All language subtitles for The.Prisoner.of.Zenda.1952

Passengers will
please to descend.

- 'Papers!'
- Flowers.

'Passengers
will please to descend.'

Papers, papers..

This way for passport
examination, please.

This way for passport
examination.

Special rates
for the coronation.

Special high rates.

"Rudolf Rassendyll,
British subject.

Purpose of visit, pleasure."

What hotel in Strelsau,
Mr. Rassendyll?

'I hadn't thought about it.'

Uh.. You better think about it.

If you don't wanna
sleep in the park.

Well, in that case,
I won't go to Strelsau

until after the coronation.

'I've come to your country
for a well earned rest'

with the intention of
going fishing for trout.

I beg your pardon, have I said
anything I shouldn't?

I know my
clothes are a little conservative

but we English always dress
as if we're going

to a funeral
when we're on a holiday.

Everything is quite in order.

Thank you for making me feel
so much at home.

Alright, I'll take these.
Thanks.

But your train's going.

I'm going to Strelsau on foot

in my own good time.

But you'll miss
the coronation, sir.

I always make a point of
missing coronation.

I hope your trout take as
much interest in me as you do.

I shan't be able
to land them fast enough.

It's a trick of the devil.

Shave him, and he'd be the king.

May I ask your name, sir?

Well, since you've
taken the first step

in the acquaintance, gentlemen

perhaps you'd be good enough
to give a lead

in the matter of names.

Well, certainly.
Uh, this is Colonel Zapt.

And I am called
Fritz von Tarlenheim.

We are both in the service
of His Majesty the King.

Mm-hmm.
I'm Rudolf Rassendyll.

I'm here on holiday
from England.

And I was recently
in the service

of Her Majesty the Queen.

- Rassendyll?
- How do you do, Mr. Rassendyll?

- How do you do?
- Rassendyll.

Of course. By heaven,
your face betrays you, sir.

You know his history, I believe.

Well, I had heard
a rumor or two.

I was hoping that our skeleton
was safe at home

in our family cupboard.

Some skeletons are
prodigious travelers, sir.

'Fritz, where are you?'

Here, Your Majesty.

Confound it, I thought

you'd lost yourselves again.

Who is this gentleman?

A distant relative of yours,
Your Majesty.

Distant?

He seems too close for comfort.

That is something for which
you cannot entirely

blame me, Your Majesty.

Oh, then who shall I blame?

But with
Your Majesty's permission

I would suggest that
the blame lies

equally between your

great-great-great-grandfather
Rudolf

and my great-great-
great-grandmother Amelia.

- I beg your pardon.
- He's right, Your Majesty.

The man is a Rassendyll
from England.

Rassendyll?

England?

Yes, Your Majesty.

Ever since Amelia's time

the Elphberg face
has cropped out

on one of us
every now and then.

Well met, cousin!

You must forgive me if I seemed
a little slow

but it's a bit early
in the day to see double

even for me. Eh, Zapt?

But what are you
doing here, cousin?

I must admit to being guilty

of the same offense as our
mutual ancestor, Your Majesty.

And what was that?

Fishing in forbidden waters.

That's very funny.

That's funny.
The man has wit.

You must come
to my coronation tomorrow.

I'd give a thousand crowns

for the sight of
Brother Michael's face

when he sees the pair of us
side by side.

You shall stay
at my hunting lodge.

And tonight we shall
dine you right royally.

Our ancestors laid down
some good wine

here in the lodge,
cousin... Fritz.

They little thought
that a bottle

or two was laid down for you.

All in the family.

All in the family.

Cousin Rudolf,
I propose a toast.

Hear, hear.

Another toast.

A toast to..

Have we anybody left?

Your brother, Michael, perhaps?

We drink to Michael in vinegar,
my friend, not in good wine.

I'll tell you a secret
about my Brother Michael.

My Brother Michael
does not love me.

- No?
- No.

But he loves my shoes.

He feels that he should be
in my shoes

and I should be in his.

No. No toast for Michael.

We'll drink instead
to Cousin Flavia.

Soon to be my bride and queen.

Hear, hear.

Poor Flavia.

She never had a chance
to choose anybody else.

Well, for that matter,
neither did I.

It's a pity you can't
meet the princess.

At least I'm told it's a pity.
I haven't seen her for years.

She and I didn't
get on very well then.

Still, let's hope we shall now.

I sincerely hope so,
Your Majesty..

...if you're going to marry her.

They tell me she's far too good
for me.

I can well believe it.

Y-you know what they say
about me, don't you?

I drink too much.

I imagine that you're well able

to take care of yourself
on that score, Your Majesty.

Oh, I've done my fair share
of drinking in my day.

I'd be the last to deny it.

But tomorrow..

...in the cathedral..

...when my people place
the crown upon my head

and proclaim me their king..

...I shall be their king
for the rest of my life.

'But tonight..'

Tonight, I drink
with my friends.

Uh, with my friend.

You know, Rassendyll,
I like you.

You're a good fellow.

Oh, you're English,
but... you're a good fellow.

I wanna drink a toast to you.

Confound it, where's all
the wine gone to?

Josef!

Josef!

A bottle of the '68.

'Josef!'

Your Majesty, it is my duty

to remind you once more
of tomorrow.

- What, again?
- Yes, again.

Well, then, you've reminded me.

Now go on, sit down.
Have a drink.

You have a duty, Your Majesty.

Duty, duty.
On my last night of freedom?

I question your freedom to drink
yourself into a condition

in which you'll not be fit
to be crowned tomorrow.

I question your right
to address me in that manner.

I served your father in--

I question your right to bring
my father into this.

Your father honored his
obligations to the crown.

Are you suggesting
that I do not?

Your father never thought of
himself, or of his own pleasure.

Your father never forgot
he was a king.

By your leave, Your Majesty.

Zapt? Zapt?

What are you doing here?

The 1868, Your Majesty.

You sent for it.

Oh, did I?

- Josef.
- Yes, Your Majesty?

I've had too much to drink.

- You better take it back.
- Yes, Your Majesty.

