Remember the ‘60s sci-fi series Lost in Space — and how many of us swooned over Major Don West, played by Mark Goddard, and/or Guy Williams, who portrayed John Robinson, head of the family?
Long before Zorro swung onto movie screens in flashy reboots (think Antonio Banderas, Douglas Fairbanks, George Hamilton, and more), the masked hero galloped through Southern California’s most historic backdrops — including the Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside.
Williams and June Lockhart in Lost in Space. (Photo via Wikipedia.org) 1967 publicity photo showing cast members from left to right: Angela Cartwright, Goddard, Marta Kristen, Bob May (Robot), Jonathan Harris, June Lockhart, Williams, and Billy Mumy. (Photo via Wikipedia.org)Three Episodes
While many locals may not realize it, three episodes of Disney’s beloved Zorro TV series from the late 1950s were filmed at the mission: Zorro Rides to the Mission, The Ghost of the Mission, and Zorro’s Secret Passage.
Symbolic and Dramatic
The choice of location wasn’t just cinematic — it was symbolic. With its expansive grounds, dramatic arches, and old-world charm, the Mission provided a picture-perfect stand-in for Spanish California.
According to Gwyn Grimes, executive director of Mission San Luis Rey, the filming left more than just memories.
“There are doors from the series that are still on display in our museum,” she said.
Visitors can also spot vintage photos from the production that offer a nostalgic look back at when Hollywood came calling.
While the black-and-white TV series may not be familiar to every guest, many are surprised to learn about its connection to the Mission.
“People often know the more recent Zorro films,” Grimes said, “but they’re intrigued when they find out the Mission appeared in the original series.”
Zorro wasn’t the only production to showcase the site’s timeless beauty. Other notable projects filmed at the Mission include the classic TV Western Have Gun – Will Travel (“A Miracle for St. Francis”), the 1988 war-time drama A Time of Destiny, and even an episode of The Twilight Zone titled “A Nice Place to Visit.”
The beautiful Mission San Luis Rey today. (Photo courtesy of Mission San Luis Rey)“There was also the TV series: Alfred Hitchcock Presents – The Diplomatic Corpse,” Grimes said of other filming at the Mission.
And while you won’t find masked vigilantes dueling in the courtyard today, the Mission continues to draw interest for its history, architecture, and — as it turns out — a bit of Hollywood magic.
As Grimes puts it, “We’re always happy to share our beautiful Mission with others — whether that’s guests, students, or a camera crew.”
For those who want to walk in Zorro’s footsteps, the Mission San Luis Rey welcomes visitors year-round. Just don’t forget to bring your imagination (cape optional).
Vistit here for hours and tours.
Williams as Zorro with Carlos Balá in a 1973 Argentine television show appearance (Photo via Wikipedia. org) American actor Guy Williams soon after arriving in Argentina. (Photo via Wikipedia. org) Williams and Henry Calvin during his second visit to Argentina in 1973. (Photo via Wikipedia.org)Sources:
Mission San Luis Rey Official Site
IMDb: Zorro (1957–1959)
Oceanside Historical Society
Atomic Redhead Blog
Debbie L. Sklar is a long-time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age visit here.
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