The masked swordsman Zorro, a secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega, fights against the corrupt rulers of Spanish California. While pretending to be a bookish fop, Diego keeps his true identity hidden from everyone except his servant Felipe. Zorro's archenemy is the Alcalde, who represents the distant Spanish government in Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Victoria Escalante, the owner of a cantina and a strong-willed woman, serves as Zorro's love interest.
Victoria is accused of murdering a guest at her tavern.