Zorro was created by writer Johnston McCulley in 1919 for his serialized novel "The Curse of Capistrano." Within a year, Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. turned it into the smash hit "The Mark of Zorro." The rest was history.
"Zorro" had everything...downtrodden masses, evil oppressors, and the privileged son who, seeing the plight of the people, decided to do something about it. Its frontier setting lent it an air of authenticity which persists to this day. (Plus it had masks and capes--we can't forget the masks and capes.) It was a pulp novel, but it was a romantic pulp novel that appealed to everyone, all ages, men and women alike.
On the face of it, McCulley hadn't created anything radical and new. Zorro is the Scarlet Pimpernel, fighting for the peasants instead of for the aristos. But to a nation of immigrants trying to create a place for themselves, this hero for the common man struck a chord that Baroness Orczy's Sir Percy never could. 65 McCulley novels, dozens of films, three television series, several cartoons, and uncounted comic books later, the Fox is still going strong.
In keeping with the varied pedigree of El Zorro, The Masque of Zorro will not, logically enough, be a historically rigorous reenactment. It will, however, be a lot of fun.
The venue, the Hacienda Lodge near Jolon, was built in 1929 for newspaper
magnate William Randolph Hearst by Julia Morgan. Designed in Spanish Colonial
Revival style, reminiscent of an early California hacienda, it was originally
built to house some of his ranch workers (the "cowboy" rooms in the hotel
pay testament to that function), but was also used as a hunting lodge and
party site for guests including such notables as Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy,
Leslie Howard, Teddy Roosevelt, and Herbert Hoover. Our Hollywood-inspired
event should be right at home!
The property is now part of the Hunter-Liggett Military Reservation, and
run as a public hotel for the military by manager Roger D. McClendon. Guests
staying at the hotel will have access to a variety of amenities (to quote
the Hacienda's website, "Activities available include swimming, tennis, hiking,
bowling and a theatre nearby. The Mission San Antonio de Padua is a short
walk away.").
In addition, we will be having our own assortment of entertainments:
Friday night, in honor of the creation of Zorro, and in reflection of the history of the Hacienda, we invite you to join us in the Hacienda Lounge for a no-host Hollywood cocktail party. Early twentieth-century (late 'teens, 20s, and 30s) evening attire is the theme for the night. If you don't have the real thing, just borrow your favorite approximation from the studio's Wardrobe Department (or your closet) and wear that. We have reserved every room in the hotel, so this should be quite the swanky little soiree.
Saturday during the day, Hacienda guests may, of course, avail themselves of the hotel's amenities. In addition, we have collected 4 (widely assorted) different film versions of Zorro, which we invite you to enjoy in our own private screening.
Saturday night we will have our grand Zorro Banquet. Californio or Zorro-inspired attire is the mode of the evening -- and remember there are many different versions of The Fox from which to draw inspiration. Hotel manager Roger McClendon is an accomplished chef, and has promised us a memorable meal. In the garden we will be playing an assortment of amusing party games inspired by Zorro and our location; there will be opportunities for guests both athletic and indolent to join in the mischief. Do not be surprised if the strains of a mariachi band provide an aural backdrop to the evening...
Sunday, Roger has promised us a scrumptious box lunch for our walk to nearby Mission San Antonio de Padua for our picnic meal. Again, historic Californio or Zorro-inspired attire is the mode. While we visit, please remember that the mission is still home to an active parish and be respectful guests.
We hope this will provide a relaxing and pleasant end to our weekend's swashbucklingly silly good time.
Kevin Roche and Karen Tully
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The meals-only package for this event (the Zorro Banquet plus the picnic lunch) will cost $65. Those staying at the Hacienda will pay that plus the standard rate for their room. While all rooms at the lodge are currently sold, the reservation does have a primitive campground which is available, and there are motels in King City, about 25 miles away. For guests staying at the Hacienda, continental breakfast is also part of the meal package. The hotel management has agreed that our guests who choose to camp at the HLMR campground may use the toilet and shower facilities at the Hacienda.