On This Day Nov 27, 1920, cinematic history was made with the premiere of “The Mark of Zorro” in New York. Directed by Fred Niblo and starring Douglas Fairbanks, this silent film is recognized as the first American superhero film.
Douglas Fairbanks’s portrayal of the masked hero Zorro laid the foundation for the swashbuckling, heroic characters that would become a staple of American cinema. “The Mark of Zorro” not only captivated audiences with its adventurous storyline and thrilling stunts but also left an enduring legacy in the superhero genre, setting the stage for the emergence of iconic characters in the years to come.
