When the king is drugged and abducted by his ambitious brother, a lookalike relative must take his place to keep the evil sibling off the throne.When the king is drugged and abducted by his ambitious brother, a lookalike relative must take his place to keep the evil sibling off the throne.When the king is drugged and abducted by his ambitious brother, a lookalike relative must take his place to keep the evil sibling off the throne.
- Awards
- 1 win
Ramon Novarro
- Rupert of Hentzau
- (as Ramon Samaniegos)
Fairfax Burger
- Bersonin
- (as Fairfax Burgher)
S.E. Jennings
- De Gautet
- (as Al Jennings)
Ted Billings
- Train Passenger Eating Banana
- (uncredited)
Carrie Daumery
- Lady-in-Waiting
- (uncredited)
Bynunsky Hyman
- Coronation Parade Spectator
- (uncredited)
Eric Mayne
- Lord Burlesdon - Rudolf's Brother
- (uncredited)
Lon Poff
- Archbishop
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- Anthony Hope(uncredited)
- Mary O'Hara
- Edward E. Rose(uncredited)
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaA few days before shooting was to start, director Rex Ingram realized that Metro had forgotten to order costumes for Lewis Stone. The desperate director frantically phoned Stone and asked if he still had the costumes from the stage version. Luckily the actor had them stored in his attic.
- GoofsDuring the climactic fight scene, a stool is kicked over twice.
- Quotes
[intertitles]
Rudolf Rassendyll: While you're unhung, Hentzau, hell lacks its master!
- Alternate versionsThe Turner library print is a re-release of the original version, with an uncredited piano music score and a running time of 113 minutes. Its opening credits were changed to list Ramon Novarro first, as he was then very popular, and also uses the name he is now known by. Also credited onscreen was John George and Snitz Edwards.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Cinéman (2009)
- SoundtracksZenda
Music and Lyrics by Louis Breau and Ernst Luz
Featured review
An early version of a great story--but not the earliest.
"The Prisoner of Zenda" has been filmed about a dozen times...more of less. It's a VERY familiar story to anyone who loves old films. When I heard about this 1922 version coming on Turner Classic Movies, I at first thought it was the original one, though it turns out there was an even earlier version in 1913! Regardless, I was thrilled to finally see a silent version of a story I have long loved. So is this one as wonderful at the 1937 Ronald Colman version? Well, not exactly--but it sure was close.
Another surprise about this one is that is starred Lewis Stone--a guy I'd hardly think of as an action hero! This is the bald Judge Hardy...playing a handsome king! Looking at Stone's hair in the film, I assume he was wearing a wig, as he had A LOT of hair! But he was also quite good in the dual roles of King Rupert as well as his English cousin. Oddly, however, while Stone clearly is THE leading man, Ramon Navarro got top billing--which makes little sense as he's a relatively minor character. No, this is definitely Stone's film.
As far as the plot goes, it's pretty much the familiar story. The new king, Rudolf, is about to be crowned leader of Ruritania. However, his evil but popular brother, Michael, has plans of usurping the throne. First, he drugs Rudolf so he cannot attend the coronation. BUT, coincidentally, a distant cousin is at hand and poses as the king. However, this won't deter Michael, as he's discovered the real king and has taken him prisoner. So, you KNOW another attempt will soon be made on the pretend king's life. Can the evil Michael and his nasty henchmen be defeated? This is a lovingly made silent--with terrific sets and wonderful acting. I particularly loved the king's beloved #1 man--he had such wonderful and soulful eyes. And something unique to the film I really liked--the deadly river and how it plays into the film. Overall, a great silent--and a film that only barely was eclipsed by the great 1937 version (this film is just perfect).
Note: After the FIRST guy gets pulled over the deadly falls, the print's quality degrades VERY quickly. It is very fuzzy and could really use additional restoration.
Another surprise about this one is that is starred Lewis Stone--a guy I'd hardly think of as an action hero! This is the bald Judge Hardy...playing a handsome king! Looking at Stone's hair in the film, I assume he was wearing a wig, as he had A LOT of hair! But he was also quite good in the dual roles of King Rupert as well as his English cousin. Oddly, however, while Stone clearly is THE leading man, Ramon Navarro got top billing--which makes little sense as he's a relatively minor character. No, this is definitely Stone's film.
As far as the plot goes, it's pretty much the familiar story. The new king, Rudolf, is about to be crowned leader of Ruritania. However, his evil but popular brother, Michael, has plans of usurping the throne. First, he drugs Rudolf so he cannot attend the coronation. BUT, coincidentally, a distant cousin is at hand and poses as the king. However, this won't deter Michael, as he's discovered the real king and has taken him prisoner. So, you KNOW another attempt will soon be made on the pretend king's life. Can the evil Michael and his nasty henchmen be defeated? This is a lovingly made silent--with terrific sets and wonderful acting. I particularly loved the king's beloved #1 man--he had such wonderful and soulful eyes. And something unique to the film I really liked--the deadly river and how it plays into the film. Overall, a great silent--and a film that only barely was eclipsed by the great 1937 version (this film is just perfect).
Note: After the FIRST guy gets pulled over the deadly falls, the print's quality degrades VERY quickly. It is very fuzzy and could really use additional restoration.
helpful•30
- planktonrules
- Apr 14, 2013
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Fången på Zenda
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $323,062 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 5 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1
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Top Gap
By what name was The Prisoner of Zenda (1922) officially released in Canada in English?
Answer