Oh, no, no. Wait, wait.

We have a guest.

Excellent fellow, Josef.
English.

Excellent fellow, Josef,
but he can't drink.

I can drink.

I'm the king.

You better go to bed, Josef.

- Goodnight, Your Majesty.
- Goodnight.

Sleep well.

Everybody, sleep well.

Everybody sleeps but the king.

Zapt.

Zapt!

I don't think much
of your joke, sir!

You think it's a joke, do you?

This is no joke, Englishman.

That was quite an evening,
wasn't it?

What happened?

Josef found him lying here
this morning.

You didn't drink
any of this last bottle?

Not that I know of, no.

I think you'd know if you had.

Why?

- Was it drugged?
- It was.

- Have you sent for a doctor?
- There's none within ten miles.

A thousand doctors wouldn't
take him to Strelsau today.

'I know the look of it.'

'He'll not stir for six
or seven hours.'

how?

Why? Who?

Who else but... Michael.

Michael? His own brother?

His half-brother.

Michael's mother wasn't exactly
acceptable in court circles.

He wants the crown to be
offered to him by the people.

He wants to pose as their savior
from the excesses

'of an incompetent king.'

If he's not crowned today,
he'll never be crowned.

Englishman... I am much
older than you.

As a man grows old,
he comes to believe in fate.

Fate sent you here.

Fate sends you now to Strelsau.

What?

I'd wager without
your moustache

you could deceive
your own brother.

Oh, you're out of your mind.

It's a risk, yes..

'...against a certainty.'

My dear colonel

I came here on a fishing trip.

I like to fish.

I'm an ordinary Englishman.

I couldn't begin to act
like a king even if I tried.

I wouldn't deceive anybody.

What are you smiling at?

It conjures up
quite a picture, doesn't it?

The cathedral crowded
to the doors..

...the organ booming

I kneel to be crowned.

Then your friend Michael
steps forward and shouts

"That isn't the king.

That's an Englishman named
Rudolf Rassendyll!"

Oh, no, I'm sorry, gentlemen.

Then Michael sits
on the throne tonight

and the king lies in prison
or his grave.

After all..

...it would only be
for today, wouldn't it?

By tonight, you'll be
safely across the border.

And if I fail, what then?

Your life, and mine,
and Fritz's here.

Confound it, I'd become
awfully fond of this moustache.

Eh..

Well, I hope
the crown's a better fit.

Well, what are we going to do?

We've got to hide him.

We can't chance Michael's men
finding him here.

The cellar would be best.

- Pick him up.
- But if they search--

- Josef will put them off.
- But--

We're not playing.
I know the risk.

If they do find him,
he'll be no worse off

than if he's not crowned
in Strelsau today.

Pick him up.

I beg your pardon, sir.

One moment.

How long have you been
caretaker here?

'Ten years.'

Have you the key
to the wine cellar?

- Yes, sir.
- 'Open it.'

No.

No, no.

Drink it.

Drink it!

Tie her up.
Better gag her too.

On the night before
your coronation

you had to have wine.

Wine, and more wine.

Remarkable vintage, that '68.

Lock the door.

Sleep well, Your Majesty.

We go to see you crowned.

By heaven, we'll do it yet.

It's not bad.

It's not bad at all.

Oh..

I'll never keep that in.

'Look here,
you've overlooked one thing.'

Yesterday's temples
won't do for today's king.

You're right. What can we do?

Well..

...I suggest some bootblacking,
preferably the king's.

I may as well be royal all over.

There. The last detail.

Remember, this is to be released
20 minutes

after Hentzau brings you word

that the coronation ceremonies
have been canceled.

Twenty minutes, not before.

Yes, Your Highness.

And now may I offer you
my congratulations.

A shade premature

but, um, thank you, Detchard.

Well, gentlemen

it's time for you to proceed
to your posts.

The hour is almost upon us.

We go in the cause
of our country

and our future sovereign.

Our future sovereign,
Queen Flavia.

He looked at you when he said,
"Our future sovereign."

Have you been lying
to me, Michael?

Is it more than
the regency you want?

No, of course not.

As regent, the sovereign power
will be mine.

That's all he meant,
my dear Antoinette.

Was it?

Is power all you want?

I'm afraid, Michael.

For me or for yourself?

You promised to
make me your wife.

I want to be your wife.

I want to love you
and make you happy.

Once you are regent, they would
never let you marry me.

Michael, take the happiness
we can have together.

Leave the power
to your brother.

No!

I've played second fiddle
to that drunken sot

for the last time.

Because his mother was
a princess and mine was not.

He lived in the royal palace,
he dined with kings.

Well, today the feast
is set for Rudolf.

But it's Michael who will
sit in his place.

Come in.

Count Rupert of Hentzau
at your service, Your Majesty.

Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt you,
Your Majesty.

Hentzau.

Your Highness.

Your wit is as inopportune
as your appearance.

Why are you not at your post
in the cathedral?

How can I witness
the coronation of a king

who will be conspicuous
by his absence?

Do we want to make it obvious
to the whole world

that we knew he would
not be there?

Incidentally, the burgomaster
of Zenda

is outside to pay you
his respects

at the head of
a delegation of loyal peasants.

I told them you were probably
too busy to see them

as of course you are.

There may come a time,
Hentzau..

...when your services will no
longer excuse your impertinence.

I called at your hotel
again this morning

and as usual,
they said you were out.

Curiously enough,
you were out for once.

I'm glad you
stopped lying to me.

I hate being lied to by women.

They never did before.

I always lied to them.

You and I will
never have anything

to lie to each other about,
Count Rupert.

Never? Somebody once
called fidelity

the fading woman's
greatest weapon

the charming woman's
greatest hypocrisy.

And you're very charming

to anyone whose head is not
bowed beneath a borrowed crown.

I thought I heard
His Highness order you

to your place
at the cathedral.

So you're trying
to put me in my place too.

I love arrogance in a woman.

It's always
so amusing to discover

that their arrogance
is only a defense.

But you need no defense
against me.

