The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

An Englishman on a Ruritarian holiday must impersonate the king when the rightful monarch, a distant cousin, is drugged and kidnapped.

Directors:

John Cromwell, W.S. Van Dyke (uncredited)

Writers:

Anthony Hope (celebrated novel), John L. Balderston (screen play)

Stars:

Ronald Colman, Madeleine Carroll, C. Aubrey Smith

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Ronald Colman	...	Major Rudolf Rassendyll / The Prisoner of Zenda
Madeleine Carroll	...	Princess Flavia
C. Aubrey Smith	...	Colonel Zapt
Raymond Massey	...	Black Michael
Mary Astor	...	Antoinette de Mauban
David Niven	...	Fritz von Tarlenheim
Douglas Fairbanks Jr.	...	Rupert of Hentzau
Montagu Love	...	Detchard
Philip Sleeman	...	Albert von Lauengram
Eleanor Wesselhoeft	...	Frau Holf - Cook
Florence Roberts	...	Duenna (scenes deleted)
Torben Meyer	...	Max - Butler
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Arthur Byron	...	(scenes deleted)
Francis Ford	...	(scenes deleted)
Margaret Tallichet	...	(scenes deleted)

Storyline

This is a classic swashbuckler. Rudolph Rassendyll, Rudolf V's identical distant cousin, is asked to risk his life and impersonate the would-be king when his relative is kidnapped before his impending coronation. If Rudolf V isn't present at the ceremony, he will forfeit the crown to his older half-brother. Complications ensue when Princess Flavia, the king's cousin and betrothed, begins to notice a "personality change" in her fiancé.

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Plot Keywords:

princess | coronation | ruritania | royal court | self sacrifice | 

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Taglines:

The most thrilling swordfight ever filmed...

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Genres:

Adventure | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 September 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der Gefangene von Zenda

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,250,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Selznick International Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Noiseless Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

In a 1936 MGM campaign book, this film was announced as a vehicle for William Powell and Myrna Loy.

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Goofs

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.

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Quotes

King: Well, what are you doing here, cousin?
Rudolph Rassendyll: I must admit, Sire, that I may have been guilty of somewhat the same offense as our mutual ancestor.
King: Such as what?
Rudolph Rassendyll: Fishing in forbidden waters.

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Connections

Referenced in Keijô (1940)

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Soundtracks

Hail the Conquering Hero
(uncredited)
By George Frideric Handel
[Played at the "king's" entry into the cathedral]

User Reviews

Timeless Adventure/Love Story Told in the Grand Tradition

If I were to be left on a deserted island and had but one film to watch while I passed the time of day, "Prisoner of Zenda" would be that movie.

Of course it is not perfect. Some of the dialog and scenes seem dated by today's more cynical standards, and perhaps the characters lack the complexity seen in more contemporary films.

But I know of no other movie that tells its rousing story with such dash and style, while at the same time glorifying nobility of character, loyalty, honor, decency, tradition and self-sacrifice. Altogether, this is the film that shows the Old Hollywood skill of story telling at its very best, and leaves you feeling better for the opportunity to watch the great adventure and romance unfold before your very eyes.

Ronald Colman is virtually unknown today----and his presentation of the gentleman hero is decidedly old fashioned. But you believed in him and the innate integrity he brought to all his characterizations. Madeleine Carroll is a classic blond beauty perfectly cast as the princess destined to marry a king but who gives her heart to his look alike commoner cousin.

The rest of the stellar cast is outstanding. Many have pointed out how Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. as Rupert of Hentzau stole the picture as the charming villain, and they may well be right. Too bad that he got so few opportunities to show the full range of his acting ability. This is probably his best role.

Many---perhaps most of the values demonstrated in "Prisoner of Zenda" may appear rather quaint to us today. This is not because they are irrelevant. Our present society has significantly lowered the bar for what constitutes good behavior and more readily accepts and forgives what amounts to bad behavior. So-----be transported in time to a world where chivalry was still in style and honor was a virtue to be cherished. You will not be disappointed!

This is one of the truly great films to come out of the Golden Age of Hollywood.