Simply A Masterpiece

Instant Favorite.

Absolutely Fantastic

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Of course so many versions have been made, like 10 Little Indians" that everyone knows the story, now, but a fairly original idea when it first appeared.I don't know how anyone can not like Coleman. He was outstanding in everything he did.Fairbanks is great as well, I wish he would have done the sequel, Rupert of Henslau!I can imagine seeing this film in the theater as a boy, what an impact it would have made. I wish Hollywood would give up some of the special effects, and frenetic pacing of so many films today, that never take time to develop the storyline or the characters, but jump from scene to scene every 30 seconds. Anyway, Stewart Granger is no match for Coleman, see this version if you never have. It should be on anyone's top 100 films list!

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! ****

In the end of the Nineteenth Century, the Englishman Major Rudolf Rassendyll (Ronald Colman) travels to the Province of Zenda to spend a couple of days fishing at the Royal Game Preserve. He meets King Rudolf V (Ronald Colman), whose coronation will happen on the next day, riding with his loyal Colonel Zapt (C. Aubrey Smith) and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim (David Niven) and they all become astonished with the resemblance of Rassendyll and Rudolf V. They conclude that they might be distant cousins and the King invites the newcomer to drink wine in his castle. King Rudolf is an alcoholic and drinks too much; however, he is drugged by his brother Michael (Raymond Massey) and Rudolf V is no able to participate at the ceremony of coronation. Colonel Zapt and Captain Fritz asks Rassendyll to impersonate Rudolf V, otherwise his greedy brother would take his place and be crowned king. Rassendyll accepts to participate in the fraud but when he meets King's Rudolf V fiancée, the Princess Flavia (Madeleine Carroll) of the Royal House Court of Strelsau, the immediately fall in love for each other. Meanwhile, the evil and ambitious Rupert of Hentzau (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) abducts Rudolf V and brings him to the dungeons of his castle. However, Michael's mistress Antoinette de Mauban (Mary Astor) secretly summons Rassendyll to her Boulevard Elsberg and proposes to help him to rescue the King. In return, Michael would be exiled without any other additional punishment. Rassendyll accepts to risk his life trying to save Rudolf V, even knowing that his love with Princess Flavia would be affected by his action."The Prisoner of Zenda" is one of the most delightful classic adventures of cinema industry. The performances and the ironic and witty dialogs are awesome and unfortunately this type of film is innocent film that is hardly made by the studios. My vote is nine.Title (Brazil): "O Prisioneiro de Zenda" ("The Prisoner of Zenda")

Major disappointing swashbuckling romantic film with the great Ronald Colman playing 2 parts- a cousin who goes to Zenda to attend his cousin's coronation only to be involved when the monarch is kidnapped.Douglas Fairbanks plays the villain here who hatches the kidnap plot to help the evil half-brother, a sinister Raymond Massey usurp the throne. When Michael (Massey) finds Henzlau (Fairbanks) with his beloved Mary Astor, Masse is stabbed to death by Douglas.There are some good romantic scenes between the "Cousin" and Madeleine Carroll. Aubrey Smith, as a confidant to the king, provides an excellent supporting role.The film itself is quite drab at best. How Astor could truly love the sinister Michael is beyond belief.