Rudolf Rassendyll (Ronald Colman) and Rupert of Hentzau (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) converse with each other in this scene from the 1937 version of The Prisoner of Zenda.
"Douglas Fairbanks Jr. initially wanted to play Rudolf, but when the role went to Colman, his father, Douglas Fairbanks, told him "not only is The Prisoner of Zenda one of the best romances written in a hundred years and always a success, but Rupert of Hentzau is probably one of the best villains ever written".
Agree. He is a total villain but also disarmingly charming. No one else could've done it so well. Mary Astor (at least as I see it) was miscast as Antoinette. She's not an enchanting, alluring beauty as the character should be and she doesn't recoil much from Rupert (as Barbara LaMarr does opposite Ramon Navarro in the 1922 film) Although not as well known, Francis Drake had the same smoky eyed LaMarr looks. She would've been much more convincing as Rupert's crush.
@@steveparadis2978 His father also told him the part was so actorproof that Rin Tin Tin could've done it successfully. Imagine Rin Tin Tin as Rupert, boggles the mind.
True. But someone like Rupert would not be drawn to "profound sadness." She is quite good with Raymond Massey but it would have been more convincing all around with Frances Drake or even Joan Bennett. Antoinette's costumes do not help. Huge puffy sleeves and multiple layers are not - for lack of a more descriptive word - sexy. Mary Astor was quite a good actress but (on the screen at least) never struck me as a mantrap type.
This 1937 version of "The Prisoner of Zenda" is far better than the remake fifteen years later that's the 1952 version. The 1937 version boasted stars such as Ronald Colman,David Niven,Douglas Fairbanks Jr.,C.Aburey Smith ,Madelinene Carrol and Mary Astor. Whereas the 1952 version though good does not have the sparkle of the 1937 version.Nevertheless had stars such as Stewart Granger,Deborah Kerr,Luis Calhern,Jane Greer and James Mason.
I saw the remake first and while I like Maureen O'Hara as Princess Flavia(love that name), I love the tongue and cheek version here. Rupert was a much sexier and rakish villain here as the 1950s version had him older and humorless. I do see now what all the fuss was about Fairbanks, Jr.
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I cannot believe the quality of dialogue here
When you bring up lovable rogues in movies, everyone mentions Han Solo. But Douglas Fairbanks portrayal of Rupert is my favorite.
Doug, junior was absolutely great. An Oscar nomination wouldn't have been out of place.
"Douglas Fairbanks Jr. initially wanted to play Rudolf, but when the role went to Colman, his father, Douglas Fairbanks, told him "not only is The Prisoner of Zenda one of the best romances written in a hundred years and always a success, but Rupert of Hentzau is probably one of the best villains ever written".
Agree. He is a total villain but also disarmingly charming. No one else could've done it so well. Mary Astor (at least as I see it) was miscast as Antoinette. She's not an enchanting, alluring beauty as the character should be and she doesn't recoil much from Rupert (as Barbara LaMarr does opposite Ramon Navarro in the 1922 film) Although not as well known, Francis Drake had the same smoky eyed LaMarr looks. She would've been much more convincing as Rupert's crush.
@@steveparadis2978 His father also told him the part was so actorproof that Rin Tin Tin could've done it successfully. Imagine Rin Tin Tin as Rupert, boggles the mind.
@@verak66But Mary Astor did convey a profound sadness that works well in this version. However, I do see your point.
True. But someone like Rupert would not be drawn to "profound sadness." She is quite good with Raymond Massey but it would have been more convincing all around with Frances Drake or even Joan Bennett. Antoinette's costumes do not help. Huge puffy sleeves and multiple layers are not - for lack of a more descriptive word - sexy. Mary Astor was quite a good actress but (on the screen at least) never struck me as a mantrap type.
Everybody's chasing Fairbanks, but no one will ever catch him. And that covers a lot of Ruperts in a lot of remakes.
Its a great cast and if you notice Doug Fairbanks was allowed to swash buckle out the window C Aubrey Smith also terrific
The better movie, far better than the 1957 remake.
Agreed!
I know of 1952 don't know of a 57 version.
@@garywilliams7306Yeah. It was '52. It's the one I saw first and I loved it! Then...I saw this version! Oh my...whatever! Pure movie gold, this!
This 1937 version of "The Prisoner of Zenda" is far better than the remake fifteen years later that's the 1952 version.
The 1937 version boasted stars such as Ronald Colman,David Niven,Douglas Fairbanks Jr.,C.Aburey Smith ,Madelinene Carrol and Mary Astor.
Whereas the 1952 version though good does not have the sparkle of the 1937 version.Nevertheless had stars such as Stewart Granger,Deborah Kerr,Luis Calhern,Jane Greer and James Mason.
What A Great English Accent The Late Actor Ronald Colman Had! I Await Your Answer And Reply.
I saw the remake first and while I like Maureen O'Hara as Princess Flavia(love that name), I love the tongue and cheek version here. Rupert was a much sexier and rakish villain here as the 1950s version had him older and humorless. I do see now what all the fuss was about Fairbanks, Jr.
I can watch Fairbanks Jr in anything. Love him!
It was Deborah Kerr, not Maureen O'Hara in the 50s remake.
James Masons Rupert was more effective.
@@vasantinamdar8256 Mason completely missed Rupert's rascally charm but did convey his wickedness and daring.
@@danphillips2784 Mason would have been a better Black Michael.
A story about a time when men were real men. they used to write very good books from which very good movies were made. They don't do that anymore.
Who's The Hero?
❤🎉 Douglas Fairbanks Jr was the hero because of his face of course!! 😂😍😋
I'd take Fairbanks over Coleman any day.😆