Brother Ignacio? What are you doing?
Five rings, padre.
To summon Zorro in case there's trouble.
If I know Zorro, he's already here.
Aren't you supposed to be in school?
Padre, what if Zorro comes?
I'll make sure he carves a Z on your backside. How's that sound?
Really?
A landslide in favor of statehood.
Let's hope the rest of California voted the same, huh?
Take this to the governor.
Hermano, be careful. Our future's in your hands.
I pray that the other provinces have been as peaceful as ours.
The latest model in heavy artillery, the Henry repeater.
If God didn't hurl lightning, he'd surely carry one of these.
State your business, McGivens.
I haven't voted yet.
I'm sorry, you're too late. The polls have already closed.
Now, that doesn't seem equitable. I have rights too.
Now, if you'd be kind enough, hand me that box, I'll be on my way.
You'd only force the people to vote again.
Well, you remember that Babylon was condemned to ashes...
...for extending its empire to inferior races!
I come to deliver the Lord's work against this vote.
Time to do the Lord's work.
Zorro! Zorro! Zorro!
Move it. Move it. Get out of the way! Get out of the way!
Get him!
Over the hill to the governor's mansion.
I said, over the hill to the governor's mansion!
We really have to work on your English.
Zorro! Zorro! Zorro!
What happened? Where are my men?
They were held up, governor. I offered my help.
Citizens of San Mateo!
Today we have voted to join the Union as a free state!
But this is only the beginning. In three months...
...every vote of every pueblo around California will be counted!
And it is my hope that we will finally call ourselves...
...Americans!
Good boy.
Your saddle is getting a little too tight, amigo.
Tell me we won.
Tell me we are free.
We're free.
- To statehood. - To us.
I wish I was there today.
You were.
I cannot believe it.
We have our lives back.
Now we can take Joaquin to a trip to Spain.
I cannot imagine how it has changed.
- Elena... - And New York.
You should see New York, Alejandro.
It's as if the whole world has moved onto one tiny island.
Elena, I've been thinking and...
Never a good sign.
Listen, California won't really be a state for another three months.
Yes?
The federal marshals may need help keeping things under control until then.
Look, I know what you're thinking... Elena. Elena, listen, listen.
No, here is me, here is quitting. We're this far apart. Elena.
I cannot believe it. I cannot believe I fell for it.
Husband promises to quit, gullible wife believes him.
How could I be so stupid?
Oh, Elena, you're overreacting.
I'm overreacting?
You made a promise.
- We made a promise. - I know.
You are missing your son's entire life.
No, no, no. No, no, no. I am not missing anything.
- Oh, really? - Really.
What is his teacher's name?
That's an easy one. Mister... Brother...
Father Kin... Jin... Hoofer?
So I have a bad memory. What does that prove?
That you do not know your own son.
And even worse, he does not know you.
What would you rather have me do?
Live my life as a wealthy don? Order servants around all day?
Is that what you think I do, huh? Order servants around all day?
No, no, don't twist my words. People still need Zorro.
No, no, no. You need Zorro.
Look me in the eyes and tell me that is not true.
You remember what you said the day Joaquin was born?
"My family is my life."
Do you know how lucky you are to have made it this far? Alive?
That your enemies have not discovered who we are?
For 10 years, you have fought to give California its freedom.
Why can't you give us ours?
They are calling you.
It's who I am, Elena. It's who I am.
What happened to the man I married?
What happened to the woman who used to fight by my side?
She had a son.
So he'll grow up to be a nice little aristocrat...
...who has no idea where he came from...
...and doesn't care about anyone but himself. Beautiful.
If you walk out that door, you are not sleeping here tonight.
Maybe I'll just take my suitcase.
I hope you and Tornado are very happy together.
We will be.
I love you.
I spy with my little eye...
...something beginning with H.
Why wasn't Papi at breakfast?
I told you. He left early on business.
He always goes on business.
Yes, he does.
What exactly does he do?
Well, he is a don. And he meets with other dons...
...and they discuss land and investments...
...and it's all very important work.
So he sits around with friends counting money.
Oh, Joaquin. You should not be so hard on your father.
You are more like him than you think.
We can talk more about this later, all right?
I love you.
Who are you?
The real question, Senora de la Vega, is who are you?
The devoted wife of a wealthy don?
Or an independent woman held captive by her husband's secrets?
What do you want?
Your help.
One?
I tell you, de la Vega, women say they want one thing...
