troubled bandit Alejandro into his successor, in order to foil the plans of the tyrannical Don Rafael Montero who robbed him of his freedom, his wife and his precious daughter.
The Legend of Zorro · 2005The Legend of Zorro
★ 6.12005
MovieActionAdventure
Despite trying to keep his swashbuckling to a minimum, a threat to California's pending statehood causes the adventure-loving Don Alejandro de la Vega and his wife, Elena, to take action.
The Kiss · 1921The Kiss
★ 10.01921
Movie
At the harvest fiesta, Don Luis Baldarama, owner of one of California's great ranchos, expects to announce the betrothal of his son, Audre, to Isabella Chavez, the daughter of a neighboring don named Miguel Chavez. However, Audre plans to elope with Erolinda Vargas, the daughter of the ranch superintendent. When Audre confesses to Isabella that he loves another, she joyfully admits that she loves someone else, also. Audre and Erolina slip away during a feast and meet at a cabin, but they are surprised by Selistino Vargas, who, believing that his daughter has been dishonored, shoots Audre.
Zorro, The Gay Blade · 1981Zorro, The Gay Blade
★ 6.01981
MovieWesternAction
In 19th century Mexico, legendary swordsman Zorro has passed on his weapon and his sense of duty to his noble son, Diego, a dashing swashbuckler like his father. But after an injury sidelines Diego, he is forced to hand the mask over to his twin, Ramon.
The Mark of Zorro · 1940The Mark of Zorro
★ 7.11940
MovieAdventureRomance
In 1820 Spain, the son of a California nobleman comes home to find his native land under a villainous dictatorship. On one hand, he plays the useless fop, while on the other, he is the masked avenger Zorro.
The Black Pirates · 1954The Black Pirates
★ 4.91954
MovieAdventure
Pirates searching for treasure take over a small town in Central America where they believe the loot is buried, but discover that a church has been built over the spot. They force the townspeople to dig for it, but there are more surprises in store for them than they counted on.
Ride for Your Life · 1924Ride for Your Life
★ 8.01924
MovieWestern
Bud Watkins loses his ranch and savings to gambling house proprietor "Gentlemen Jim" Slade. The Cocopah Kid, a notorious bandit, lures away Betsy Burke, Bud's sweetheart and the daughter of the local sheriff.
Rose of the Rio Grande · 1938Rose of the Rio Grande
★ 7.01938
MovieRomanceAdventure
The story, based on a novel by Johnston (Zorro) McCulley, concerns a group of aristocratic vigilantes, who go about trying to restore their prominence in Mexico by killing anyone who stands in their way.
Movies
The Mask of Zorro · 1998The Mask of Zorro
★ 6.61998
MovieActionAdventure
It has been twenty years since Don Diego de la Vega fought Spanish oppression in Alta California as the legendary romantic hero, Zorro. Having escaped from prison he transforms troubled bandit Alejandro into his successor, in order to foil the plans of the tyrannical Don Rafael Montero who robbed him of his freedom, his wife and his precious daughter.
The Legend of Zorro · 2005The Legend of Zorro
★ 6.12005
MovieActionAdventure
Despite trying to keep his swashbuckling to a minimum, a threat to California's pending statehood causes the adventure-loving Don Alejandro de la Vega and his wife, Elena, to take action.
The Kiss · 1921The Kiss
★ 10.01921
Movie
At the harvest fiesta, Don Luis Baldarama, owner of one of California's great ranchos, expects to announce the betrothal of his son, Audre, to Isabella Chavez, the daughter of a neighboring don named Miguel Chavez. However, Audre plans to elope with Erolinda Vargas, the daughter of the ranch superintendent. When Audre confesses to Isabella that he loves another, she joyfully admits that she loves someone else, also. Audre and Erolina slip away during a feast and meet at a cabin, but they are surprised by Selistino Vargas, who, believing that his daughter has been dishonored, shoots Audre.
Zorro, The Gay Blade · 1981Zorro, The Gay Blade
★ 6.01981
MovieWesternAction
In 19th century Mexico, legendary swordsman Zorro has passed on his weapon and his sense of duty to his noble son, Diego, a dashing swashbuckler like his father. But after an injury sidelines Diego, he is forced to hand the mask over to his twin, Ramon.
The Mark of Zorro · 1940The Mark of Zorro
★ 7.11940
MovieAdventureRomance
In 1820 Spain, the son of a California nobleman comes home to find his native land under a villainous dictatorship. On one hand, he plays the useless fop, while on the other, he is the masked avenger Zorro.
The Black Pirates · 1954The Black Pirates
★ 4.91954
MovieAdventure
Pirates searching for treasure take over a small town in Central America where they believe the loot is buried, but discover that a church has been built over the spot. They force the townspeople to dig for it, but there are more surprises in store for them than they counted on.
