Review of Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

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'The Prisoner of Zenda' is one of the most fondly-remembered films of the '30s, and for good reason! It offers Ronald Colman, one of Hollywood's most beloved British stars, in the dual role of Rudolf, crown prince of a small European kingdom, and Rudolf Rassendyll, his look-alike British cousin, end product of a brief affair of an ancestor (as the Englishman puts it, "Fishing in forbidden waters!"); the radiant Madeleine Carroll, best-known as Robert Donat's leading lady in Hitchcock's classic 'The 39 Steps', as the royal betrothed, who falls in love with the pretender; Raymond Massey, Canadian star of H.G. Wells' SF masterpiece, 'Things to Come' (and, 3 years later, the quintessential Abraham Lincoln on stage and in film!), as Black Michael, Rudolf's scheming half-brother; and, best of all, a youthful Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., son of silent Hollywood's greatest swashbuckler (and a pretty fair swashbuckler, himself!), as the suavely villainous ally of Michael.

The story is simple, and has been done many times before, but never with such elan; drugged monarch-to-be must be impersonated by look-alike for coronation, lest kingdom fall into hands of evil half-brother. In the hands of this PERFECT cast (with terrific support by C. Aubrey Smith, a young David Niven, and Mary Astor) the tale becomes a stylish tale of love, intrigue, and derring-do! High points include an astonishingly beautiful Royal Ball, where Colman and Carroll reveal their love; a very funny yet menacing meeting between Colman and Fairbanks, as they discuss the real King's potential fate; and best of all, a MAGNIFICENT climactic swordfight between the pair, as they lunge and parry furiously through the halls of a castle, while exchanging quips and one-liners!

This is swashbuckling at it's finest, and is a MUST for any adventure fan's collection! If you are unfamiliar with Ronald Colman's work, you're in for a treat! Don't miss it!

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The 30s and 40s were they heyday of the swashbuckler and The Prisoner of Zenda is certainly one of the finest. It combines the action, the intrigue and the melodrama that makes a swashbuckler so irresistable.

Based on the short novel by Anthony Hope, The Prisoner of Zenda is the tale of an Englishman (Ronald Colman) who discovers that he resembles his distant cousin, the heir to the throne of Ruritania, a small eastern European kingdom. The plot is of course very familiar, the use of look alikes as a plot device is older than the hills. But, in both the book and the movie, the plot is handled in such a jaunty manner that it is thoroughly charming.

Though slightly older than the character in the book, Ronald Colman as Rudolph Rasendyll brings a worold weary charm. He is an ordinary man thrust into extraordinary circumstances. Colman is also good as the drunked heir to the throne though this character does not receive nearly as much screentime.

Madeleine Carroll is a lovely leading lady. Raymond Massey plays a plotting villain. Mary Astor is marvelous as the woman scorned. A young David Niven is one of Colman's earnest friends.

But the movie belongs to someone who was a minor villain in the book. (Though the full fledged heavy in the sequel) Rupert of Hentzau, the flashy, wild and wicked right hand man to Massey's evil Duke Michael. Douglas Fairbanks Jr. was generally cast as the boyish hero, as Rupert he is still boyish but in a rather twisted way. While he works for Michael, he is still in it for himself. He wants Michael's position, Michael's lands and Michael's girlfriend. (Mary Astor who, ironically, was the leading lady in Son of Zorro starring Douglas Fairbanks Sr.)

The movie is for the most part faithful to the book, it's main departure is in making the final duel between Rasendyll and Rupert. In the book, Rupert was one of six henchman and Rasendyll battled and English rogue. I must say, putting Rupert in the spotlight was a very good choice.

It's not giving anything away to say that the final duel is just marvelous. As he was in the book, Rasendyll is no master swordsman. He gets by, but he is forced to cheat (throw furniture, etc.) in order to survive against Rupert. There is the expected banter between the antogonists and several close calls. Perfect display of 30s showmanship, right on par with The Adventures of Robin Hood and Captain Blood.

In short, this is the definative version of the classic. It is certainly not perfect but it is so enjoyable that any minor flaws are smoothed away. If nothing else, see it for Fairbanks's delightful acting and the great golden age sets and costumes. A swashbuckling fan's delight!

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An old "Variety" review described this 1937 classic as "24 carat hokum". That it is, with the emphasis on the 24 carats. The plot revolves around Ronald Colman, an Englishman on a hunting vacation in an eponymous Eastern European country. The about to be crowned king vanishes and Colman is persuaded to take his place until the true monarch can be rescued. (It's the missing King who is the "prisoner" of Zenda). The acting is outstanding all around, particularly by Madeleine Carroll in the role of the lovely young handpicked Queen with a strong sense of duty. An august C. Aubrey Smith and an astonishingly young David Niven ably play the good guys. The roles of bad guys are equally well portrayed by Raymond Massey and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. The latter is actually a semi-likeable villain. A key character is that of Mary Astor but this reviewer won't divulge her actions. Viewers should watch her closely! The final scene with Smith, Niven and Colman is an absolute classic with a dashing fadeout. We all know they don't make movies like this anymore. Where could present day Hollywood find a cast of this quality and stature?

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This movie has passed the test of time and fashion. My grandparents saw it long before I was born and yet re-run after re-fun, generation after generation, it still supplies on the edge of the seat action from beginning to end. Giving a lasting thrill to the heart and soul, without bad language or nude bodies that is hard to forget. Adventure packed with complete top marks viewing that wouldn't embarrass you to watch with your mother or your children. This movie doesn't need our 2001 technology to carry it or the unique style of filled with energy and life acting that makes you want to be Douglas Fairbanks Junior sword fencing his way to victory over evil. Superb viewing by anyones definition of family entertainment. Old style craftmanship and moral chivalry that should never in our modern world be allowed to die. It depicts what life is all about. Love, honour, duty, personal and social moral respect for one another that is sadly lacking in our modern times. Comes highly recommended across the families of the ages and I'd say, they can't all be be wrong. Dare to live the adventure time after time. This movies impact never wares out.

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This is the only one and true version of this timeless classic. It takes you back when "Politics had not yet outgrown the waltz". Ronald Colman is outstanding in a dual role as both Rudolf Rassendyll and King Rudolf. He should have received the Academy Award for this excellent performance. Colman plays the role which such charm and flair. It is a perfect portrayal of a King. The supporting cast is awesome: Madeleine Carroll as Princess Flavia, the most beautiful princess I've ever seen on screen. David Niven as Capt. Fritz Von Talinheim and C. Aubrey Smith as the faithful Col. Zapt, loyal officers of the King. Raymond Massey as Prince Michael, the evil half brother of the King and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. as Count Rupert, Prince Michael's henchman. The Coronation and Royal Ball scenes are breathtaking! And the classic sword fight between Colman and Fairbanks is exciting to say the least! Such a classic treasure of film making. I highly recommend this classic film. You'll want to see it over and over again!