IMDb RATING
7.6/10
5.1K
YOUR RATING
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.
- Nominated for 2 Oscars
- 1 win & 3 nominations total
Evelyn Beresford
- Lady Topham
- (uncredited)
Ricardo Lord Cezon
- Little Boy
- (uncredited)
Spencer Charters
- Railroad Porter
- (uncredited)
D'Arcy Corrigan
- Traveler
- (uncredited)
Alexander D'Arcy
- De Gautet
- (uncredited)
Ralph Faulkner
- Bersonin
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaDouglas 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.
- GoofsPrincess Flavia gives Rassendyll a red rose in the garden. As it lies on a book a little while later, it is white.
- Quotes
Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim: Fate doesn't always make the right men kings.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Hollywood and the Stars: The Swashbucklers (1964)
- SoundtracksArtist's Life, Op. 316
(uncredited)
Composed by Johann Strauss
[The piece to which Rudolph and Flavia dance at the ball]
Featured review
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.
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.
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- Jetnik na dvorcu Zenda
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,250,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 41 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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