You and I are allies.

'Michael is plotting
to betray us both.'

Poor Michael,
how he shortchanges himself

deserting a warm,
exciting woman of the world

for an insipid wax doll.

It was hardly up to your
usual standard, Count Rupert.

I'd heard you were
much more subtle.

What makes you think Michael
has the slightest intention

of marrying Princess Flavia?

How else can he get the crown?

He doesn't want the crown.

As those in his confidence know.

He wants only to be regent.

So he's made you think
he only wants

to be the man behind the throne.

Oh, no. He wants to sit on it.

And sit on it he never can

unless he sits beside
the rightful queen.

And that queen is not you.

Even though you'd make
a perfect queen.

I'm glad you believe me at last.
I told you we were allies.

I can even help you
to win him back.

And I'm the only man
in the country who can

because I'm the only man
in the country

who isn't afraid of him.

All you have to do is
to give him genuine cause

to be jealous of me.

Would that be hard?

I, Rudolf

with justice and mercy,
to deal sovereignty.

To guard with vigilance

and honor the welfare
of my peoples

from all enemies..

Uh..

No, no. Don't tell me.

Uh..

From all enemies
to defend them

and from the throne
of my ancestors

to bear faithful rule,
all this do I swear.

A little swift, but you'll do.

Stop shaking, lad.

They'll mistake it
for a royal hangover.

Now, let me see.

We're alright
till the cathedral.

The princess hasn't seen him
for several years.

But Michael..

'Yeah. Well, I've told you
all I can.'

I'll be at your side
every minute.

Your capital, Your Majesty.

'God save the king!'

'God save the king!'

God save them both.

Steady, lad.

It's the day, the hour

almost the moment.

History is born
out of a bottle of wine.

The king.

His Majesty has arrived,
Your Highness.

The king?
How's it possible?

Ride back to Zenda at once.

Find out who betrayed us.

If only he'd drunk what I wanted
to put in that bottle.

♪ See the conq'ring ♪

♪ Hero comes ♪

♪ Sound the trumpets ♪

♪ Beat the drums ♪

♪ See the conq'ring ♪

♪ Hero comes ♪

♪ Sound the trumpets ♪

♪ Beat the drums ♪

♪ Myrtle wreaths ♪

♪ And roses twine ♪

♪ To deck the hero's ♪

♪ Brow divine ♪

♪ See the conq'ring ♪

♪ Hero comes ♪

♪ Sound the trumpets ♪

♪ Beat the drums J' ♪

Look now upon our liege lord,
Rudolf V

'undoubted king of this realm.'

'And if any man would deny
our sovereign lord's title'

'to our lands and fealty'

'let him speak now,
or be attainted traitor.'

Receive the crown
of the kingdom

and understand what a glory
of sanctity and honor

and bravery it signifies.

'God save the king.'

God save the king!

God save the king!

- God save the king!
- 'God save the king.'

I, Rudolf, with justice
and mercy to deal sovereignty

to guard with vigilance
and honor

the welfare of my peoples

'from all enemies
to defend them'

and from the throne
of my ancestors

to bear faithful rule

all this do I swear.

I, Flavia, do become
thy vassal

'swearing to serve thee
in truth'

'with life and limb..'

...until death findeth me..

...so help me God.

- Do I kiss her?
- Yes.

Well, I think everything
went off very well

don't you, for a coronation?

I mean, that is, not that
a coronation shouldn't go well

provided the king puts in
an appearance suitably dressed

and suitably rehearsed.

And suitably sober.

And suitably sober.

Yes, I was hoping
you'd notice that.

By the way

among my other failings

I've rather neglected you,
haven't I?

Two picture postcards
in three years, I think.

To think that all this time
you've been changing

into the loveliest princess
in Europe.

'No, the loveliest girl
in Europe.'

Your new responsibilities
do not compel you

to shower me with compliments
in private, Your Majesty.

You call this private?

I'm glad you think I've changed
since you last saw me.

You're different too.

Well, wouldn't anybody
seem different

with all this going on?

I probably looked
like a prize idiot

and talked like one too.

You're too modest.

You really looked and acted
like a king today.

Oh, thank you.

'It was delightfully
unexpected.'

Oh..

Aren't you forgetting
something, Your Majesty?

What?

Oh.

That's better.

Wait, I've got an idea.

Supposing you bow on my side
of this goldfish bowl

and I'll salute on yours.

Like that.

There, isn't that more cozy?

They seem to like that.

Bless them.
They're with you heart and soul.

Me? It was you
they were cheering.

I felt like cheering you too
when I first saw you.

- Everyone's waiting--
- Oh, no, please.

Don't go yet.
It's such a relief

to have you to myself
for a moment.

All daylong
I've been on parade.

Cheered at,
waved at, stared at.

Not a moment to tell you..

Tell me what?

It's enough to turn
any man's head a bit.

I'm crowned king

I meet the loveliest,
the most beautiful woman.

Well, that isn't what
you used to say.

You used to call me,
"That clumsy little scarecrow."

- I did?
- Yes.

I should've been horsewhipped.

Those were my very words.

Once I kicked you, quite hard.

Good. I'm sure I deserved it.

But I hope you never find it
necessary to kick me again.

You know, you've changed
beyond all recognition.

It's almost impossible
to believe

that anybody
could change so much.

And so quickly.

Well, it must be that you
bring out the best in people.

No. You've become
an entirely different person.

They're waiting for us.
We really must go.

Must we?

Another thing
I always wanted to know

is the world outside
really as wicked and exciting

as the novels make out?

What did you do
on those long trips?

When you weren't drinking,
I mean.

Oh. Well,
when I wasn't drinking

I used to go fishing.

Fishing?

You used to despise fishing.

Well, I did and I didn't,
if you follow me.

Have you ever done
any trout fishing?

- No, and you know why.
- Oh, I do?

I asked you to teach me.
You sent me home

because I made
too many mistakes

and scared the fish.

But once you really hurt me.

You've forgotten, haven't you?

I wish you had too.

It was my 14th birthday party.

