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IMDbPro

The Prisoner of Zenda

  • 19371937
  • ApprovedApproved
  • 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
4.6K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
18,370
9,725
The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
AdventureDramaRomance
An Englishman on a Ruritarian holiday must impersonate the king when the rightful monarch, a distant cousin, is drugged and kidnapped.An Englishman on a Ruritarian holiday must impersonate the king when the rightful monarch, a distant cousin, is drugged and kidnapped.An Englishman on a Ruritarian holiday must impersonate the king when the rightful monarch, a distant cousin, is drugged and kidnapped.
IMDb RATING
7.6/10
4.6K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
18,370
9,725
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Directors
      • John Cromwell
      • W.S. Van Dyke(reshoots)
    • Writers
      • Anthony Hope(celebrated novel)
      • John L. Balderston(screen play)
      • Edward E. Rose(dramatization)
    • Stars
      • Ronald Colman
      • Madeleine Carroll
      • C. Aubrey Smith
    Top credits
    • Directors
      • John Cromwell
      • W.S. Van Dyke(reshoots)
    • Writers
      • Anthony Hope(celebrated novel)
      • John L. Balderston(screen play)
      • Edward E. Rose(dramatization)
    • Stars
      • Ronald Colman
      • Madeleine Carroll
      • C. Aubrey Smith
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 61User reviews
    • 13Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
    • Nominated for 2 Oscars
      • 1 win & 3 nominations total

    Photos37

    Madeleine Carroll and Ronald Colman in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    Ronald Colman in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    Madeleine Carroll and Ronald Colman in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    David Niven, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Ronald Colman, and C. Aubrey Smith in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    Madeleine Carroll and Ronald Colman in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    1 sheet
    The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    Deborah Kerr, James Mason, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Stewart Granger, Madeleine Carroll, Ronald Colman, and Jane Greer in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    Madeleine Carroll and Ronald Colman in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    Mary Astor, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Raymond Massey in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
    David Niven, Ronald Colman, and Byron Foulger in The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Ronald Colman
    Ronald Colman
    • Major Rudolf Rassendyll…
    Madeleine Carroll
    Madeleine Carroll
    • Princess Flavia
    C. Aubrey Smith
    C. Aubrey Smith
    • Colonel Zapt
    Raymond Massey
    Raymond Massey
    • Black Michael
    Mary Astor
    Mary Astor
    • Antoinette de Mauban
    David Niven
    David Niven
    • Fritz von Tarlenheim
    Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
    Douglas Fairbanks Jr.
    • Rupert of Hentzau
    Montagu Love
    Montagu Love
    • Detchard
    Philip Sleeman
    Philip Sleeman
    • Albert von Lauengram
    Eleanor Wesselhoeft
    • Frau Holf - Cook
    Florence Roberts
    Florence Roberts
    • Duenna
    • (scenes deleted)
    Torben Meyer
    Torben Meyer
    • Max - Butler
    Arthur Byron
    Arthur Byron
      Francis Ford
      Francis Ford
        Margaret Tallichet
        Margaret Tallichet
          Wilhelm von Brincken
          Wilhelm von Brincken
          • Krafstein
          Evelyn Beresford
          Evelyn Beresford
          • Lady Topham
          • (uncredited)
          Ricardo Lord Cezon
          • Little Boy
          • (uncredited)
          • Directors
            • John Cromwell
            • W.S. Van Dyke(reshoots) (uncredited)
          • Writers
            • Anthony Hope(celebrated novel)
            • John L. Balderston(screen play)
            • Edward E. Rose(dramatization)
          • All cast & crew
          • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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          Storyline

          Edit

          Did you know

          Edit
          • Trivia
            Douglas Fairbanks Jr. initially wanted the double role for himself and actually tested for it. He was devastated when it was awarded to Ronald Colman. Instead he was offered the part of "Rupert of Hentzau" and, according to David O. Selznick, "Nobody else stood a chance!" His father, Douglas Fairbanks Sr., convinced his son that it was a blessing in disguise, as it was the best part in the piece, and advised him on billing and costume.
          • Goofs
            Rudolph's hairstyle changes when he is on the terrace with Flavia. In the brief dialogue with Zapt, his hair is longer and swept back. Presumably this part of the scene had to be re-shot a few weeks later.
          • Quotes

            Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim: Fate doesn't always make the right men kings.

          • Connections
            Featured in Hollywood and the Stars: The Swashbucklers (1964)
          • Soundtracks
            Artist's Life, Op.316
            (1867) (uncredited)

            Written by Johann Strauss

            Played at the ball

            Danced to by Ronald Colman and Madeleine Carroll

          User reviews61

          Review
          Review
          Top review
          7/10
          " There is of course that other fellow who wants to be king "
          This film is based on Anthony Hope's novel and directed by John Cromwell. Over the years, the story has been imitated with many versions. This Black and white offering is so well directed it plays as well in 1937 as in 2011. The lead is played most admirably by Ronald Colman who with his distinctive voice is both Major Rudolf Rassendyll and " The Prisoner of Zenda. " The plot is lead by Black Michael (Raymond Massey) who's facial features are suited for the part of a jealous villain. It is surprising however to see David Niven and Douglas Faitbanks Jr. on opposites sides, but each performs superbly even if Douglas does play a heavy. The inner story is that of a King who is slated for removal by duping the populace that because the king has been killed, Black Michael will assume the thrown in his absence. A later version will have Steward Granger in the title role and in color, but for me, Ronald Coleman will always be the Prisoner of Zenda in this Classic movie. Excellent rendition and highly recommended! ****
          helpful•7
          0
          • thinker1691
          • Jun 26, 2011

          FAQ5

          • What is The Prisoner of Zenda' about?
          • Is 'The Prisoner of Zenda' based on a book?
          • Are Rudolf V and Rudolf Rassendyll related to each other?

          Details

          Edit
          • Release date
            • September 3, 1937 (United States)
          • Country of origin
            • United States
          • Language
            • English
          • Also known as
            • Jetnik na dvorcu Zenda
          • Filming locations
            • California, USA
          • Production company
            • Selznick International Pictures
          • See more company credits at IMDbPro

          Box office

          Edit
          • Budget
            • $1,250,000 (estimated)
          See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

          Technical specs

          Edit
          • Runtime
            1 hour 41 minutes
          • Color
            • Black and White
          • Aspect ratio
            • 1.37 : 1

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