Based on Anthony Hope's 1894 adventure story, The Prisoner of Zenda has seen several film adaptions through the years. Perhaps the best known of them is the Ronald Colman/Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. one from 1937; this lavish Technicolor 1952 version---which stars Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr and features Louis Calhern, Jane Greer, and James Mason in support---is, according to Robert Osborne, nearly the exact likeness of the 1937 film. In fact, the same script was used, as was the same Alfred Newman score. The only differences, according to Osborne, were a new cast and the addition of technicolor. Many people prefer the '37 film; I, however, have not yet seen that one, so I cannot compare the two and am basing my rating solely on how this particular film affected me.
The film begins just before the coronation of Rudolph V, king of the fictional country of Ruritania. Just happening to be on his way through the country at the time is a distant cousin of the king, an Englishman who also bears the name of Rudolph. Except for the fact that the Englishman has a mustache and is graying at the temples, he is the exact image of the king. (Stewart Granger plays this dual role.) The Englishman is invited to dine with the king on the eve of the coronation. In his usual fashion, the king drinks to excess; later, however, he collapses...having been poisoned through his wine.
King Rudolph's allies know that the king's half-brother Michael, who wants the crown for himself, is likely the one behind the poisoning; they also know that if the coronation does not go on as scheduled, Michael will be crowned instead. Since Rudolph the Englishman looks virtually identical to the king, it is suggested that he impersonate the king for the coronation ceremony, after which time, the effects of the poisoning will have worn off, and Rudolph can take his throne and the Englishman may continue on his journey, with no one ever knowing that it was not the real king who was actually crowned. Convinced that the plan will work, Rudolph the Englishman takes the king's ring and the plan is set in motion, with the real king being hidden away in the wine cellar.
Is Rudolph the Englishman successful at convincing everyone that he is the real king? And what about when he meets the Princess Flavia (Deborah Kerr), the woman promised to the king? Do Michael and his cohorts sit back quietly and allow their plans for Michael to usurp the throne to be thwarted? These are the questions which play out in this exciting little film. The dashing (and beautiful voiced) James Mason portrays one of Michael's partners in crime, and there is a terrific fencing scene between him and Stewart Granger.
According to Stewart Granger's autobiography, Sparks Fly Upward, it was his idea for the remake. While he and Jean (Simmons) were dining with Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Colman, Mr. and Mrs. David Niven, and Deborah Kerr and husband one evening, Mr. Colman ("Ronnie," as Granger refers to him) asked if they would like to see one of his old films, and since Mr. Niven had also appeared in The Prisoner of Zenda, that is the film the guests were shown. Enthralled with the film, Granger announced that he was going to suggest to Dore Schary (Metro) that he buy the rights and do a remake, which, of course, he did and Mr. Schary did. Though Granger had no illusion that "he could ever compete with Ronnie Colman as an actor, at least (he said), he could fight better"...or so he thought. At one point in the filming of the sabre fight, he forgot to "parry to the left" and was caught in the mouth by the sword. Though not a serious injury, it spilled forth quite a bit of blood and required a few stitches; however, the next day, Granger was able to get back to filming, and in only twenty-eight days, this extravagant Technicolor version of The Prisoner of Zenda was completed. "Bloody hard work but great fun," according to Granger. Sensational, captivating, and charming, according to me! I absolutely love this film!
Out on DVD as part of the Literary Classics Collection, The Prisoner of Zenda should be quite easy to track down. Additionally, it is on TCM's schedule for Monday, June 24th, at 2:00 p.m. (ET). Definitely, try to see it...it's an exciting, entertaining, 5-star gem of a film.
Happy viewing!!
NOTE: All quoted material derived from Sparks Fly Upward, by Stewart Granger, G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1981.