I had my first formal dress.

I thought
I was quite grown up.

You were to be
the guest of honor.

I wanted to show you
that the ugly duckling

had become a swan.

And What did I do?

At the end
when everyone had gone home

and you still hadn't come..

...I hated you.

I'm beginning to hate myself.

Yes?

Well?

His Highness Prince Michael
is waiting

to pay his respects to you,
Your Majesty.

Well, let him wait.

And furthermore,
Captain von Tarlenheim

I find your intrusion
excessively irregular.

Rudolf, it's not wise to
provoke Michael deliberately.

Oh, why not?

- Why be worried about him?
- I'm not.

I'm worried about you.

Well, that's
a different matter altogether.

We can't allow that.

Will you excuse me?

Oh, my dear Michael!

I had no idea
you'd been kept waiting.

Why was I not informed
of my brother's presence?

I will not tolerate such
inefficiency again, gentlemen.

This is indeed a privilege

worth being kept
waiting for, cousin.

It's most kind of you
to say so, cousin.

You know, brother,
this was a day

I'd really been dreading.

I had a queer feeling
that something might go wrong.

But with you in charge

my fears were foolish,
weren't they?

I can hardly thank you enough
for arranging my affairs.

It's most gratifying
to find Your Majesty

in such excellent spirits
after the strain of the day.

As a matter of fact, I've
never felt so fit in my life.

It must be the excitement.
It's the first time

I've ever been crowned,
you know.

Yeah, that's rather funny.

Don't you think so, brother?

- Very funny, indeed.
- Yeah.

And there's another reason
I feel so well.

I had an extraordinary
native wine

with my dinner last night.

Soothed my nerves,
slept like a top.

This one comes from
very near your castle.

You really ought to
try it sometime

if ever you're troubled
with insomnia.

I very seldom suffer
with insomnia.

Indeed. That shows what a very
clear conscience you must have.

I have. And I have yet to have

a dream that didn't come true

provided I waited long enough.

Yes, of course.

Everything comes to him
who waits.

I see I bore Your Majesty.

With Your Majesty's permission,
I bid you goodnight.

Rudolf, do be careful.

You know how bitterly
he hates you.

Well, now he knows
how bitterly I hate him.

You still can't afford
to make an open enemy of him.

He'd stop at nothing,
even now, to ruin you.

Oh, you're overestimating him.

Or perhaps you're
underestimating me.

Rudolf, if you won't think
of yourself, think of me.

All my life I've known
what my future had to be

and I was resigned to it.

But now..

Now I don't have to tell you
how different it is.

Flavia, forgive me.

I had no idea that you might..

That I would..

I-I only want you to realize
how much your life means to..

...to your country.

To my country?

And to your friends.

My friends?

And to your cousin
and most loving servant.

What else matters?

Goodnight, Rudolf.

No, don't go.

Not yet.
Stay a little longer.

But you'll be seeing me
every day from now on.

You may even get tired of me.

Goodnight.

No. Goodbye, Flavia.

What a day for you to remember.

I'll never forget
old Mueller at the cathedral.

He used to be
the king's tutor.

He fixed his eye on you
and never took it off.

I was certain the game was up

until I realized
that eye was his glass one.

By the way, Rassendyll

what were you doing with
the princess all that time?

Can't you even leave the king
to do his own lovemaking?

That's enough of that.

Are you ready to go, Rassendyll?

We must leave at once
if I'm to have His Majesty

back here by daylight.

Remember, if anybody comes
here to see the king

you're to say he's asleep.

If it's Michael and
that doesn't stop him--

That would be awkward.

So awkward that
if that door is forced

you're not to be alive
to tell about it.

Do you think
I would be, sir?

Good lad. Come on.

Uh, Rassendyll, I'm not much
good at speechmaking.

Well, we don't need one, do we?

Well, you know what I mean.

Yeah, I think I do, old man.

We have no time
for sentiment.

Well, in a few hours time

I'll be plain
Rudolf Rassendyll again.

You'll be lucky if you're not
the late Rudolf Rassendyll.

That's a happy thought.

I feel my head wobbling
on my shoulders

every minute
you're in the city.

In the old king's time,
we used this more often

than any other door
in the palace.

It saved many a royal head..

...and many a royal reputation.

I..
Yes, come on.

No lights, eh?

That's odd.

Josef?

Josef!

'Josef!'

Thank you.

Locked. Here, take this.

The king!

Look!

- Kidnapped.
- Or murdered.

Michael's been in Strelsau
all day. Still is.

Yes, but that young devil
Hentzau isn't.

I wondered why
I hadn't seen him all day.

Well, that settles it.
Now they know everything.

Yes, they know everything,
but they can't speak.

They can't denounce us
without denouncing themselves.

Can they say,
"That wasn't the king

because we kidnapped the king
and murdered his servant?"

- Can they say that?
- No.

But that won't prevent them
murdering the king.

With you in Strelsau,
they won't dare.

If they do, they're finished.

Can they kill him
and leave you on the throne?

No... you're asking too much.

No man could carry on
this masquerade indefinitely.

I've done everything I can
to help, but--

'Yes, I suppose you're right.'

'You've done everything
that could be expected.'

More than could be expected.

It's just that.

...Rudolf is my king.

I have a feeling
about the crown.

I suppose I feel about it

as another man might feel
about the woman he loved.

He wouldn't like
to leave her to her fate

without even a fight.

What will happen to her now?

- Hm. Princess Flavia?
- 'Yes.'

If the king has been murdered

Michael as regent
will proclaim her queen.

And then... marry her.

She'd never submit to that.

Flavia is a princess
of the royal house.

She'd have no choice.

She would expect none.

And will you stand by
and let that happen to her?

Will you?

His Majesty the King.

Your Majesty.

Oh, I'm delighted to see you.

Rudolf, are you worried
about something?

Worried? With you in my arms?

I was just thinking,
there'll never be

another night quite like this

or another waltz
quite like this.

I'll never forget tonight
as long as I live

if that's what you mean.

Nor will I.

