Prisoner of Zenda (1988) - full transcript
The King of Ruritania is kidnapped by his scheming brother: can his British double save him?
(dramatic music)
(Queen sobbing)
- My darling.
- My dear Wilhelm, you
must save your strength.
- It's too late my darling
Queen, my time is short.
You must bring Prince
Rudolph and Prince Michael
to my bedside.
I must put the affairs
of our country in order.
Ah, my sons, you have come.
- Father.
- Hush my son, let me speak.
I am going to die.
It is my royal duty as King of
Ruritania to appoint my heir,
the new king, of
our beloved country.
Rudolph, Michael,
it is so difficult
when a king has twin sons.
Born moments apart and then
must choose between them.
Michael, you were born first
but you have a wildness in you
that is not befitting to a king.
So, Rudolph, my more
gentle son, I choose you.
- Father, I, Michael I
always thought that you.
- Michael, I command of you
that you serve your
brother loyally.
But should it be that
Rudolph dies before you,
then you will assume
the right to be king.
Do I have your word Michael?
- You have my word, I promise.
No more loyal servant
will there be than myself
to my brother, King
Rudolph of Ruritania.
(upbeat music)
(bell tolling)
- [Narrator] And so it was
that the proud
nation of Ruritania
came to mourn the passing
of the beloved King,
King Wilhelm VI, who
had ruled the land
for nearly 40 years.
Then according to tradition,
the palace issued a
proclamation to the people.
(horn trumpeting)
- It is the wish of
myself King Wilhelm VI,
that my son, Prince Rudolph
shall become King of Ruritania.
Long live the king!
Well thank goodness for that.
It would have been a
sorry day for the country
if Black Prince Michael
had become king.
Long live good King Rudolph!
(people cheering)
- But we don't know
anything about him.
- It's just as well,
we know too much
about Prince Michael.
(people cheering)
(upbeat music)
(tense music)
- How dare my father
do such a thing!
Rudolph of all people.
Ha, King Rudolph,
doesn't even sound right.
- Oh no.
(Michael sobbing)
- My darling, please
try and calm yourself,
you must respect the wishes
of your poor departed father.
- My poor departed
father was an idiot!
- Michael, what are you saying?
- I'm saying that I
should be king, I, I,
not my nincompoop
lily-livered milk-sop brother!
He's not fit to rule a
page, let alone a kingdom.
- That's right.
- Michael for king!
- Yeah, and so I shall be.
King of Ruritania.
(dramatic music)
On his deathbed, my father
said that I should become king
only if Prince Rudolph
should die before me.
What do you think that means?
- Well, I suppose
he meant, well.
(goons groaning)
- I'll tell you
all what it means.
It means that Prince
Rudolph must die.
(goons cheering)
- Die!
- Michael, but surely you can't.
- Can't! (laughing)
What do you mean can't?
Can my dear, can.
(goons laughing)
- Michael it is horrible.
I love you very much,
but I'll have no part in the
murder of Prince Rudolph.
- Silence woman!
You are offending the
future king of Ruritania.
- How dare you!
I've been a fool to
love you Michael.
I wish never to see you again.
- Your wish is granted,
get out of my sight.
(dramatic music)
- Very well Michael.
Goodbye.
- Schmitt, Henrik,
follow her and don't let
her out of your sight.
- So my dear,
poopsie, another month
and I'll be King of Ruritania,
I can't quite believe it.
- Oh Rudy, I'm so proud of you.
I must be the luckiest
woman in all of Europe,
no, in all the world.
- I do love you
my darling Flavia.
Soon we will be married and.
(knocking on door)
Oh bother, come in.
(peaceful music)
- Antoinette.
- Antoinette.
- I'm so sorry to
intrude, your Majesty.
- Oh come now Antoinette,
I'm not anybody's Majesty yet
And even when I am you must
keep calling me Rudolph.
Now what brings
you here so late?
- It's, I,
Prince Michael.
Rudolph, would you
mind if we spoke alone?
This is a very private matter.
I'm sorry Flavia.
- Oh not at all Antoinette.
I'll be in the library darling.
- Now my dear, what on
earth is this all about?
(upbeat music)
(clock chiming)
It can't be, I don't believe it.
Michael plans to kill me,
no, no, quite preposterous.
- You must believe
Rudolph, please.