Ride for Your Life · 1924Ride for Your Life
★ 8.01924
MovieWestern
Bud Watkins loses his ranch and savings to gambling house proprietor "Gentlemen Jim" Slade. The Cocopah Kid, a notorious bandit, lures away Betsy Burke, Bud's sweetheart and the daughter of the local sheriff.
Rose of the Rio Grande · 1938Rose of the Rio Grande
★ 7.01938
MovieRomanceAdventure
The story, based on a novel by Johnston (Zorro) McCulley, concerns a group of aristocratic vigilantes, who go about trying to restore their prominence in Mexico by killing anyone who stands in their way.
The Amazing Zorro · 2002The Amazing Zorro
★ 7.12002
MovieTV MovieFamily
The exciting tale of Don Diego Vega, a lazy young aristocrat in early California living a secret life as Zorro, the mysterious masked avenger and, defender of the oppressed. Zorro appears when least expected by the authorities, always bearing a sure sword, a swift horse, and a wicked sense of humor. Based on "The Curse of Capistrano," the story that established Zorro as an international hero.
Captain Fly-by-Night · 1922Captain Fly-by-Night
★ 6.81922
MovieDramaAdventure
First one stranger, then another, arrive at the presidio, each with a government pass and each claiming to have been robbed by the notorious Captain Fly-by-Night and his highwaymen. The soldiers and Señorita Anita believe the first to be Fly-by-Night and the second to be Señor Rocha, Anita's fiancée and emissary of the governor. But the first stranger, to whom Anita is drawn, proves to be on a government mission and exposes the second stranger as Captain Fly-by-Night.
The Mark of Zorro · 1974The Mark of Zorro
★ 6.21974
MovieWesternAction
The swishing fop Don Diego de la Vega becomes the swashbuckling masked hero Zorro when tyranny threatens his people in nineteenth-century California.
The Mark of Zorro · 1920The Mark of Zorro
★ 7.21920
MovieWesternAdventure
Don Diego Vega pretends to be an indolent fop as a cover for his true identity, the masked avenger Zorro. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
The Red Rope · 1937The Red Rope
★ 6.51937
MovieWestern
Brade has hired Rattler Haynes to kill Tom Shaw. But when Shaw intercepts a message between the two, he alters it hoping it will cause the two outlaws to fight each other.
The Trusted Outlaw · 1937The Trusted Outlaw
★ 7.51937
MovieWestern
Dan Ward, reformed and last member of an outlaw family, meets Molly Clark in a rocky draw near town. Ted Wells, a henchman for Dan's enemy Jim Swain, attempts to shoot Dan but is outdrawn and killed by the latter. Molly disappears and Dan learns that she and Wells had ridden there together. Sheriff Bob Larimer tells Dan that Molly is in love with Bert Gilmore and tried to have him ambushed. Dan takes a risky job with mine owner Pember of getting the $10,000 payroll through to the mine. Swain suspects that Dan is carrying the payroll, but his gang is unable to stop Dan. Betty Pember disregards Dan's warning that the hills are filled with Swain's men and she starts for town. She is kidnapped by Gilmore and Molly and Dan ride to her rescue.
The Mark of the Renegade · 1951The Mark of the Renegade
★ 5.71951
MovieAdventureRomance
An agent of Mexico poses as a pirate to foil a would-be emperor in 1820s California.
The Sign of Zorro · 1958The Sign of Zorro
★ 7.51958
MovieWestern
In this film, edited from eight episodes of Disney's hit TV series, Don Diego returns home to find his town under the heel of a cruel dictator, Capitan Monastario. Diego dons the mask of Zorro to fight the evil commandant's tyranny, and, with the help of his mute servant Bernardo, free the pueblo from his oppression.
Ruth of the Rockies · 1920Ruth of the Rockies
★ 7.01920
MovieWestern
A young woman finds a trunk full of stolen diamonds, takes them and heads westward, pursued by the thief.
Zorro's Fighting Legion · 1939Zorro's Fighting Legion
★ 5.41939
MovieWesternAction
The mysterious Don Del Oro ("Lord of Gold"), an idol of the Yaqui Indians, plans to take over the gold and become Emperor. Francisco was put in charge of a legion to combat the Yaqui tribe and protect the land, but when attacked Zorro came to his rescue. Francisco's partner recognized Zorro as the hidalgo Don Diego Vega, then ask him to take over the fighting legion as his alter-ego Zorro.
Overland Mail · 1942Overland Mail
★ 10.01942
MovieWestern
Two investigators for a stagecoach company are assigned to find out why the company's stages keep being ambushed. They discover that the culprits are white men disguised as Indians, and they set out to discover who is behind the plot.
