The Prisoner of Zenda1937
The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
The Prisoner of Zenda Photos
Movie Info
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Cast
as Rudolph/King Rudolf V
as Princess Flavia
as Rupert of Hentzau
as Antoinette de Mauban
as Col. Zapt
as Black Michael
as Detchard
as Fritz
as Cook
as Johann
as Kraftstein
as Bersonin
as De Gauiet
as Michael's Butler
as Lauengram
as Cardinal
as Marshal Strakencz
as Josef
as British Ambassador
as British Ambassador's Wife
as Master of Ceremonies
as Von Haugwitz, Lord High Chamberlain
as Bishop
as Orchestra Leader
as Passport Officer
as Duenna
as Porter
as Traveler
as Traveler
as Man
as Station Master
as Luggage Officer
as Station Attendant
as Guards at Lodge
as Guards at Lodge
Critic Reviews for The Prisoner of Zenda
All Critics (10) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (0)
This 1937 Selznick production, directed by John Cromwell, is very pleasing to me. [Full review in Spanish]
With elegant performances by Ronald Colman, Madeleine Carroll and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
This adaptation holds up really well, and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is terrific as the bad guy.
Nigh on to perfect swashbuckler.
Ronald Coleman is one of the greatest leading men in American cinema. High tea style acting mixed with an air of swashbuckling macho. Zenda is a treat.
As much fun as a swashbuckler could hope to be.
Audience Reviews for The Prisoner of Zenda
Ronald Colman leads a superb cast in the flashy O. Selznick swashbuckler about a Central European crown coup attempt momentarily thwarted by use of an imposter. But how long can the plucky charade play out? Anxious tension every step of the way, plus Douglas Fairbanks Jr., looking (and acting!) every bit like his father, plus a court romance, and a great dance set piece (in a ballroom of white marble!), spells 'classic' from the first frame until the triumphant ride off into the sunset. Did they really do "rides off into the sunset"? You betcha!
Super Reviewer
In the 1930's and 40's when you see Selznick's name on a film it was always top notch in every way. The acting, cinematography, costumes and set design are all A+. If you have seen Moon Over Parador then you know the plot of this film. The best thing about this film is the performance of Fairbanks Jr. There are multiple bad guys in this but he outshines them all , alot like Jeffery Wright in Shaft. A great swashbuckling film that is left open for a sequel that was too depressing of a book for Selznick to make.
Super Reviewer
"prisoner of zenda" is an original british swashbuckler with aristocraticly dashing ronald colman as the brave knight who defends the secred throne of a nation; madeleine carroll, the british rose, as the divine love interest; dandy douglas fairbanks jr. and raymond massey form a league of doublecrossing vallainy. the infatuation over this swashbucking tale has been remade four times in cinematic history. colman impersonates dual roles in this piece, the king to be throned and his identifical double who is merely an english man visiting outlandish nation. the king-to-be has been narcotized before the day he's about to be throned in consecration. so the loyal defenders of the king scheme to have the englishman as temporal substitute during his recovery. but the king's grudgy half brother covets the throne while his mischievous accomplice(fairbanks) drools over his mistress (mary astor). to add up the hardship, the englishman falls head over heels in love with the queen-to-be (carroll)...with all the conditions above, the price of honor and chivalric nobility appears precious. wouldn't that be the whole swashbuckler thing about? ronald colman has the elegant screen presence as well as his composed charisma in the aristocratic costumes, while madelein carroll luminates the scenes with her striking beauty in the utmost degree, particularly in the cross-staring in the annoitment scene. douglas fairbanks jr. has limited screen time but remain impressive with his naughty mannerism and rascal-alike grinning. "the prisoner of zenda" has every quintessential element of swashbuckler gendre except the consummation of romance since the queen-to-be selects her destined course of serving her royal house at the cost of her great one true love. the scene madelein bursts into an abrupt change of mind is sheer excellence of good acting. this is an aloof swashbuckler without the reward of his fair woman. perhaps tragic love emphasizes its gallantry for the ultimate swashbuckler without glorious compensation.
Super Reviewer
The Prisoner of Zenda Quotes
| Princess Flavia: | Holds her part well and really draws you in... |