Guy Williams as Zorro at Disneyland, 1958

Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2015, this 16mm home movie features the cast of Disney’s “Zorro” television series (1957-1959) as they reenact their roles for a live audience at the Disneyland theme park. As Disney’s “Zorro” was a black-and-white program, this film contains rare behind-the-scenes footage of the show’s characters in color. The film was shot by George Wilbern, who worked as a film editor and was part of the motion picture unit during World War II.

In addition to featuring the stars of the popular “Zorro” series, this footage provides a glimpse of operations at Disneyland when the park was still young. Walt Disney began developing ideas for a theme park as early as the 1930s but struggled for decades to get the appropriate budget to move forward. In 1954, he secured funding from the ABC network, under the condition that his Walt Disney Studio would produce a weekly anthology series, entitled “Walt Disney’s Disneyland.” The park opened to the public in 1955, though by 1957, Disney felt it was an unsuccessful venture and sought additional funding from ABC. In exchange, ABC requested even more programming, and after sitting on the “Zorro” rights for several years, Disney put the new series into production and premiered it in October of 1957. To advertise “Zorro,” the cast made many public appearances at Disneyland. The performance in the home movie features key cast members, including Zorro (Guy Williams), Sergeant Garcia (Henry Calvin), Bernardo (Gene Sheldon) and Anna María Verdugo (Jolene Brand), as well as Disneyland staples, such as the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Golden Horseshoe Revue. It documents one of the cast’s last appearances at the park, which took place over Thanksgiving weekend in 1958. These live events were representative of Disney’s elaborate cross-promotional strategy at the time, which sought to drive television audiences to visit Disneyland and park attendees to watch the “Zorro” show.

The Archive regards home movies as an important part of motion picture heritage, as these works capture daily life and special events from diverse points of view, and in some cases, they document behind-the-scenes activities for feature films and television programs.

Learn more about the Home Movie Collection:

[francaatjuh]

Guy Williams the one and only Zorro. Nobody can portray Zorro better than he could. And the best don Diego de la Vega aswell

[diogocatalano]

What a priceless treasure ! Guy Williams is the man !

[michaelmorgan]

I was 7 in 1958 and there will only be 1 ZORRO! guy Williams forever!!!

[biko]

Still aired (february 2023) 5 days a week, from 12pm to 1pm channel 13, Argentina. The incredively thing is that ratings never go down (even, Broadcating company tried to replace the tv series and such replacements never succedded in ratings). Ive seen the serie with my father (now I have 56) and with my kids. The best hero of all times. the GOAT.

[-Nicolas-]

I'm from Argentina. In my country Guy is like a God, and Zorro is the most important character of all time. May be because he is closer to our culture than anyone. Zorro is a real hero, a true hero for the kids of every generation since 50's.

[MaestroCiceroAlves]

The unforgetable Guy Williams, the Walt Disney's Zorro. The best forever.

[karenreese]

GUY WILLIAMS WAS BEST ZORRO, LOVED HIM IN BONANZA ALSO, HE WAS A VERY VERY HANDSOME MAN, GREAT ACTOR. ALWAYS REMEMBERED. LOST IN SPACE ALSO. I WATCHED AS A KID GROWING UP.

[ritotozzi]

The best of the best. He was born to be Zorro. Guy William is a legend

[IDShar]

I loved Zorro! Guy Williams was a handsome man!

[melvingeloneck]

This is wonderful! If anyone wants to know what the outfits looked like in color - well here you are!

[robertlouisburns]

I was born when Lost In Space came out. I'm sure I watched the original run (but was too young to remember) but I was glued to the TV during the reruns. Guy was a true father role. Leader, smart, kind and brave. I never saw Zorro but this post is wonderul.

[omarmarchi]

GRANDE GUY WILLIAMS !!! MUY QUERIDO AQUI EN ARGENTINA

[toyman]

This video allows s to see when the world was different and just a little slower, We will never see the likes of these years again.

[ericeedwards]

The perfect Fox and production values Viva Armand Catalano aka Guy Williams

[muse]

This is great. Guy Williams certainly cut a dashing figure as Zorro! Enjoyed the video it's also a good look at entertainment in 1958. Ty.💟

[pepelucho]

Que bonito... que envidia poder haberlos visto. Genial

[jrl]

It's Guy! Oh man, I loved Lost in Space as a kid.

[Ubervgerules]

Guy Williams was amazing! I just started watching the original Zorro with my Dad. I am enjoying it!

[franciscobatista]

Fez parte da minha infância saudades tempo bom pena que está vida passa rápido

[midwestmonster]

The final duel between Zorro and Captain Monastario.