I heard him say it
from his own mouth.
I came as quickly as I could.
You're in great danger.
- Hmm I suspected he took
the news rather badly
but to murder his own
brother, no, surely not.
- Prince Rudolph, I find
myself in a dreadful dilemma.
On one hand, I have, had,
certain feelings for
your brother Michael
but on the other,
you have my absolute loyalty
as a future King of Ruritania.
- Very well Antoinette,
what we must do is ensure
that Prince Michael
doesn't kill me, if
he really means to.
(playing piano)
Maybe I have a plan.
Yes I do.
But I'll need your help.
(upbeat music)
(people chattering)
- Ah gad zooks old
boy, what a get up,
couldn't get you
a banana hey what?
- No thanks old
man but I must say,
I've never seen you
looking so well.
- I say, hang on a minute.
That's not very nice Rudolph.
Oh look out Charlie,
here comes Lady F.
I wonder who she's with.
- At, Mr. Rassendyll,
oh I presume that is you, is it?
- At your service madam.
- May I present, Princess
Antoinette of Ruritania.
- How do you do?
- Ah, this is my
friend, Mr. Absworth.
- Ah Mr. Absworth, perhaps
if you would be kind enough
to escort me to the dance floor?
And you two to get
to know each other.
- Dance?
- Thank you, no.
But perhaps you'd lead
me to the balcony?
I'm feeling a little faint.
- Why of course,
here take my arm.
(tense music)
Thank you Mr. Rassendyll.
I've been traveling all of
Europe for nearly 3 weeks.
I am so tired.
- My word, you're so
beautiful, if I may say.
- Thank you, Mr. Monkey?
- Oh, I'm so sorry,
Rudolf Rassendyll.
- Oh my god, Prince Rudolph.
(speaking in foreign language)
- It can't be!
- No, no, it is, Price
Rudolph mit a mustache.
- I can't believe it.
- Hang on a minute,
it's not that bad is it?
- Oh my dear Mr. Rassendyll,
it's not at all bad.
You see it's identical
to that of Prince
Rudolph of Ruritania.
- Good lord, did
you say Rudolph?
That's my name too.
What a coincidence eh?
- Oh, Mr. Rassendyll
you have no idea how
pleased I am to meet you.
I can't explain
but I must ask you
to go at once to Ruritania,
please trust me sir, it is
a matter of life and death.
(dramatic music)
- A matter of life
and death did you say?
Well, I'm sure the Foreign
Office wouldn't mind
if I took a week or two off.
- So Schmitt, Prince Rudolph
has an identical twin, nein?
- Ja, what shall we do?
- What we do Schmitt
is very simple.
We exterminate him.
(dramatic music)
(train chugging)
- I say Rudolf this is a
dash queer business eh what?
Rushing off to Ruritania,
matter of life and
death, no details.
I mean, what's it
all about old boy?
- Duced if I know Absworth.
But by the way, the
Princess gave me this.
What do you think of that?
- Good lord, Rudolf, it's
you without a mustache.
- It happens to be Prince
Rudolph of Ruritania,
he'll be crowned
king in two days.
- How extraordinary.
I say old boy,
are you sure you're not
in some kind of danger
being mixed up in
all this ay what?
- No, Charlie, I
shouldn't think so.
(tense music)
(whistle blowing)
(gun firing)
(window smashing)
- Gad zooks Rudolph,
what was that all about?
- Princess Antoinette.
- Gentlemen, may I join you?
- Why of course, delighted.
- Honored.
- Mr. Rassendyll, I'm
afraid I owe you an apology.
- Apology?
What on earth for?
- You'll see, I have put
your life in great danger.
I'm sorry.
- But my dear surely not.
- I'm afraid so Mr. Rassendyll.
You see, someone has
already tried to kill you.
- Gad zooks!
- I say!
(train chugging)
- Damn, dammit,
why haven't we heard
from Schmitt und Henrik
The last I heard in
London und then, nothing.
- Ah, maybe they got lost boss?
- Lost, don't be
a bigger numbskull
than you already are Gotfrid.
How can anyone get
lost in London?
Argh!
- Hey boss when we going
to kill the Prince?
- Yeah, kill!
- Ah yes, the Prince,
the Prince how are
we going to do away
with my charming little
ninny of a brother?
Yes.
