Paularoc Based on the hugely popular late Victorian adventure novel by Anthong Hope, this silent version is very entertaining and moves along at a good pace, especially at the last half of the movie. King Rudolph V of Ruritania's coronation is but a day away. The King's brother, the Grand Duke "Black" Michael has a plan to keep the King away from the coronation and have himself crowned King instead. The King is not widely popular with the people and also is a drunkard. Michael drugs a bottle of wine that he sends to the King as a gift. The King gulps down the wine and falls into a stupor which will make it impossible for him to attend the coronation. As it happens, the King's devoted Chief of Staff, Colonel Sapt, meets a distant cousin of the King's, Rudolph Rassendyll, an English gentleman educated in Heidelberg. In appearance Rassendyll is the exact double of the King and Sapt convinces him to take the King's place at the coronation. While impersonating the King, Rassendyll falls in love with the King's intended, Princess Flavia and she with him. The adventure continues with murder, betrayal, kidnapping and a daring rescue of the King. Lewis Stone does an admirable job as Rassendyll. Oddly, in several scenes, Stone reminds one of Ronald Colman. Ramon Navarro sparkles as Michael's henchman Hentzau - he is conniving but also has flair. The actor playing Colonel Sapt is great and his scene late in the movie with Rassendyll and Princess Flavia is wonderfully done and quite touching. The ending of the movie avoids having what we think of as the typical Hollywood ending. Colonel Sapt has the last word when he says to Rassendyll "God does not always make the right men kings. You are the finest Elphberg of them all." What a fine 19th century sentiment that is. And probably small consolation to Rassendyll.

MartinHafer "The Prisoner of Zenda" has been filmed about a dozen times. 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.

anches-725-976306 As with "Scaramouche", I found this film rather stodgy, with a lacklustre score. Lewis Stone is too old in his dual role and Alice Terry lacked any real charm. This picture belongs to its supporting cast- Barbara LaMarr ("too beautiful for her own good") as Antoinette de Mauban, Colonel Zapt, Captain von Tarlenheim and,of course, Rupert of Hentzau, played with relish and humour by Ramon Novarro. I think I prefer him in this role to any other I have seen him portray; perhaps his popularity with the female audience meant he became stuck in the part of gentle romancer (long after he had become too mature for this) rather than developing his abilities as an actor.

wes-connors English traveler and sportsman Lewis Stone (as Rudolf Rassendyll) decides to attend the coronation of distant relative "Rudolf V." of Ruritania (also Lewis Stone, in a dual role), after the recent death of the foreign land's King. But proposed King Stone has a wicked half-brother, who covets the title. Receiving most of his help from charismatic Ramon Novarro (as Rupert of Hentzau), treacherous brother Stuart Holmes (as Grand Duke Michael) plots to poison Mr. Stone and take his place on the throne. But, due to the royal Rudolf's fondness for alcohol, a switch is made. One who senses something rotten in Ruritania is beautiful Alice Terry (as Princess Flavia), who is expected to marry one, but falls in love with another..."Towards the end of the day, when the soul is weary and the heart longs for its beloved"...Anthony Hope's classic adventure story gets the MGM treatment, even though the studio mostly called "Metro" by insiders was only M-G- (no Mayer, yet) at the time. Metro's mega-hit "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1921) director Rex Ingram and the principle players gathered here stuck with the company; helping set the standard for MGM productions, Metro/MGM competed successfully with older studios. This film advanced careers, most notably helping propel Mr. Novarro to "superstar" status. There are also fine impressions made by veteran Robert Edeson (as Colonel Sapt), bewitching Barbara La Marr (as Antoinette de Mauban) and debuting Malcolm McGregor (as Fritz von Tarlenheim)...Notable re-makes in 1937 (all talking, with Ronald Colman) and 1952 (in color, with Stewart Granger) are worth seeking out in a "twofer" package from Warner/Turner. They should have added this 1922 version. It's still entertaining, due to swaggering action, good production values and captivating performances. This non-speaking "The Prisoner of Zenda" was the standard silent film era version. It was the #4 "Best Picture" of 1922 according to the annual "Film Daily" poll of critics. Rex Ingram, Lewis Stone, Alice Terry and Ramon Novarro received director and acting accolades. Stone, at his silent best here, essays a small part in the 1952 version; it was one of the last roles for the perennial Metro-contracted actor.******** The Prisoner of Zenda (7/31/22) Rex Ingram ~ Lewis Stone, Alice Terry, Ramon Novarro, Malcolm McGregor