The Brute Breaker · 1919The Brute Breaker
1919
MovieActionAdventure
At a French Canadian logging camp, stranger Louis Graintaire canoes through impassable rapids to the delight of Little Jean, a crippled boy who hopes that Louis will thrash his tormentor, camp bully Baptiste Navet. That evening Louis arouses Navet's enmity by dancing with Annette Bosseut, the daughter of the camp superintendent. Navet challenges Louis to a fight, but when the day comes, Louis and the boy cannot be found.
Zorro's Black Whip · 1944Zorro's Black Whip
★ 5.91944
MovieActionAdventure
Pretty Girl Barbara Mededith takes over her murdered brother's crusading newspaper. She also assumes the dead sibling's identity as "The Black Whip," righting the wrongs of Crescent City very much in the manner of her famous ancestor, Zorro.
Don Ricardo Returns · 1946Don Ricardo Returns
★ 8.01946
MovieAdventure
After being shanghaied in a plot to have him declared dead and take over his ranchero and other properties, Don Ricardo, disguised as a peon, returns to Old California, and begins the fight to reclaim what is his.
The Outlaw Deputy · 1935The Outlaw Deputy
★ 8.01935
MovieWestern
While searching for his friend's killer, a former outlaw thwarts a robbery and becomes a lawman.
Zorro and the Three Musketeers · 1963Zorro and the Three Musketeers
★ 6.01963
MovieActionAdventure
In the first half of the 1600's, France is at war with Spain. The cousin of the king of Spain, Isabella, is held captive in the French castle, and the Count of Seville is sent to France as a diplomat. While there, he is escorted by the Three Musketeers, who discover that he has secretly made a deal with Cardinal Richelieu to disclose Spanish military secrets in exchange for Isabella's release. However, he is merely bluffing and plans to take Isabella by force. When the musketeers discover this, they come to his aid, and together the four of them work at freeing the Countess. Meanwhile, the Count doubles as Zorro to free the Spanish court from a treacherous suitor.
TV Shows
Zorro · 2009Zorro
★ 7.22009
SeriesDrama
Zorro is a 2009 Philippine television series produced by GMA Network. It is an adaptation of the Zorro property created by Johnston McCulley, initially based on the novella The Curse of Capistrano. It stars Richard Gutierrez and Rhian Ramos. The series began airing on March 23, 2009.
Zorro: La espada y la rosa · 2007Zorro: La espada y la rosa
★ 7.32007
SeriesWesternDrama
Spanish telenovela based on Johnston McCulley's characters. Don Diego Dela Vega, adopts the secret identity of Zorro. Diego born in the 1790s to a white father, Don Alejandro Dela Vega, and his wife, Native American warrior named Toypurnia. Diego learned his acrobatics and fencing skills in Spain, under a great swordmaster, than he returned to his family's California hacienda. He lives as both a nobleman and a vigilante, fighting imperialist oppression. He is backed by the brotherhood of Zorro, a secret society called the Knights of the Broken Thorn. Zorro falls in love with a beautiful young widow, Esmeralda Sánchez de Moncada. She arrives in California with her sister Mariángel Sánchez de Moncada and her father, Fernando, the newly appointed governor—and villainous dictator—of Los Angeles. The story arc focuses on mysteries concerning Esmeralda's long-lost mother and the man whose atrocities changed Diego's life forever. Their resolution threatens to shake the Spanish Empire.
Zorro · 2024Zorro
★ 7.32024
SeriesDrama
Diego de la Vega returns to California to avenge his father's murder. After assuming the title of Zorro, he confronts the Governor, the malevolent leader of the Chinese community and a secret society, placing the common good above all.
Zorro · 2024Zorro
★ 6.62024
SeriesWestern
In 1821 Los Angeles, twenty years after retiring from being Zorro, Don Diego de la Vega, married to Doña Gabriella, succeeds his father Don Alejandro as the town mayor. He quickly realizes that some injustices can only be fought by bringing back Zorro, so with the help of his trusted mute manservant Bernardo, Don Diego once again dons the cape and the mask.
The New Adventures of Zorro · 1981The New Adventures of Zorro
★ 6.41981
SeriesAnimation
The New Adventures of Zorro is an American animated television series produced by Filmation in 1981. The series, which has 13 episodes, is based on the fictional character created by Johnston McCulley. It aired as part of The Tarzan/Lone Ranger/Zorro Adventure Hour.
This is the only series Filmation made in which they contracted an outside, third party animation studio. The series was outsourced to Tokyo Movie Shinsha in Japan. All other series afterwards were animated internally by Filmation themselves. It was producer Norm Prescott's final series with Filmation, bringing to an end the famous 'rotating producers' wheel Filmation was famous for. From Gilligan's Planet onwards, Lou Scheimer would handle production duties on his own.