(tense music)
- Ah, gentlemen, a toast
to your good health.
- [Charlie] Bottoms up ay what?
- [Rudolf] Yes, chin, chin.
- Look, gentlemen,
the lights of Zenda,
we're almost there.
Well, good luck, and
you too sir, cheers.
(Schmitt choking)
- Good lord, bit of
a stiff drink what?
- I suppose you had
nothing to do with that,
Princess Antoinette?
- Well maybe just a
little teensy bit.
- Now gentlemen, you must
leave the train at Zenda
and make your way to
the King Wilhem Tavern.
Prince Rudolph's men will
make contact with you there.
- And you?
- I will journey on to Strelsau.
God willing, we will meet
again after the coronation.
Be careful my friends.
(upbeat music)
- Read all about it,
killed on Strelsau Express.
Extra, extra.
(car honking)
- Ah the boss won't like this.
(knocking on door)
- I'll get it Charlie.
Thank you.
Meet me in the
reading room at 9:30,
signed Fritz von Tarlenheim.
Heavens, it's
after 9:30 already,
Come on Charlie, we're late.
- Dead?
What do you mean they're
dead, how can they be dead?
How dare they, idiots!
(dramatic music)
- But I've got some
other news boss.
- Well?
Und make sure it's better
than your last lot of news.
Someone has seen
Princess Antoinette
get off the train
at Strelsau Station.
- Oh did they?
Well the Siegfried
she's back, yeah?
That is good news indeed.
Now go and find Gotfrid.
We are going to pay a visit
to old Elgren, the winemaker.
(upbeat music)
- Well Colonel von Tarlenheim,
what's all this about ay?
- I'm sorry, gentlemen.
I can't tell you any
more than I know.
I was sent here
by Prince Rudolph
to ask you to take a
walk in the Black Forest
near the Zenda Lodge at 10
o'clock tomorrow morning.
- Take a walk in the forest?
Odd sods, that's a
dash queer request.
- Perhaps it is, I do not know.
You see the Prince
is working to a plan
only he alone knows.
Perhaps we'll all
learn more tomorrow.
- Very well Captain,
but there's one thing you
might clear up for me.
- I'd be only too happy,
if I know the answer.
- It's most odd, here I am
the spitting image
of Prince Rudolph
and no one recognizes me.
- Why would that be?
You see, Prince Rudolph
spent most of his time abroad
going to school and university.
He came home only because
King Wilhem was dying.
Apart from those
in the Royal Court,
most people have no idea
of what it looks like.
- Ah, I think I'm beginning
to make a little sense
of this whole thing but I'm
not sure that I like it.
- Well old boy, we
could always pack up
and toodle back off to London.
- Gentlemen.
I'm sorry, but that
will not be possible.
(dramatic music)
I have my instructions to
keep your here at Zenda.
You are not free to leave.
(upbeat music)
- So what's a good old
winemaker like me done
to deserve a visit from
you, Prince Michael?
- Not a great deal
Elgren you old fool.
But you make a
certain kind of wine.
- I make many certain
kinds of wine.
What did you have in mind?
- I want the most
powerful wine you've got.
A wine strong enough to send
a man to sleep for two days,
three days.
- Oh that's easy.
(Elgren crashing)
(door creaking)
(tense music)
There we are,
specialty of the house.
(Elgren mumbling) Of
deadly nightshade.
(Elgren mumbling) 1892.
Never drink it myself.
(clapping)
- You guarantee it?
- 100%. (hiccupping)
But you must be very
careful with it.
Too much can easily
kill the man.
- Funny you should
say that Elgren.
I'll take it.
Siegfried, Gotfrid, take
the cask back to the castle.
Und you Elgren will forget
this little visit
ever took place.
- Oh don't worry, old Elgren
never remembers anything,
especially in the
mornings. (hiccupping)
- Ah yes, dear Prince
Rudolph, my dear brother.
Come to the castle for
a brotherly chat, hmm?
(laughing)
Und now, a little toast,
for you father, long live
the King of Ruritania.
Me! (laughing)
(peaceful music)
(pool cue clacking)
(knocking on door)
- Enter.
(door creaking)
- His Royal Highness,
Prince Michael.
- Michael.
- Ah Rudy my dear brother,
how good to see you.
(tense music)
Princess Flavia.
