The Prisoner of Zenda (1937 film)
The Prisoner of Zenda is a 1937 American blackandwhite adventure film based on the Anthony Hope 1894 novel of the same name and the 1896 play. Of the many film adaptations, this is considered by many to be the definitive version.
English gentleman Rudolf Rassendyll Ronald Colman takes a fishing vacation in a small country in the Balkans unnamed in the film Ruritania in the novel. While there, he is puzzled by the odd reactions of the natives to him. Rassendyll discovers why when he meets Colonel Zapt C. Aubrey Smith and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim David Niven. Zapt introduces him to the soontobecrowned king, Rudolf V Colman again, who turns out to be not only his distant relative, but also in facial features close enough to be his double. Rudolf is astounded and takes a great liking to the Englishman.They celebrate their acquaintance by drinking late into the night. Rudolf is particularly delighted with the bottle of wine sent to him by his halfbrother, Duke Michael Raymond Massey, so much so that he drinks it all himself. The next morning brings a disastrous discovery the wine was drugged. Rudolf cannot be awakened, and if he cannot attend his coronation that day, Michael will try to usurp the throne. Zapt convinces a reluctant Rassendyll to impersonate Rudolf for the solemn ceremony. ........
Source: Wikipedia
