by Eleanor Mannikka
synopsis
When El Correo del Norte was released in 1960, the Mexican film bureau had prohibited any drama which denigrated or trivialized the nation's history. That included the wild and certainly devastating Mexican Revolution with its classic heroes like Pancho Villa or Zapata (both assassinated). This 70-minute costume drama by director Gómez-Urquiza, Zacarias somehow miraculously got past the film bureau. Its hero wears a mask and a cape, is a completely fictional, and rides in to fight for the good guys against the bad guys. As the story unfolds, it is clear that he won the day for Mexico all by himself. Meant more for youngsters than adults, this is still an odd way to glorify the past.
