The Prisoner of Zenda (1922 American Silent Adventure film)

The Prisoner of Zenda is a 1922 American silent adventure film directed by Rex Ingram, one of the many adaptations of Anthony Hope's popular 1894 novel The Prisoner of Zenda and the subsequent 1896 play by Hope and Edward Rose.

Plot
Englishman Rudolf Rassendyll (Lewis Stone) decides to pass the time by attending the coronation of his distant relation, King Rudolf V of Ruritania (also played by Stone). He encounters an acquaintance on the train there, Antoinette de Mauban (Barbara La Marr), the mistress of the king's treacherous brother, Grand Duke 'Black' Michael (Stuart Holmes).

The day before the coronation, Rassendyll is seen by Colonel Sapt (Robert Edeson) and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim (Malcolm McGregor). Astounded by the uncanny resemblance between Rassendyll and their liege, they take him to meet Rudolf at a hunting lodge. The king is delighted with his double and invites him to dinner. During the meal, a servant brings in a fine bottle of wine, a present from Michael delivered by his henchman, Rupert of Hentzau (Ramon Novarro). After Rudolf tastes it, he finds it so irresistible that he drinks the entire bottle by himself.

Cast
Lewis Stone as Rudolf Rassendyll/King Rudolf V
Alice Terry as Princess Flavia
Robert Edeson as Colonel Sapt
Stuart Holmes as Grand Duke Michael
Ramon Novarro as Rupert of Hentzau
Barbara La Marr as Antoinette de Mauban
Malcolm McGregor as Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim
Edward Connelly as Marshal von Strakencz
Lois Lee as Countess Helga, Flavia's lady-in-waiting
Snitz Edwards as Josef
Johnny George as Dwarf assassin
Fairfax Burger as Bersonin
S.E. Jennings as De Gautet
Ted Billings as Train Passenger (uncredited)

Production
Director Rex Ingram and star Alice Terry had known each other since they worked together on the film Shore Acres in 1920. The pair slipped off together during filming one Saturday and were married. They spent Sunday watching movies together and were back at work on Monday. It was not revealed that they had married until after the film had been completed and the couple were on their honeymoon.

Reception
The film was received positively by critics. The New York Times called it "well worth seeing" though "needlessly talky" and wrote that "much of the acting is excellent", if occasionally "overdone". "It couldn't miss", wrote Variety of the film's content. "It probably would have been proof against bad direction but done with perfect stage management and exquisite literary taste it is faultless." The New York World called it "dignified elegance from start to finish." "One of the best productions given to the public by Mr. Ingram", reported the New York Telegram. "It has all the thrills and chills of the melodrama, without leaving an unpleasant memory." "Perhaps after mature deliberation I may want to retract the statement, but in this moment of enthusiasm I want to say that I think The Prisoner of Zenda is the best picture I have ever seen", raved the Chicago Tribune critic.