The Prisoner of Zenda

1937

Action / Adventure / Drama / Romance

8
Rotten Tomatoes Critics - Rotten 80% · 11 reviews
Rotten Tomatoes Audience - Upright 80% · 500 ratings
IMDb Rating 7.6/10 10 5389 5.4K

based on novel or book kingdom kidnapping coronation castle villain

Plot summary

A kingdom's ascending heir, marked for assassination, switches identities with a lookalike, who takes his place at the coronation. When the real king is kidnapped, his followers try to find him, while the stand-in falls in love with the king's intended bride, the beautiful Princess Flavia.

Director

John Cromwell Photo
John Cromwell

Top cast

Darryl Hickman Photo
Darryl Hickman as (uncredited)
D'Arcy Corrigan Photo
D'Arcy Corrigan as Traveler
Spencer Charters Photo
Spencer Charters as Railroad Porter
Raymond Massey Photo
Raymond Massey as Black Michael
480p.BluRay
889.31 MB
720*480
English 2.0
NR
Subtitles us  
23.976 fps
N/A
Seeds 9

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by thinker1691 7 / 10

" There is of course that other fellow who wants to be king "

This film is based on Anthony Hope's novel and directed by John Cromwell. Over the years, the story has been imitated with many versions. This Black and white offering is so well directed it plays as well in 1937 as in 2011. The lead is played most admirably by Ronald Colman who with his distinctive voice is both Major Rudolf Rassendyll and " The Prisoner of Zenda. " The plot is lead by Black Michael (Raymond Massey) who's facial features are suited for the part of a jealous villain. It is surprising however to see David Niven and Douglas Faitbanks Jr. on opposites sides, but each performs superbly even if Douglas does play a heavy. The inner story is that of a King who is slated for removal by duping the populace that because the king has been killed, Black Michael will assume the thrown in his absence. A later version will have Steward Granger in the title role and in color, but for me, Ronald Coleman will always be the Prisoner of Zenda in this Classic movie. Excellent rendition and highly recommended! ****
Reviewed by jaybob 9 / 10

I loved this movie at age 9, I still love this film at age 79

This was also my favorite novel as a child as well. It may have been the first major novel I read.David O. Selznick had recently left Metro-Goldwyn_Mayer to set up his own studio. This was one of his first productions as an Independent producer, In choosing Anthony Hope's novel, he made a very wise choice. His casting was even better, he only had the very best available cast at the time.The dashing Ronald Colman as both the King & his cousin. The very beautiful Madeline Carrol as the Princess Flavia. Raymond Massey as the diabolical (wrong side of the sheet) brother of the King.(you could not say bastard in movies or print back then..C.Aubrey Smith as the older loyal aide. The lovely Mary Astor as a Countess who helps. David Niven (this may have been his first major role) as a younger aide.He showed much promise of things to come. & last but not least. Douglas Fairbanks Jr, as the dastardly Rupert. I think he stole the film from both Colman & Massey.Each & ever one of them plus others were about flawless under John Cromwells fine , polished direction., The Sets were magnificent, so good in fact, they were used in the 1952 version) I will also have a review of this version. The Music was excellent written by Alfred Newnan,The screenplay was wriiten by (among others) Edward Rose, John Balderston,Donald Ogden Stewart Ben Hecht & Sidney Howard.This film was one of the more popular films of its day, Even today these many years later it comes across as a wonderful exciting film.This was filmed in glorious Black & White by James Wong Howe.Today the loves scenes seem a bit dated BUT back then actors in a clinch did not look at one another, the camera had to catch there faces. This tale took place prior to WW 1, I just wonder if people did so much smoking, thats a minor quibble.For a peek at a classic from the 1930's SEE THIS.Ratings ***1/2 (out of 4) 96 points (out of 100) IMDb 9 (out of 10)
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