THE COUNTERFEIT QUEEN

Director: Peter Ellis
Writer: Gillian Horvath

Regular cast:  
Tessie Santiago: Tessa Alvarado/Queen of Swords
Paulina Gálvez: Marta
Valentine Pelka: Col. Luis Ramirez Montoya
Anthony Lemke: Capt. Marcus Grisham
Elsa Pataky: Vera Hidalgo

Guest cast:
Elizabeth Gracen: Carlotta
Richard Clifford: Viceroy
Steve Emerson: Padre Quinterra
Irene González: Pira

Montoya and Grisham are hunting when they hear shots. A woman who appears to be the Queen is robbing the Monterey stage carrying the pueblo payroll. Montoya and his men arrive at the scene and give chase. After a brief fight the “queen” is captured and unmasked – but who is this stranger? Montoya quickly realizes this woman is not the Queen but an imposter.

Taking advantage of his opportunity, Montoya keeps the “queen’s” capture secret, pockets the gold and spreads the news that the Queen has “turned against her people.” Tessa and Marta go to the robbery site and find evidence that Montoya has captured the imposter.

The situation is complicated by the arrival of the new Viceroy – a vain, corrupt official. Montoya plots with Carlotta to further damage the Queen’s reputation in an attempt to impress the Viceroy. That Carlotta will be captured/killed in the process is unfortunate.

© 2001 Gail Allan