I've come to apologize
to you Rudolph.
- Apologize Michael,
whatever for?
- Well, after father's funeral
I must admit to feeling
resentful about
the whole business.
You becoming king,
even though you
were younger than I.
Having spent much of your
life outside Ruritania,
all of that.
- Yes, I can understand.
You know, I understand.
- Well Rudy, I just
want you to know
that I've got used to the
idea of you being king.
You have my full support.
- Michael, I don't
know what to say.
- Say nothing my dear brother
except that you will come to
Zenda castle tomorrow night
and have a pre-coronation
drink with me?
What do you say?
- Why Michael, I'd love to,
yes, of course.
(upbeat music)
(birds cawing)
- I say old boy, this is
sticky wicket isn't it?
- I'm afraid you're
right Charlie.
We may have bitten off a little
more than we can chew aye?
- Too right.
I say old boy, why don't
we make a run for it?
(gun firing)
- I wouldn't do that if
I were you gentlemen.
I must repeat that
for the time being
you are not free
to leave Ruritania.
- Fritz, perhaps we owe the
gentlemen an explanation?
Allow me to present myself,
I am Prince Rudolph
of Ruritania.
- Good lord.
- By jove Charlie,
it's quite uncanny.
- Well Mr. Rassendyll,
I'm most impressed.
Without the mustache, you're
my exact double or I'm yours.
- I say old fruit,
I mean your Majesty.
Would you mind telling us
just what we're doing here?
- All in good time Mr. Absworth.
Now gentlemen, if
you'd be kind enough
to walk with me to my
hunting lodge, come Fritz.
(upbeat music)
So you see Mr. Rassendyll,
I brought you here
to go to Ruritania
purely as a kind of insurance.
Antoinette has succeeded
beyond my wildest hopes.
- So you are taking
her warning seriously?
- Well let's say forewarned
is forearmed shall we?
- And if something does happen?
- Then you, Mr. Rassendyll
will take my place
on the throne in
Strelsau tomorrow.
You see, I rather suspect
my father's dying wish
was not so much that I be king
but rather that my
unfortunate brother Michael
never be king.
- I say, what a
jolly old hoot Rudy,
you'll being king. (laughing)
I'm sorry, your Majesty, I
didn't quite mean it like that.
- Quite all right Mr. Absworth.
And now gentlemen, I must
ask you to remain here
at the lodge until
after the coronation.
If nothing goes wrong,
you may leave for
England tomorrow night.
- And if something
does go wrong?
- I'm sure you'll
cross that bridge
when and if you'll come
to it Mr. Rassendyll.
- Your Majesty, have
you told Princess Flavia
about Mr. Rassendyll?
- No Fritz, I'll tell
her tomorrow in Strelsau,
I've sent her on ahead.
(upbeat music)
(car chugging)
(car splattering)
- Let me go, big gorilla!
- Easy Fraulein, easy.
The boss just wants
a chat with you.
He doesn't understand why
you ran out on him like that.
(goon groaning)
- Help!
(chicken clucking)
(car honking)
(dramatic music)
(door creaking)
- Welcome back to
Zenda, my darling.
Did you go to London
to visit the Queen.
- Michael I.
- Michael!
Your Majesty to you woman.
- Your Majesty.
I had to get away after
we fought, I was so upset.
I thought you didn't
love me anymore.
- I don't believe you.
Bring her inside!
Ha, now you are in
Zenda to visit the King.
(tense music)
(owl hooting)
So, Rudolph, this time
tomorrow you will be king.
Are you nervous?
- No, actually not at all.
I must say Michael, you're
being awfully decent about this.
(Michael chucking)
- Oh it's nothing.
Perhaps we should have
the drink I promised you?
I have a superb
red for you to try.
- Well thank you Michael.
- It's a French Bordeaux, 1892.
I'm afraid red wine sends
me to sleep these days,
I'll stick to the white.
Well Rudolph, to you.
For as long as you may live.
- Oh, no Michael, for as
long as we both may live.
Michael!
- Yes Rudolph?
- What a beautiful wine,
may I have another?
- Why of course Rudolph.
- Why, it seems to get
better by the glass.
- Eh, does it?
- Absolutely, you really
should have some, you know.
- Ah no I don't think so.
Ar you sure it's so nice.
- Michael, it's brilliant.
