The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

Ronald Colman: Major Rudolf Rassendyll, The Prisoner of Zenda

Photos 

Quotes 

• Col. Zapt : Let's trust in providence.

  Rudolph Rassendyll : [sardonically]  You'll never get providence interested in this enterprise.

• [during his sword fight with Rupert, Rudolph "retreats" towards the drawbridge's controls] 

  Rupert of Hentzau : You'd be a sensation in a circus. I can't understand it. Where did you learn such roller skating?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Coldstream Guards, my boy. Come on now, when does the fencing lesson begin?

  Rupert of Hentzau : Stand still and fight, you coward!

• Rupert of Hentzau : Why don't you let me kill you quietly?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Oh, a little noise adds a touch of cheer. You notice I'm getting closer to the drawbridge rope?

  Rupert of Hentzau : You're so fond of rope, it's a pity to finish you off with steel. What did they teach you on the playing fields of Eton? Puss in the corner?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Oh, chiefly not throwing knives at other people's backs.

• Rudolph Rassendyll : My work here is done.

• Rupert of Hentzau : I see you want to let the drawbridge down. I just killed a man for that.

  Rudolph Rassendyll : An unarmed man, of course.

  Rupert of Hentzau : Of course!

• Rupert of Hentzau : Touché, Rassendyll! I cannot get used to fighting furniture - where did you learn it?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : That all goes with the old school tie.

  Rupert of Hentzau : Well, then, here's your last fencing lesson. Look out for your head.

• Rudolph Rassendyll : You know, there's another reason I feel so well. Had a remarkable wine for dinner last night. Soothed my nerves - went right off to sleep! Slept like a top! Came from right near your castle, by the way. You must try it in case you're ever troubled about sleeping.

  Black Michael : I sleep very well.

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Is that so? You must have a clear conscience.

  Black Michael : I have, and I've never had a dream that didn't come true... if I waited long enough.

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Really? How romantic!

  [laughs] 

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Still, some things come true you never dreamed of!

• Rudolph Rassendyll : King for a day! What would it mean if I fail?

  Col. Zapt : [Grimly]  Your life and mine and Fritz's here!

• King : Well, what are you doing here, cousin?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : I must admit, Sire, that I may have been guilty of somewhat the same offense as our mutual ancestor.

  King : Such as what?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Fishing in forbidden waters.

• King : You could never serve me better, cousin. You taught me how to be a king!

• Rudolph Rassendyll : [to Flavia]  I love you more than truth or life or honor!

• Princess Flavia : I sent for you to thank you... for the service you've done this kingdom and its king. No one can know better than I how conscientiously you've played your role. You even... You're hurt! They didn't tell me.

  Rudolph Rassendyll : My only hurt is the thought of the pain I've caused you. I love you. With my whole heart and soul, I love you. In all else I've been an impostor, but not in that. From the first moment I saw you in the cathedral... you've been the only woman in the world for me. As I stand now, I know there'll never be any other.

  Princess Flavia : It would have made no difference if I'd known. It was always you and never the king. Is it true that you're going home to England?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Tonight. Come with me. I won't give you up. I won't let them stand in the way of our happiness!

  Princess Flavia : Oh, if I could...

  Rudolph Rassendyll : There's a world outside. Our world. And a throne for you, a woman's throne, in my heart.

  Princess Flavia : I want that. And you will always love me? Always, even as now?

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Always, always. Oh, my love, think. You'll be free. Free of all these cares and duties... to live your own life, as freely and joyously as... What is it, Flavia?

  Princess Flavia : I was born for those cares and duties, Rudolf. Help me to do what I was born to do. Help me to do what I must.

  Rudolph Rassendyll : But my dear, how can I? I love you.

  Princess Flavia : But is love the only thing? If love were all, I could follow you in rags to the end of the world. But if love were all, you would have left the king to die in his cell. Honor binds a woman too, Rudolf. My honor lies in keeping faith with my country and my house. I don't know why God has let me love you. But I know that I must stay.

  Princess Flavia : I was mad to ask you.

  Princess Flavia : For one lovely moment I, too, was mad.

  Rudolph Rassendyll : Never to see you again? Never to hold you? Never... My darling.

  Princess Flavia : Your heart will always be in my heart... and the touch of your lips on mine.

• Rudolph Rassendyll : [preparing to leave after the coronation to recover the real king]  In a couple of hours, I'll just be plain Rudolph Rassendyll.

  Col. Zapt : You'll be lucky if you're not the late Rudolph Rassendyll.

• Rudolph Rassendyll : But I've reformed.

  Princess Flavia : Almost beyond recognition. You seem to be an entirely different person.

• King : I haven't lived like a king, but perhaps I can die like one. I will not disgrace the crown I never wore.