Do you have to dance with
anybody else tonight, Flavia?

I dance only
as my king commands.

Well, then your king
commands that.

Why do they all stop?

You know the rule.
Because we do.

And you mean that

if we start, they'll go on?

Of course.

If we go out on the terrace

will they all come
trooping out after us?

Of course not.

Well, then.

- Let's go out on the terrace.
- Oh, not now.

- Later?
- Later.

That is, if we can slip away.

Oh, no.

I want that promise.

Come, we must dance.

Not a step
until I get that promise.

I promise.

The British ambassador,
newly appointed.

- Do you know him?
- Yes.

Let us trust in Providence.

You'll never get Providence
interested in this enterprise.

Your Majesty,
Your Royal Highness

His Excellency the British
Ambassador and Lady Topham.

Your Excellencies.

Your Majesty.

Her Britannic Majesty
the Queen Empress

commands me to convey
her felicitations

upon your coronation.

Be pleased to convey
our thanks to Her Majesty.

You may also add
our felicitations

upon her jubilee.

Your Majesty

would it be premature
to congratulate you

upon Your Majesty's
approaching wedding?

Well, yes, it might be.

Rudolf, we should pay
our respects

to His Eminence the Cardinal.

Amazing resemblance
to the younger Rassendyll.

Not the slightest.

Your Eminence
has greatly honored us tonight.

Your Majesty's subjects
already love their king.

I think they're impatient
to love their queen as well.

I'm grateful for
the interest of the people

and of Your Eminence.

Graciously answered.

And now, the preparations
for the ceremony

of necessity are going to be
many and elaborate.

Would it please Your Majesty
to name the date?

Now? Tonight?

It was understood
that the ceremony

would shortly follow
the coronation.

Well, shall we say,
in six months' time?

So long a postponement?

Your Eminence,
there's an old proverb

which councils us
against crossing bridges

before we come to them.

If Your Majesty
would examine that proverb

I think you would
find it very difficult

to cross a bridge
at any other time.

Well, I'm sure
my cousin will understand.

Your cousin begs leave
to bid Your Majesty..

...and Your Eminence,
goodnight.

Goodnight, my child.

If you will excuse us,
Your Eminence.

Flavia..

...you promised to go out
on the terrace with me.

Is that a command,
Your Majesty?

That's a command

but a very humble one.

Why did you ask me out here?

I couldn't let you go home

while you were still
angry with me.

I'm sure you had excellent
reasons for what you said.

Oh, believe me, I have.

There are times when a man might
find it impossible to do

even what his heart
prompts him to do.

But I never could willingly
do anything to hurt you.

How can I believe you
when I don't understand you?

Then will you believe this
without understanding?

I love you.

Oh, is it true?

Or do you say that
because you must?

I love you more than truth
or life or honor.

Tell me, Rudolf

why is it that I love you now
with all my heart

when I never even
liked you before?

Never before?

It was at the coronation.
I looked at you and..

And that was the first time
you loved me?

You ask that as if you'd be
pleased to hear me say yes.

Would "yes" be true?

Yes.

You seem so different.

I wanted you to be different
from the Rudolf I knew

from the Rudolf
I didn't love.

And you are. And you aren't.

Flavia..

...if I were different,
if I were not the king..

Why do you say that?

Could you still love me
if I were not the king?

In my heart,
there is no king, no crown.

Only you.

Flavia.

I am not--

'Your Majesty!'

A thousand pardons,
Your Majesty.

His Eminence the Cardinal
is waiting to take his leave.

We must not keep
His Eminence waiting.

Is anything wrong, Colonel Zapt?

Nothing, Your Highness.

It is always my unpleasant task
to be the reminder of duty.

- Faithful Colonel Zapt.
- God bless Your Royal Highness.

But above all,
God save the king.

God save the king.

'The romance
progressed very well tonight.'

You struck a good blow
for the king.

What's to prevent me
striking a blow for myself?

Don't take it so, lad.

You're bound in honor
to play the king spot.

For honor?
Have you left me any honor?

- Come, come.
- You forgot the human element.

Didn't you?

I'm a man in love with a woman
who loves me.

- You saw tonight. You heard!
- I did.

Well, then why should I ever
leave the throne?

Could you expose me?

If you did,
you'd get Michael in my place.

I could marry the princess,
send the king and Michael to--

If you did that,
you'd have to kill me first.

Well, and what if I did?

I could raise all of Strelsau
against you in an hour.

- You could, but you wouldn't.
- Then find the king.

Find him!

Before it's too late.

Odd, a man not knowing
his own brother.

But I assure you, they are
enough alike to be twins.

You're trying to tell me the man
I saw crowned is an impostor?

Not your type of fiction,
I see, Your Highness.

Too incredible, but still,
these things do happen.

I knew twin sisters once who..
Ahem.

But that's another story.

I see Your Highness
isn't interested.

'Shall I go to market
elsewhere?'

If what you say is true

why hasn't the king been
heard from?

Where is he?

He's in a woodcutter's cabin.

Oh, and, by the way,
royal blood

is not blue
as most people think.

It's red.

I know because
I had to spill a little.

You've abducted him.

It's an old medieval custom,
abducting kings.

Rupert, only you could have
carried out a coup like that.

What have you done with him?

Well, there's one thing
we haven't discussed.

In fact,
it's the same old topic.

In a cabin, you say?
But where, man? Where?

Now, why do people abduct kings?

For fun, Your Highness?

Surely there's always the little
matter of the king's ransom.

You can be the first man
in the kingdom, after the king.

- How much down on account?
- Ten thousand.

That's a poor price
for a king and a crown.

- Twenty.
- Well, it's too cheap.

But, I will admit he's a bit
of a nuisance always whining

about being chained up.

- How badly did you wound him?
- Not fatally, I'm afraid.

But the cabin is very damp,
Your Highness.

He could easily
develop... pneumonia.

And let the Englishman reign
for the rest of his life?

- Could we ever expose him?
- Mm.

That hadn't occurred to me.

But if the Englishman died first

and was buried
in the cathedral as the king..

