The Prisoner of Zenda **** (1922, Lewis Stone, Alice Terry, Ramon Novarro, Robert Edeson, Stuart Holmes) – Classic Movie Review 4651

Producer-director Rex Ingram’s 1922 silent movie version of Anthony Hope’s novel and play is lavish and striking.

It is still possible to be enthralled by the deservedly once-famous star performances from Lewis Stone in the twin roles of Rudolf Rassendyll and King Rudolf, the Prisoner of Zenda, and Alice Terry (Ingram’s real-life wife) as Princess Flavia, plus a wonderful turn by the dashing Ramon Novarro [Ramon Samaniegos], playing the villainous Rupert of Hentzau.

This silent classic was incredibly popular in its day and much admired – and it still is. Novarro was a sensation, and Ingram handles it all supremely confidently and imaginatively so it is still hugely impressive. Stone appears as the cardinal in the 1957 The Prisoner of Zenda remake.

Also in the cast are Robert Edeson as Colonel Zapt, Stuart Holmes as the Grand Duke ‘Black’ Michael, Barbara LaMarr, Lois Lee, Malcolm McGregor, Edward Connelly, Snitz Edwards and John George.

It ran 125 minutes but the currently available version runs 113 minutes. It shows on TV in the TCM collection, and is available on Amazon Prime Video, but no video or DVD is available to buy.

One Saturday, Ingram and Terry went off together during the shoot and got married. After spending Sunday watching movies, they were back at work on Monday, keeping the marriage secret till the film was finished and they could go on honeymoon.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Classic Movie Review 4651

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