Well, I must dash.
I have to pack for
Strelsau in the morning.
- Are you sure you wouldn't
like just one more.
- No, thank you,
I need a clear head for
the coronation tomorrow
but we'll do this
again soon, I promise.
(dramatic music)
(door creaking)
You know, this evening
meant a lot to me.
- Yeah, it meant a
lot to me too Rudolph.
- Goodnight Michael.
Damn, damn, damn, damn!
(glass smashing)
(upbeat music)
(door creaking)
- Well gentlemen, I
think the danger's over.
If Michael meant me any harm,
it would have happened
back there at the castle
don't you think?
- Hmm, maybe.
I'll put a guard on
tonight, just in case.
- Mr. Rassendyll, Mr. Absworth?
I'll bid you goodnight.
All of a sudden I
feel terribly tired.
- Are you all right?
- Oh yes, quite, just,
tired that's all.
- Actually I am too.
Must be the air.
- Goodnight everyone.
(tense music)
- What's the matter
Prince Michael,
is there something I did?
- He didn't die you fool!
He didn't even go to sleep.
- Who didn't die or go to sleep?
- No one did!
- I am completely confused.
Why are you coming here
in the middle of the night
telling me these things.
- The wine, you old fool!
The wine you gave
me didn't work.
- Wine?
Oh that wine, I almost forgot.
That wine was from the, oh yes,
that was because you
told me to forget.
- I don't care, it didn't work.
- How long ago did this
no one drink the wine?
- About 20 minutes ago, why?
- Ah well, that's
all right then,
he's got a delayed
reaction you see,
takes about 20 minutes to work.
I forgot to tell you.
(upbeat music)
(birds chirping)
- Mr. Rassendyll, come quickly,
something is terribly wrong.
- I say, he's not?
You know, is he?
- No he's not dead.
I think he's been drugged,
he's in a very deep coma.
- Dear god, this is disastrous.
The coronation is
only four hours away.
We must wake him.
- I'm afraid there's
little chance of that.
- But the coronation!
- The coronation my dear boy
will take place exactly on time.
- But Prince Rudolph?
- Prince Rudolph will be
crowned King of Ruritania
exactly as planned
(upbeat music)
- Incredible.
- Now we don't have
a moment to loose.
Between now and the coronation,
you must tell me
all about myself.
Charlie old man,
I want you to stay here
and guard the Prince.
- Please, Mr. Absworth,
you will guard him
with your life.
- Now, Captain von
Tarlenheim, come!
We must leave for Strelsau.
(upbeat music)
- Ladies and gentlemen,
all citizens,
your new king, King
Rudolph of Ruritania.
(crowd cheering)
- How can that be,
how can that be?
Answer me you fool,
he's meant to be dead.
Why isn't he dead you idiot?
- Maybe you're asking
the wrong people boss.
Maybe Princess Antoinette
knows something about this?
- Princess Antoinette?
Hmm, you might just be right
for a change Siegfried.
This is your last
chance Princess,
either you talk or die.
Now, tell me
everything you know.
- Oh Michael, it's
too late for you now.
The coronation has taken place.
You see, Prince
Rudolph has a double,
a man who looks
exactly like him.
- A double?
A double!
Why didn't I think of that?
You two, go to the
hunting lodge immediately.
If I'm not wrong, you will
find Prince Rudolph there,
he will either be very
asleep or very dead.
(dramatic music)
You must bring his body here
to the castle immediately.
Too late huh?
Maybe for you it
is too late but I,
I still intend to become
king, by hook or by crook.
(peaceful music)
(fist smashing)
(dramatic music)
- Ya, what?
- No, surely not!
Oh my God, are you
sure there's no reply?
I have very bad news, sir.
It seems that Princess
Antoinette has been kidnapped.
She left her home yesterday
and hasn't been seen since.
- Heavens.
Prince Michael, do you think?
- Certain of it.
But there's more, my
men have been trying
to telephone the hunting
lodge and there's no reply.
I think something nasty has
happened to Mr. Absworth.
- Then we must go
to Zenda at once.
(dramatic music)
(car screeching)
- [Siegfried] Here he is, I'm
sorry but he's only asleep.
- Ah that's even better.
Good work boys.
So, my brother the
sleeping prince,
at last you are my prisoner.
