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The steady early morning rain did not keep the crowds
away from Ezeiza Airport. Excited kids and their smiling
parents arrived early to pick the best spots to see "El
Zorro". It was Sunday, April 1st,
1973. He was coming to Argentina and he was coming today. |
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The flight from Los Angeles to Buenos Aires is demanding. Traveling for more than fifteen hours and crossing four time
zones, Guy Williams was no doubt tired and admittedly
hungry. Guy had no idea what to expect when his plane
touched down in Buenos Aires at 9:30 am that Sunday morning.
Would they remember him? Did they embrace his portrayal of
El Zorro? |
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Guy Williams grew a moustache for the visit and wore Zorro’s classic
black hat as he descended from the plane just in case he was not
recognize. Little did he realize that not only did the people of
Argentina recognize Guy Williams, they adored him. What was to follow
was an overwhelming display of Argentine affection that touched the
heart of El Zorro. |
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(Courtesy of
Hernán Otero) |
The crowd wildly cheered Guy Williams as he came into view. As soon
as he left the Customs office, scores of children rushed to meet
their hero, seeking his autograph. Some even tried to kiss the
delighted North American actor. Guy was so moved that he asked his
host, "Is it possible that I am so popular here in Argentina?" |
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Guy’s Argentine host smiled and nodded his head yes. Today the
crowd at the airport was exceptionally large. As fate would have it,
Guy’s arrival coincided with the arrival of the newly elected
Argentine president, Hector Campora who was returning from Europe.
Ezeiza Airport was alive with activity, filled with ecstatic kids,
amused parents and enthusiastic ‘politicos’. For a short time El
Zorro even upstaged the President-elect. As they waved Argentine
flags the ‘Peronistas’ warmly greeted Guy and began to loudly chant,
“Peron and El Zorro – A Single Heart!” Everyone seemed delighted to
have Guy in Argentina. |
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In Ezeiza Airport El Zorro gives three young fans a treasured
autograph. |
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El Zorro was brought to the country by Channel 13, an Argentine
television station showing the enormously popular Walt Disney Zorro
series. After touring the city Guy was captivated by the city of
Buenos Aires. He told reporters that he considered himself an
accomplished traveler having visited many cities throughout the
world. Even though the country was highly recommended, he was
pleasantly surprised by the allure of Argentina and Buenos Aires.
The city, he said, has the magic of Europe, the charm of many US
cities and the personality of a South American locality. Guy found
this unique blend of cultures and sophistication hard to resist. |
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After one week Guy left Argentina to return to the States, but on
the way back he scheduled a visit to Peru. Always the curious world
traveler, Guy wanted to visit the famous ruins of Machu Picchu. |
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Dear Readers,
Each picture on this page has been digitally enhanced and
encrypted
for identification of origin and discovery.
All rights are reserved. |
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