There are moments
in your presence, Your Highness

when I feel myself an amateur.

This fraud is an insult
to the whole country.

Your Highness shows me
the path of duty.

It is the simple duty of a
patriot to kill him like a dog.

There are times, Rupert,
when we need the ladies.

Even in matters of state.

I'm about to ask a great service
of you and Antoinette.

Rudolf Rassendyll?

It couldn't be a bill
from my tailor, I suppose.

"If Mr. Rassendyll
desires to know

"the whereabouts of the king

"let him come tonight
at 2 o'clock

"to the deserted summerhouse
behind the wall

"on Boulevard Elphberg.

"He must be alone.

If he neglects this invitation,
he may harm Princess Flavia."

Oh, obviously
a trick of Michael's.

- They must take you for a fool.
- Now, wait a minute.

There's a bit more.

"If you hesitate,
consult Captain von Tarlenheim."

Hm. They must take me
for an even bigger fool.

"Ask him what woman
would do most

"to prevent Michael from
marrying the Princess Flavia

"and therefore most
to prevent his becoming king.

And ask if her name
begins with A."

"A?"

Antoinette de Mauban.

A French woman,
madly in love with Michael.

Of course!
She'll lose him if--

Where is the Boulevard Elphberg?

- Are you going?
- I am.

Not without me.

Good man. But no Colonel Zapt.

He'd have 14 different reasons
why we shouldn't go

and all of them good ones.

Well, if the colonel
can't get news of the king

we'll get it for him.

You know this is a trap,
don't you?

Three men are coming here
to kill you.

Where's the king?

Before I tell you,
I must have your word.

No harm to Michael.

Why do you betray him
in one breath

and plead for his life
in the next?

Think what you like.

Think that
I just don't like murder.

Think that I'm just
a jealous woman.

- Have I your word?
- Yes.

As much as I can give it,
if you tell the truth.

They're moving the king tonight

from a hut in the forest
to Michael's castle near Zenda.

- That's what I wanted to know.
- Wait.

If the castle is attacked

the king will be killed
instantly.

No trace of his body
will be found.

Charming character,
your friend Michael.

- You want my help or don't you?
- Yes.

- How do we rescue the king?
- Leave that to me.

You must have
his friends at hand

at his hunting lodge
on some excuse or other.

Boar hunting, perhaps.

As soon as I can arrange
an escape

I'll get word to you.

How will I know it isn't
another trap of Michael's?

The man I send you
will have the mate to this.

'Now go, and go quickly.'

And you?

If Michael finds out
what I've done

you and I
will not meet again.

Good luck... in everything.

And to you with the princess.

They've come. They're too soon.

'Mr. Rassendyll.'

'Mr. Rassendyll, forgive me
if I interrupt you'

'at an inopportune moment'

but I'd like
a friendly word with you.

I'm alone and unarmed.

It's Rupert of Hentzau.
Don't trust him.

We can talk with the door
between us, Count Hentzau.

'Will you give your
word not to fire while we talk?'

I give you my word
not to fire before you do.

Say what you have to say
from where you are.

As you please.

A truce,
while I offer peace terms.

Fifty thousand pounds
in English notes

and safe conduct
to the frontier.

Well, that sounds fair enough.

'Well, do you accept?'

Give me a moment
to think it over.

Get out of the line of fire.

Yes.

Count Hentzau?

'Your Majesty.'

I hold you to your word
and accept your offer.

Congratulations.

The money's in my pocket

and there's a good horse
waiting for you.

Come out.

I'd prefer you to come in.
It's less public.

- Do you mind?
- 'Not at all.'

Careful, he'll shoot first.

What? After he's given his word?

In England,
that simply isn't done.

Open it.

What, when there are
three against one?

Alright, I'll open it myself.

Fritz!

I regret that we have failed
to keep Your Majesty's

sufficiently amused
here in Strelsau.

I would've suggested
a much more varied program

than just riding with me.

But only I was foolish enough
to believe that..

To believe what?

To believe you were serious
when you told me

you preferred my company
to the courts.

I should have known better.

But I'm sure after
a really exciting boar hunt

you will be
your old self again.

- Are you angry with me?
- What right have I to be angry?

Last night you made me feel
that every hour

away from me was wasted.

But boar hunting

that's quite a different matter.

Do you think I want to go?

Oh. Of course you don't.
Your first duty is to the boars.

They'd never forgive you if you
didn't hunt them and kill them.

Perhaps the boars will hunt me.

They might even kill me.

Doesn't the thought
of my danger touch you?

Or do you weep for my danger?

Well, this is like
you used to be..

...but not like the king
I've come to love.

Oh, my darling.

Do you really think that
I would leave you to go hunting?

- Then you're not going?
- I'm not going hunting.

That is, not just for boar.

Then what?

- Rudolf, it's Michael.
- Indirectly.

- Oh, darling, you mustn't go.
- My sweet.

Shall I tell them
that I can't go

because you and I have
an engagement to go riding?

I won't let you go.
Send someone else.

What kind of a king
would do that?

- But I don't understand why--
- And I can't tell you now.

But I will tell you
the moment I can.

You believe that, don't you?

Yes, of course I do.

Forgive me, Rudolf, I..

I behaved
like a spoiled child.

You see,
I've never been in love before.

Oh, my darling.

I really must go.

Stay here. Let me go alone.

No, don't turn.

If I see your eyes,
I might forget to be a king.

Rudolf, come back to me soon.

Shan't a man come back
to the loveliest woman

in all the world?

A thousand Michaels
couldn't keep me from you.

But if I shouldn't,
you'd never forget me?

Never.

'You'd be a brave
queen and do your part?'

Though my life be empty
and my heart dead.

You would do your part.

Rudolf?

Put away those popguns
and take me to the king.

Well, the man's got courage,
you must grant him that.

I'll grant him six feet
of earth when time comes.

There's no time
like the present.

Your Majesty, Count Hentzau
with a message

from the Duke of Strelsau.

Tell him His Majesty
is indisposed.

No, wait a minute.

