The Prisoner of Zenda (1952)
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- Synopsis:
Rudolph Rassendyll (Stewart Granger) is a British tourist visiting the nation of Ruritania in the Balkans. A number of people comment upon Rassendyll's remarkable resemblance to Prince Rudolph, who in a matter of days is to be crowned the nation's new king, and the prince's staff even arranges a meeting between the two men. But Rupert (James Mason), Rudolph's devious brother, believes it is he who should be the king, and he arranges for Prince Rudolph to be poisoned the night before his coronation. Desperate, Rudolph's minders beg Rassendyll to participate in the ceremony in Rudolph's place so that Rupert cannot take the throne. Rassendyll agrees, and the ceremony goes off without a hitch, but when Rupert's men discover this subterfuge, they imprison the real Prince as they threaten to reveal the secret of the new "king". Rassendyll's dilemma is compounded when he finds himself falling in love with Princess Flavia (Deborah Kerr), Rudolph's intended... - Actors:
- Stewart Granger, Deborah Kerr, Louis Calhern, Jane Greer, Lewis Stone, Robert Douglas, Robert Coote, Peter Brocco, Francis Pierlot, James Mason, Jay Adler, Eric Alden, Guy Bellis, Emilie Cabanne, Mary Carroll, Kathleen Freeman, John Goldsworthy, William Hazel, Thomas Browne Henry, George J. Lewis
- Directors:
- Richard Thorpe
- Writers:
- John L. Balderston, Noel Langley
- Studio:
- Warner
- Genres:
- Action & Adventure, Classics, Drama
- Collections:
- A Brief History of Coronations on Screen, Getting to Know..., Getting to Know: James Mason, A Brief History of Film...
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Reviews (1) of The Prisoner of Zenda
Romantic Adventure. - The Prisoner of Zenda review by Steve
Lavish Technicolor copy of the 1937 classic, which is a success, but still disappoints because it just isn't as much fun. It reuses the same script, orchestral score and even camera setups... And Stewart Granger makes a fine adventure hero as Major Rudolph Rassendyll, formerly of the British army, thrust by chance into foreign intrigue. But unluckily...
In the earlier version, Ronald Colman gives the greatest ever performance in a romantic adventure. What this has to offer is colour and opulent set design. No-one messes with the famous story. The king in-waiting of a small middle European state is kidnapped on the day of his coronation; and his distant, but identical relative steps into the royal shoes on the big day.
Granger is capable in both roles and Deborah Kerr is ideal as the demure princess. James Mason is always a superior villain. But actually, I wouldn't swap anyone for the '37 cast. There is more acrobatic action and the climactic swordfight is well staged. Oddly for a romance, all versions are subversive because the conclusion is the royals shouldn't be ruling Ruritania.
Rassendyll is the natural leader. There is a subtle shift in tone between '37 and '52 when seen in historical context. The earlier film was produced in the aftermath of the abdication crisis. So the heroes are doing their duty. But the later was made during preliminaries for a coronation. And it feels more of a celebration. Though that could be the gorgeous Technicolor.