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The Prisoner of Zenda (1979)

PG | | Adventure, Comedy | 17 August 1979 (USA)
The Prisoner of Zenda Poster
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 ... See full summary »

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(screenplay), (screenplay) | 2 more credits »

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, , | See full cast & crew »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
... Rudolf IV / Rudolf V / Syd Frewin
... Princess Flavia
... General Sapt
... The Countess
... The Count
... Duke Michael
... Antoinette
... Fritz
... Rupert of Hentzau
... Bruno
... Archbishop
... Erik
Michael Balfour ... Luger
Arthur Howard ... Deacon
... Johann
See full cast »
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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 Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

slapstick comedy | doppelganger | parodical remake | sword fight | parody | See All (10) »

Genres:

Adventure | Comedy

Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

17 August 1979 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Der Gefangene von Zenda  »

Filming Locations:

 »
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Box Office

Budget:

$12,500,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,425,315, 28 May 1979, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$2,425,315, 28 May 1979
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show more on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

| (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

(Westrex Recording System)

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Production of the movie was frequently tense due to Peter Sellers behavior. In between takes, Sellers was often ill tempered, and his wife, Lynne Frederick, was constantly seen trying to calm him down. There was one occasion where Sellers was so angry that he lashed out at Frederick so violently that she wept uncontrollably. 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?
See more »

Connections

Spoofs The Prisoner of Zenda (1922) See more »

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User Reviews

 
Not as bad as some people say - but should have been tons better!
8 July 2005 | by – See all my reviews

This is a very lavish looking, picturesque romp that should have been a sure fire hit. "Porridge" scriptwriters Dick Clement and Ian Le Frenais were the men responsible for turning the classic Anthony Hope into a comedy, which shouldn't have been too difficult bearing in mind the ridiculous scenario linked to the main story. However, this scenario is all they went for, and any characterisation or satirical touches are abandoned and a lot of cartoonish setups such as Gregory Sierra's role and also other segments such as the explosive bowls game and the early scene in the restaurant replace any serious comedy. Therefore, in his dwindling health and sorrowful state, Sellers looks a bit out of place amongst the diving into the water routines and the jumping of a tall castle stints. It is very similar to his Fu Manchu experience two years later (when he also played two roles) in that he's still putting the work in but to little effect. The film is a reminder of his earlier years and really backfires as a poor man's Pink Panther. However, he still proves that he can act (which is a lot more than most actors these days) despite the poor material and backed by a host of regular artists such as Catherine Schell, Elke Sommer (both stars of Pink Pantherfs), Graham Stark, John Laurie, Jeremy Kemp (who had starred in Sellers' The Blockhouse in 1972) - it should have been better considering the quality of Sellers' other films at the time, but it does fall very flat.
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