...but what they really want is everything else.
Think of this as a vacation from the shackles of matrimony.
Isn't it possible our wives marry us...
...because they want to spend some time with their husbands?
So let me understand this.
If I take your advice...
...I can look forward to spending my days pruning in a tub of naked men?
Thanks for the advice. But no.
Where are you going?
To beg Elena's forgiveness.
Goodness me.
Might one of you be Don Alejandro de la Vega?
Yes.
Phineas Gendler, attorney at law. I'm here on behalf of your wife.
If you should have any questions, my address is on the letterhead.
Good day, sir.
Gentlemen.
I'm sorry, senor.
But you told me to make sure you didn't sleep past 2 today.
- What's today? - Wednesday.
Of course. I have to pick up Joaquin.
What happened to my clothes?
I removed them last night so you wouldn't catch pneumonia.
You removed them?
After you came back from the cantina, you went for a swim.
In my clothes?
- This hotel doesn't have a pool. - We have a fountain.
I see. Well, thank you, Lupe.
Perhaps you just can turn around, eh?
I'll see you at confession, my child.
Don't look at me like that. I know what you're gonna say.
No. No, I came here to lift your spirits, not to dampen them.
Who said my spirit needed lifting?
Alejandro, you are being a pig-headed fool.
Why don't you just tell Elena you were wrong.
She's the one who wanted me to live a lie.
To stop being myself.
As if California could live without me.
Wake up. I haven't had to ring that bell in three months.
- You should be rejoicing. - I am rejoicing!
All right. You cannot rot in this room forever.
A vineyard is opening tonight. You're coming to the party with me.
My whole life is a party. Thank you, no.
Be at the lobby at 8.
And don't bother coming to confession, because I'll never forgive you.
You'd blackmail my soul, eh?
Hell, yes.
Now...
...would anyone else like to interrupt my lecture...
...by asking to go to the bathroom?
No.
Who can tell me what this word means?
Joaquin?
Joaquin de la Vega!
Perhaps you can tell the class what statehood means to you.
No more exploitation of the peasants by the rich...
...who oppress us with a flaming poker of injustice.
And how exactly does a flaming poker fit into your little theory?
It fits...
...in your butt.
Now I will give you something to laugh about.
Come here.
No?
Joaquin! Joaquin! Joaquin!
Get back inside!
Joaquin.
So, what's with you, huh?
You're lucky Father Quintero didn't throw you out for good.
Stop making excuses. Why do you keep picking fights?
You don't understand. Sometimes you have to fight.
Oh, really? Says who?
Says him.
Listen, if Zorro were here, he'd tell you fighting isn't always the answer.
How do you know what he'd say?
Trust me, I know him a lot better than you think.
No, you don't. You never been in a fight in your life.
You didn't even fight to keep Mom.
I am your father, little man. Don't talk to me like that.
There's nothing on earth I wouldn't do for you or your mother. Understand?
Don Alejandro.
Guillermo.
- Blanca. - Hello.
Look at little Jos�. Poor thing.
He's as ugly as his mother.
Look at Joaquin. You're growing up so fast.
If business keeps up, we'll be able to pay you back sooner than we thought.
I told you, it was a gift. To celebrate your son's birth.
Hey, senor. That knife is only 2 dollars.
Well, I'll give you 500 for it.
And for that, I'll take the deed to your rancho, with the Lord's gratitude.
We've already told you, we'll never sell.
Family man like you might wanna keep his woman on a shorter leash.
They said they are not selling, sir.
Have we met before, sir?
I would remember a man with wooden teeth.
And I'd remember a Mex-breed dressed like a white man.
You think your pappy's gonna crow, little man? Or is he gonna cluck?
Leave him out of...
Senor, as a gentleman, I am obliged to teach my son to turn the o...
You mean that cheek?
Is everything all right, boys?
Respects to you, officer.
Respects, respects.
Think about my offer, or I'll be obliged to do the Lord's work.
Ten minutes, then I'm going.
Effervescent, yet tenacious.
I thought you were forbidden to drink. What the...?
I need at least one vice to keep in touch with sinners.
Whatever. Who owns this vineyard anyway?
A count recently in from France.
I'm told he purchased it from Don Gallo's widow.
French count, you say?
He's probably still in his parlor putting on makeup.
Or his perfume, perhaps.
Rumor has it they invented it to avoid bathing.
And you are...?
De la Vega. Alejandro de la Vega.