Let's hear
what he has to say.

Send him in.

Disarm him first.

Ah!

- The play-actor in person.
- 'Hentzau!'

Your Majesty, I bring you

your brother's
humble greetings

and his hopes that
you will enjoy the boar hunting

here in Zenda.

And his respects, of course,
to your two principal boars.

Well, what price
the crown today?

The last offer
was 50,000 pounds.

Do I hear perhaps 52,000?

You'd hear a much better offer
than that, in private.

Oh.

Before we go any further

I must tell that I'm prepared
to give you a chance to escape

your thoroughly
well-deserved end

on the condition
that you yourself return

the prisoner of Zenda
to me alive.

Really, Mr. Rassendyll?

Do you seriously
expect me to believe

that you, of all people,
want the king back?

- You insult my intelligence.
- I see.

Well, then you've come
a very long way for nothing.

I hope not, for Michael's sake.

Oh, you've brought another
of his generous ultimatums.

I have. He doubles his offer.

A hundred thousand pounds.

I thought it would amuse you.

Fact is, between ourselves.

Michael doesn't understand
a gentleman.

You and I, we do, don't we?

Rassendyll, you're a man
after my own heart.

Frankly, you and I
are the only two people

worth saving in this
whole affair now.

Aren't we?

This is my plan for us.

Now, listen.

Attack the castle boldly.
Let your..

...friends ride at the head.

There's bound to be
a little rifle play at first.

- Oh, unavoidable.
- Arrange the time with me--

I have such confidence
in you, of course.

Michael will fall.

The king will
already have moved on to

a happier life
in the next world.

And your friends,
if they fall too, you and I

I, Rupert of Hentzau,
and you, king of the realm

will be the only two left
who know the truth.

Hmm.

And don't you think
we're being perhaps

just a little drastic
with Michael?

Perhaps a little. But..

...I make it a point never to
trust a jealous man, don't you?

- Michael, jealous?
- You know the lady, I think.

Oh, in the summerhouse. Yes.

But surely, no woman
in her right senses

would prefer the duke to you.

Women are never
in their right senses

thank goodness.

So you're doing all this
for love.

How romantic.

Well, love and..

...Your Majesty's gratitude
throughout

your long and happy reign.

And then, of course,
you might turn over to me

Michael's castles and estates.

Oh, yes, of course,
we mustn't lose sight of those.

You never know whose hands
they might fall into.

Look what I offer you,
the throne and the princess.

You were planning on them
anyway, but this way, it's sure.

Shall we shake hands on it?

Hey, Zapt, Fritz,
listen to this.

Count Hentzau
offers me the throne.

That is, if you two
don't mind being killed.

Their turn comes later,
play-actor.

Yours comes now!

'Guards, stop that man!'

Play the queen, you blockhead.

Ah!

Florence Nightingale!

O Woman! In our hours of ease.

Uncertain, coy,
and hard to please.

When pain and anguish
ring the brow

a ministering angel thou!

Could I have some water?

You'll find plenty of water
down here, sire.

So even a king
can be curious, I see.

Now, Jacob's ladder went up
into the sky, didn't it?

While this goes down
into the moat

but it serves the same purpose.

Because if this
castle is attacked

there are always two of us
in the guardroom

just up those steps,
ready to shove you down

Jacob's ladder.

Properly weighted, of course.

I'd like to be left alone..

...if your orders permit.

The audience is ended,
Your Majesty?

Very well, sire.

Try to get some sleep.

And may you dream
of Jacob's ladder

with paradise
at the end of it.

Oh, I've just done my best
to make His Majesty more..

...receptive.

Alright.

Your Majesty.

What do you expect
to gain by this

except death?

Your admission that now,
your senses restored

you've come to realize
that people

would never accept a king

with your, shall we say,
all too human failings.

- What's that?
- Your abdication.

As soon as you've signed this

a comfortable bed is yours

and the best of care
until you're strong enough

to cross the frontier.

I.-

I haven't lived like a king.

But perhaps
I can die like one..

...and not disgrace
the crown I never wore.

'A man here who
insists he has a personnel message'

'for His Majesty.'

He says, he's one
of the duke's men, sire.

'Have you
searched him thoroughly?'

- 'Certainly, sir.'
- Send him in.

- If only this is from--
- Quiet!

- What is it you want?
- I have a message for..

I am to tell you that
a troop of the duke's hussars

arrives tomorrow.

If there is to be a rescue,
it must be tonight.

'You may count on me, sir.'

I am to lower the drawbridge
at two hours past midnight.

But the noise.

You say the king will be killed
at first alarm?

That is correct.

Madame says before
the bridge can go down

one of your men must swim
the moat and climb to her room.

And then?

Alone, one man might
reach the dungeon.

That man alone must hold off
the guards from murder

until the others can cross
the drawbridge and get below.

Always two guards
on the prisoner, you say?

Two by day
and two by night, sir.

Any other men who can fight?

Only His Highness
and Count Rupert tonight.

Three against six.

Well, tell madame that

we'll be on the shore
at 2 o'clock

waiting for her signal

then I will swim the moat.

The others will wait
until you lower the bridge.

Good luck.

But why three against six?

Surely we can take our men.

We don't dare
if the secret's to be kept.

No, the odds are too great.

We must have help at hand
if we need it.

Tell them to come.

Well, I think I should be
the one to swim that moat.

Right, lad.

We can't afford
to lose both our kings.

You'll lose one king tonight,
whatever takes place.

If anything should happen
to him and not to me

your game's up anyway.

I've been an impostor
for your sake.

I'll not be one for my own.

No, Fritz, I swim that moat.

If we do lose you both

what's to become of those of us
who are left?

They'll serve Queen Flavia.

I would to God
I could be one of them.

Go now. Give Mr. Rassendyll
time to hide in the passage.

And open the great doors
and let down the bridge.

I hope I can work
the mechanism, madame.

I certainly hope you can.

The duke has retired
for the night.

Hentzau is in charge
of the guards.

I was hoping I'd meet
that fellow again.

