IMDb >
The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Prisoner of Zenda (1937) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 8 | slideshow) |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
3 September 1937 (USA) moreTagline:
The most thrilling swordfight ever filmed... morePlot:
An Englishman on a Ruritarian holiday must impersonate the king when the rightful monarch, a distant cousin, is drugged and kidnapped. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win moreUser Comments:
King for a day moreCast
(Complete credited cast)| Ronald Colman | ... | Maj. Rudolf Rassendyll / King Rudolf V | |
| Madeleine Carroll | ... | Princess Flavia | |
| C. Aubrey Smith | ... | Col. Zapt | |
| Raymond Massey | ... | Black Michael | |
| Mary Astor | ... | Antoinette de Mauban | |
| David Niven | ... | Capt. Fritz von Tarlenheim | |
| Douglas Fairbanks Jr. | ... | Rupert of Hentzau | |
| Montagu Love | ... | Detchard (as Montague Love) | |
| Wilhelm von Brincken | ... | Krafstein (as William von Brincken) | |
| Philip Sleeman | ... | Albert von Lauengram (a conspirator) | |
| Eleanor Wesselhoeft | ... | Frau Holf | |
| rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Arthur Byron | ... | (scenes deleted) | |
| Francis Ford | ... | (scenes deleted) | |
| Florence Roberts | ... | Duenna (scenes deleted) | |
| Margaret Tallichet | ... | (scenes deleted) | |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Add content advisory for parentsRuntime:
101 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 moreSound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)Filming Locations:
California, USAFun Stuff
Trivia:
The play made from the novel opened in London on 7 January 1896. moreGoofs:
Continuity: The sword fight in the castle of Zenda between Coleman and one of the king's guards appears to be with rapiers, however when the fight is picked up again in the outside room the rapiers have become sabers - necessary in order to cut the rope of the drawbridge. moreQuotes:
Rupert of Hentzau: Someone once called fidelity a fading woman's greatest defense and a charming woman's greatest hypocrisy. And you're very charming. And Michael's very busy and likely to be more so. moreSoundtrack:
Artist's Life, Op.316 moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)| Recent Posts (updated daily) | User |
|---|---|
| R Coleman | ksf-2 |
| DVD Release--March 6, 2007 | dnscal |
Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| The Prisoner of Zenda | The Prisoner of Zenda | Stardust | The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe | Gone with the Wind |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Adventure section | IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |









In "The Prisoner of Zenda", a British major impersonates a foreign king to save his station. The film starts as more of a drama film and makes a transition to action film near the end. It also features nice sets in the old Hollywood style and an appropriate score.
The film's cast delivers great performances. Ronald Colman is charming as Major Rudolf Rassendyll. Madeleine Carroll plays Princess Flavia, who is slated to marry the king. Colman and Carroll have chemistry together and nicely develop a relationship. C. Aubrey Smith is well-cast to play the part of Colonel Zapt, the king's loyal helper, and David Niven has a small role, also on the king's support staff. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. creates a memorable villain as the brazen and obnoxious but somewhat clever Rupert of Hentzau. Raymond Massey is decent as the other main villain, Michael, but not on par with Fairbanks.
The start of the movie develops the film's premise and then the characters. The film mostly has an interesting story and clever dialogue,but it does have some slower spots in the middle. However, the film makes a transition to an action-oriented approach near the end. This was appropriate and in particular there was one duel with some amusing banter that was a highlight of the action. The film culminates in a satisfactory conclusion and is overall worth seeing for its premise, characters, dialogue and action toward the end.