You're de la Vega.
What an honor. I've heard so much about you.
Really? From whom?
You know, I'd love to continue this conversation...
...but I'm wanted elsewhere. Please excuse me.
I just met the most charming fellow.
And who might that be?
Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome.
I still don't know why they call it a wine tasting.
After two glasses you can't taste anything.
Friends, Californians.
This vineyard represents what I hope will become an industry...
...that depends on the people for its success.
Involving them instead of exploiting them.
That's what America means to me.
The promise of a country by the people, for the people!
A country blessed with limitless beauty.
But none more stunning than my escort for the evening.
Ladies and gentlemen...
...Senora Elena de la Vega!
Well, I'm pooped. Come on, let's go.
Go?
I don't wanna go. I'm having so much fun.
Monsieur and Madame Lupon.
- Pleasure, madame. - Thank you.
Very nice to meet you.
- Alejandro. - Elena.
- Armand. - De la Vega.
- Count. - You know each other?
We shared a giggle at the buffet table.
It seems that's not all we have shared.
Allow me to defuse an awkward situation.
Elena has portrayed you as a man of impeccable character.
I am honored to be mentioned at all.
Why, I nearly forgot we were still married only three months ago.
A blessing on your vineyard, count.
Thank you for inviting us, but we have a Mass...
Don't be rude, Felipe. I'm just dying to know how the lovebirds met.
Another time. We have many guests to greet.
Armand, good evening.
Governor Riley. You honor us with your presence.
May I present my wife, Mary.
Your speech was incredibly moving, count.
I'm glad you're not running for office against my husband.
I wouldn't challenge the man who's going to lead California into the Union.
I fear there may not be much of a Union left to join, governor.
Everyone, may I introduce...
...Colonel R.S. Beauregard, of the 1st Alabama Infantry.
What brings you here, colonel?
The threat of civil war, my dear.
Once California joins the Union, the Confederate states'll be outnumbered.
My countrymen find that troubling.
All this talk of politics, you know how it bores me, Armand. Shall we dance?
Of course. Excuse us, gentlemen.
Ladies and gentlemen, the imperial quadrille.
Perhaps you shouldn't drink on an empty stomach.
Perhaps you should wear lipstick if you're gonna act like my mother.
Say the word and I'll escort you home.
- And leave your guests? - In a heartbeat.
I care for you too much to subject you to an evening of forced smiles, Elena.
You. You are the one not acting like yourself.
Since when do politics bore you?
Since when did you start caring what I think?
You.
If you wish, I'll have him escorted out.
I can handle him.
For the love of God, let's get out of this place.
I can handle her!
You must tell me how you met.
Years ago, in Spain. We were at finishing school together.
Oh, how nice. You were reunited so he could finish.
Don't force me to embarrass you.
Sorry, too late!
So tell me, count, what does your title rank among noblemen?
It is higher than, say, a duke?
Oh, it's rather common, actually. Much like a don.
Oh, he's a delight. Rich, good looking and royalty.
Is there anything I can say to make you leave?
You can fall to your knees and beg me to take you back.
I would not want to ruin my dress.
- Good. I'm enjoying single life. - Is that supposed to make me jealous?
- Does it? - Never!
Who's looking after Joaquin while his mother spends her nights out?
I have not spent my nights out. I haven't even told Joaquin!
Now, I think you should go!
- You know... - Let me go!
I finally understand why you left me.
It was beneath you to marry a peasant like me.
- You're drunk. - Your stepfather would be so proud...
...to see you take your rightful place on the arms of royalty!
- Keep your voice down! - Congratulations, Your Highness!
If you didn't know me better than that, then you never knew me at all.
No.
Thank you...
...for your hospitality, count.
Could you...? Could you...? Could you...?
Could you give me that back?
Hey, hey! Cut it out! You had enough.
Stinky...
Aren't you forgetting something, estupido?!
Count Armand...
...with his fancy wine and the froufrou accent.
How could Elena choose a man like that?
I'll make her want me back so badly, she will be weeping with desire.
Nobody leaves my tequila worm dangling in the wind!
Oh, my God.
Thank you.
God bless you, senor.
How kind of you.
I was trying to impress you.
If you truly want to impress me, invite me over for dinner tonight.
Cook me something sinful.
Why not dine at your hacienda? I'd really like to meet your son.
Please try and understand, Armand.
He's not ready for another man in my life just yet.
Of course. I understand.
What is it?
