In order to save King Rudolph of Ruritania from assassins and murderous usurpers, the kingdom hires a look-a-like London cabby to impersonate the Monarch.
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Title: The Prisoner of Zenda (1979)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Peter Sellers | ... | Rudolf IV / Rudolf V / Syd Frewin | |
| Lynne Frederick | ... | Princess Flavia | |
| Lionel Jeffries | ... | General Sapt | |
| Elke Sommer | ... | The Countess | |
| Gregory Sierra | ... | The Count | |
| Jeremy Kemp | ... | Duke Michael | |
| Catherine Schell | ... | Antoinette | |
| Simon Williams | ... | Fritz | |
| Stuart Wilson | ... | Rupert of Hentzau | |
| Norman Rossington | ... | Bruno | |
| John Laurie | ... | Archbishop | |
| Graham Stark | ... | Erik | |
| Michael Balfour | ... | Luger | |
 |
Arthur Howard | ... | Deacon |
| Ian Abercrombie | ... | Johann | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Anthony Hope's classic tale gets a decidedly 'un-classic' treatment at the hands of Peter Sellers. Following the story somewhat, friends of the new King Rudolph of Ruritania fear for his life, and switch him with a look-a-like London cabby. Throw in two(!) lovely blondes, treachery, and a battle for life and honour, and enjoy life at its zaniest. Written by Derek Picken <dpicken@email.msn.com>
Plot Keywords:
slapstick comedy | doppelganger | parodical remake | sword fight | parody |Taglines:
Is the cabbie the King or is the King the cabbie ? Confusion reigns in Ruritania.Parents Guide:
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Duke Michael: Because you are conceited, arrogant, spineless, selfish, shallow, pity, pompous and pitiful!
Rudolf IV: But apart from that?
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Both this film's opening titles and promotional materials for this picture boasted both first and second top billing for actor Peter Sellers, with name-above-the-title poster artwork exclaiming: "Peter Sellers & Peter Sellers". This marketing gimmick (Sellers was famous for playing multiple roles in movies as he does in this film) still exists in the DVD era with the DVD sleeve cover reading "Starring Peter Sellers and Peter Sellers". See more »Goofs
As Peter Sellers and his entourage approach the city in this Ruritarian romantic adventure, a tank truck and two Volkswagens can be seen on the horizon. See more »Quotes
Rudolf IV: Michael, why do you hate me so?Duke Michael: Because you are conceited, arrogant, spineless, selfish, shallow, pity, pompous and pitiful!
Rudolf IV: But apart from that?
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
17 August 1979 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Der Gefangene von Zenda See more »Filming Locations:
Universal Studios Theme Park, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$12,500,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend USA:
$2,425,315, 28 May 1979Gross USA:
$7,650,600Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$7,650,600Company Credits
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This movie is only saved by the brilliant performance by Peter Sellers, the rest of the film are bad and repetitive jokes. Its a good film to see the genius of Sellers, but you'll have to suffer the movie.