The Prisoner of Zenda
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Edwin S. Porter
James K. Hackett
Beatrice Beckly
David Torrence
Frazer Coulter
C. R. Randall
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
The evil Duke "Black" Michael, mad with jealousy over the engagement of his cousin, the intemperate King Rudolf of Ruritania, to the beautiful Princess Flavia, plots to prevent the King's coronation and secure both the throne and the Princess for himself. Having invited the King to his hunting lodge at Zenda, Black Michael renders his cousin senseless with a bottle of drugged wine, but Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlenheim save the day by convincing the King's English relative, Rudolf Rassendyll, to impersonate the monarch. Although Rudolf bears an astonishing resemblance to the King, Princess Flavia recognizes the deception immediately and soon falls in love with the charming impostor. Following the coronation, the conscience-stricken Rudolf journeys to Zenda, where, after fighting with the treacherous Rupert of Hentzau, he frees the King and then prepares to depart for London. Rupert murders Black Michael, after which Flavia bids farewell to the man she loves and loyally marries the King.
Director
Edwin S. Porter
Cast
James K. Hackett
Beatrice Beckly
David Torrence
Frazer Coulter
C. R. Randall
Walter Hale
Mina Gale Haines
Tom Callahan
Frank Shannon
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
A copy of this film survives at Eastman House in Rochester, New York.
Notes
Edward E. Rice wrote a play of the same title based on Hawkins' novel and first produced by Daniel Frohman on September 4, 1895. James K. Hackett appeared in the play beginning February 10, 1896 in the dual role that he recreated in the 1913 film. Modern sources credit Hugh Ford as the scenarist and co-director of the film. Walter Hale May actually have been Alan Hale, and C. R. Randall May have been William R. Randall. Beatrice Beckly was married to James K. Hackett. The Prisoner of Zenda was re-made in 1922 by Rex Ingram for Metro, starring Lewis Stone (see AFI Catalog of Feature Films, 1921-30; F2.4356), and in 1937 by David O. Selznick, directed by John Cromwell and starring Ronald Colman. M-G-M made a version directed by Richard Thorpe in 1952 starring Stewart Granger, and Richard Quine directed a comic version starring Peter Sellers in 1979.