Oh, this hat. It's breathtaking.
Shall I purchase it for you?
On second thought, who needs another hat?
What I need is...
...a pipe!
- A pipe? - A pipe.
Like my father used to smoke.
I hope I do not repulse you with my unladylike habit.
No, no. On the contrary, you fascinate me.
Oh, there's a vendor.
Wait here, won't you?
What are you doing here?
When did you start smoking a pipe?
I don't smoke. I said that to get rid of him so I can get rid of you.
- I have to talk to you about last night. - I forgive you. Goodbye.
No, no, no, not that. After.
- I saw something in the forest. - What are you talking about?
Yes, what are you talking about?
An explosion. Close to your chateau, in fact.
Like nothing I have ever seen.
I simply wanted to make sure you were both safe.
As much as you had to drink last night, I'm sure your vision was impaired.
Yet somehow it's all becoming clear.
A word of advice, de la Vega:
If you have any respect for the relationship you shared with Elena...
...let it die with dignity.
I have to know I am losing her to a better man.
I can assure you of that.
All right, that is enough.
- Alejandro, time to go. - Elena, please.
Alejandro has come for peace of mind. I am obliged to give it to him.
Perhaps we can settle this like gentlemen.
You do play polo, I take it?
Doesn't everyone?
I suggest we play as they do in Slovenia.
- A fine city. - Country.
Naturally.
- May I offer you something to drink? - Double tequila, no salt.
Perhaps a game of croquet would be less hazardous to your health.
Did you drop something? Or you just resting?
You know, I think I like this game.
Promise me when you lose you will leave us alone.
What makes you think I will lose?
Woman's intuition.
To the victor go the spoils.
Now keep your promise and go.
You cheated, so I take it back.
Goodbye, Alejandro.
What do you really know about this man?
We were never meant to be together.
You don't love him.
After 10 years of marriage, you cannot hide the truth from me.
De la Cruz is the bartender who works at the saloon across the street.
He says he overheard McGivens gathering his men to go see Cortez.
Your father asked me to pick...
Cortez!
The deed, if you please.
- Bring it here. - No, Guillermo, don't!
Please, senor. This land is all we have.
And the Lord shall expel them before you...
...and ye shall possess their land!
Salvation...
...damnation.
Got one thing in common. You gotta die to find either one.
How true.
Drop your guns.
All of you!
Guillermo, Blanca, get in the house.
You are one blind Mexican. You don't know what you're getting yourself into.
Neither do you.
Shoot him!
Let him be!
- Come on! - Let's move!
Don't let them hurt you.
I won't. I promise.
Go on! Break it down!
Blanca.
No! Guillermo!
Guillermo! Guillermo.
Guillermo.
Guillermo, please talk to me.
Talk to me!
Please!
What are you trying to tell me, huh?
No matter what choice I make, it's always the wrong one!
I have failed everyone I ever loved.
My wife, my son and now the people too!
What do you want from me?!
Help me.
I have always listened to my heart.
And it speaks to me now of a great darkness.
I fear Guillermo Cortez was only the beginning...
...and that Elena is in great danger too.
So I beg you...
...give me the courage, the strength...
...to wear the mask a little longer.
Allow Zorro one last ride.
Come here.
She's going to the vineyard.
We can post men near the gate in case we have to pull her out.
If she's compromised, she's of no further use.
Consider her an acceptable loss.
Master, a word?
Please, excuse me a moment.
The shipment arrives at Maderas Cove.
The carving is beautiful.
And what is through that door?
Private chapel.
Piety is a long-standing tradition in my family.
I'd show it to you, but dinner's waiting.
That was absolutely delicious.
And now...
Oh, no, I'm sorry, Marie, I do not smoke.
Unless it is my pipe, of course.
Oh, you remembered. How thoughtful.
But I think I should let my stomach settle first.
Elena.
I want to ask you something.
Something I should've asked you many years ago.
Before you do, my love, answer me one question.
Whatever your heart desires.
Where is the bathroom? I would like to powder my cheeks.
Of course. Down the hall.
Excuse me.
Excuse me, sir. A gentleman is here to see you.
He says it's important.
He's building a track to the vineyard.
I presume you have the deed...
...since you deemed it necessary to interrupt my dinner.
Right here.
But it seems we have a fly in the ointment.
Or should I say a fox. Zorro.
I've heard the name among the locals.
He's a peasant masquerading as a folk hero.
Men like that usually find their way to the guillotine.