A prisoner of Zenda. (chuckling)
As for you, my two-faced
little dove, take her down.
She has one last
duty to perform.
(dramatic music)
- Charlie, are you all right?
- I think so, just a
bump on the old coconut.
- Oh no, the King, he's gone!
- I say this is
rather ticklish what?
That Michael fella's got
them both in the castle.
Antoinette and the King.
- We must do something.
I'm afraid Prince Michael
is capable of anything.
Even murder.
(glass smashing)
- I say, poor old Charlie.
- Look, Mr. Rassendyll,
it's a message.
- Hmm, it's from
Princess Antoinette.
- Oh thank god she's alive.
- Meet me at midnight at the
drawbridge of Zenda Castle,
signed Antoinette, hmm.
- Oh I say old bean,
I keep getting conked
on the old bozo.
Would someone mind telling
me what's going on?
- Ah, Charlie, there you are.
I'm afraid we're all rather
the dark at the moment.
But it seems I have an
appointment at midnight.
- I'm certain it's a trap.
- You may well be righto chap
but I don't think
there's any alternative.
Princess Antoinette's
life may depend on it.
(tense music)
(owl hotting)
Princess Antoinette.
- I'm so sorry Mr.
Rassendyll, it's a trap.
(guns firing)
- I say, nice shot old fruit.
- Jump madam, quickly.
(water splashing)
(gun firing)
(water splashing)
(tense music)
(guns firing)
- Argh!
- I saw Princess Antoinette,
are you all right?
- Oh yes, but his Majesty
is in terrible danger.
Prince Michael is
going to murder him.
(tense music)
- Boss wait, boss,
we got trouble.
- Trouble?
- Sorry boss.
- And Princess Antoinette?
What?
You didn't let her go?
Imbeciles, I'm
surrounded by imbeciles.
- Now you say the
king is prisoner
under the east wing, there?
- Yes, that is a small window
just above the moat, see it?
- Jolly good, so that means
we should attack the
west wing, there.
Yes, that should do it.
- Please hurry gentlemen,
I'm afraid the king may
only have moments to live.
(dramatic music)
- Now. Charlie, do you
have our army in position?
- All present and
correct old bean.
- And the heavy artillery
Princess Antoinette?
- All in position
Mr. Rassendyll.
Hand me the megaphone Fritz.
Is everyone ready?
Now, wait 'til I get
the word to attack.
Attention, attention!
Prince Michael of Zenda,
the castle is surrounded.
You must release the King
and lay down your arms.
I repeat, the castle
is surrounded.
- Surrounded, how
can we be surrounded?
How many were there?
- I don't know boss,
it was dark out there.
- [Rudolf] Release the King
and lay down your arms.
- You will keep, quick
to the west tower.
- All right, Charlie,
bring in the troops.
- [Gramophone] Battalion, leave.
(boots clomping)
(men chanting)
- Hey boss, that
sounds like the army.
- That's impossible.
- [Gramophone] Battalion, halt.
- You have fire seconds
before our forces open fire.
- I don't like the
sounds of this.
- Two, three, four, five.
Now Princess, fire the canons.
- [Gramophone] Fire!
(fireworks exploding)
(tense music)
(fireworks exploding)
- Right Fritz, to the
east wing, quickly.
You two keep up the barrage.
We'll be back.
(upbeat music)
- It's a trick, to
the east wing quick!
- Quickly Fritz.
All right Fritz, now!
(car spluttering)
(window exploding)
Quickly your Majesty!
- Stop the swine.
(goons crashing)
(water splashing)
(gun firing)
- Damn, damn.
Siegfried, Gotfrid, get me out
of here, get me out of here!
(goons crashing)
- It's no good boss.
- Boss you're stuck.
- Get me out, fools,
idiots, imbeciles, ninnies.
(dramatic music)
- I'll see you in
London soon, I trust.
- Yes, Mr. Rassendyll,
within a fortnight.
And your brother,
Prince Michael?
- Oh, I'll let
him cool his heels
in Zenda Castle for a while,
I think he's probably learned
a valuable lesson from this.
- Goodbye dear friends, we'll
never forget you, goodbye.
- Goodbye to you all
and good luck King Rudolph.
(upbeat music)
(car spluttering)
- All the jolly best of
British, toddle pip everyone!
(dramatic music)