The crash of the bridge
will arouse the castle.

The guards will follow
their orders and kill the king

before your men
can get to him. Unless--

Unless I can handle two of them
until my men get down to me.

- That's it, isn't it?
- Exactly.

You see,
I've trusted you, your word.

- No harm to Michael.
- We're all agreed.

It means exile,
I'm afraid

but that's what
you wanted, isn't it?

Yes.

Down the steps
is the passage to the guardroom.

Across the guardroom is the door
to the dungeon and the king.

What was that?

It must've been somebody
shutting a door.

Probably madame's.

'What's the matter?
You're ten minutes early.'

'The Duke's as
nervous as a cat on hot bricks.'

'What's he afraid of, burglars?'

Is it true that he sent
for more men, Count Hentzau?

Yes, a whole garrison.

Let's hope he gives us
an eight-hour watch after this.

Twelve hours
is too long on guard.

Keeps you out of mischief.

You run in and out
as you like.

'We've got to stay
in that dirty hole.'

I'm gonna make the rounds
of the doors and bridge

before I turn in.

It was very careless of you
to leave your door ajar.

Very careless..

'...and very inviting.'

Oh. Yes.

Come now,
admit I've been patient.

And patience is a virtue
I generally lack.

You never lack audacity,
Rupert.

Had it occurred to you
I might not be alone?

I always accept the risks.
I'm prepared for them.

You, uh..

You really shouldn't be here,
you know.

Of course..

...I shouldn't.

Always inopportune, Michael,
but always in time.

The moat can hold
more than a king.

Not without making a splash

that would be heard
all over the kingdom.

Michael!

Michael?

Michael.

I would never betrayed you.

'I did it only to save you,
my darling.'

'Oh.'

'Michael.'

De Gautet, Lauengram,
rouse the castle!

De Gautet! Lauengram!

The drawbridge!

I caught a servant trying
to lower the bridge.

Must've been bribed.
Go outside, guard it.

You better be
quiet and get some sleep.

Kill the prisoner!

I'll help you.

Cousin Rudolf.

It's alright now, Your Majesty.

- Cousin Rudolf.
- You're safe.

'Mr. Rassendyll.'

I thought you were more
at home with a knife.

My knife turned out to be
more at home in Michael.

We got in each other's way
once too often

just as you and I have.

May I trouble you
for those keys?

Thank you.

You've settled Krafstein, I see.

Bersonin too, I presume?

I almost hate to see you
join them

with only a bullet in you.

Wait a minute.

How do you know it's Bersonin
I threw into the moat

and not the king?

Oh, no.

You've worn the queen's uniform
and the old school tie.

You'd never use my methods,
Mr. Rassendyll.

Oh, I don't know.

Faced with death, I might.

May I have a last cigarette
while we review the situation?

Half my kingdom!

For a match.

You've got your eye on
Michael's castle and estates

or at least so you tell me.

Yes. You found it
very amusing I remember.

But I'm scarcely in the position
to laugh at it now.

Oh, I don't know.

At least this time
you'll die laughing.

Thank you.

It's no good, I can't get used
to fighting with furniture.

- Where did you learn it?
- On the playing fields of Eton.

I see now how much I missed
by not going to Eton.

Nevertheless, you did them
one great service.

- Yes? What was that?
- You didn't go to Eton.

Alright, this will be
your last fencing lesson.

Look out for your head.

Why not stand your ground
and fight?

"He who fights
and runs away," remember?

You wanna try and get
to the drawbridge.

I just killed a man
for trying that.

- An unarmed man, of course.
- Of course.

It's beginning to sound too much
like the playing fields of Eton.

I'll return to fight
another day too.

Goodbye, play-actor!

Alright, stand by
in the courtyard!

The king?

The king lives.

Do you know

it seems a hundred years

since I struck you
in the face.

Please forgive me..

...and be my guide,
as you were my father's.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

And now,
we mustn't keep him waiting.

I've tried to wear it
with honor, Your Majesty.

I can't talk very much yet.

You're my best
and nearest friend

Cousin Rudolf.

I-I wanted
to keep you with me

to-to tell everybody
what you'd done.

But Zapt says
the secret must be kept.

He's right, Your Majesty.
My work here is done.

Yes, it's done.

As no one but you
could have done it.

I-I don't know when
I shall see you again.

If ever I can serve you,
Your Majesty..

You could never
serve me better, cousin.

You've taught me
how to be a king.

Is she here?

- Does she know everything?
- Everything.

What did she say?

Nothing.

She wants to see you.

Your Highness.

I sent for you to thank you..

...for the service you have done
this kingdom...and its king.

No one can know
better than myself

how conscientiously
you have played your role.

I love you.

With my whole heart and soul,
I love you.

In all else I've been
an impostor, but not in that.

'From the first moment
I saw you in the cathedral'

'I knew you were the only
woman in the world for me.'

As I stand here now..

...I know there never
can be any other.

It would have made
no difference if I'd known.

It was always you,
never the king.

Is it true that
you're going home to England?

Tonight.

Come with me.

I won't let them stand
in the way of our happiness!

- Come with me.
- If only I could--

Oh, my darling.

There's a world outside.
Our world.

And think you'll be free.
Free of these cares and duties

free to live
as joyously and ha..

What is it, Flavia?

I was born to these cares
and duties, Rudolf.

Help me to do
what I was born to.

Help me to do what I must.

How can I, my darling?
I love you.

But is love the only thing?

If love were all,
I could follow you in rags

to the end of the world.

If love were all,
you would've left the king

to die in his cell.

'Honor binds a woman too,
Rudolf.'

And my honor lies

in keeping faith
with my country and my house.

I don't know why
God has let me love you.

But I-I know that I must stay.

Never to see you again.

Never to hold you.

Never..

My darling.

Your heart will always
be in my heart..

...and the touch
of your lips on mine.

We'll meet again, Fritz.

Fate doesn't always make
the right men kings.

Goodbye, colonel.

We've run a good course
together.

Goodbye, Englishman.

You're the finest Elphberg
of them all.