The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)
Ronald Colman: Major Rudolf Rassendyll, The Prisoner of Zenda
Photos
Quotes
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Col. Zapt : Let's trust in providence.
Rudolph Rassendyll : [sardonically] You'll never get providence interested in this enterprise.
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[during his sword fight with Rupert, Rudolph "retreats" towards the drawbridge's controls]
Rupert of Hentzau : You'd be a sensation in a circus. I can't understand it. Where did you learn such roller skating?
Rudolph Rassendyll : Coldstream Guards, my boy. Come on now, when does the fencing lesson begin?
Rupert of Hentzau : Stand still and fight, you coward!
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Rupert of Hentzau : Why don't you let me kill you quietly?
Rudolph Rassendyll : Oh, a little noise adds a touch of cheer. You notice I'm getting closer to the drawbridge rope?
Rupert of Hentzau : You're so fond of rope, it's a pity to finish you off with steel. What did they teach you on the playing fields of Eton? Puss in the corner?
Rudolph Rassendyll : Oh, chiefly not throwing knives at other people's backs.
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Rudolph Rassendyll : My work here is done.
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Rupert of Hentzau : I see you want to let the drawbridge down. I just killed a man for that.
Rudolph Rassendyll : An unarmed man, of course.
Rupert of Hentzau : Of course!
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Rupert of Hentzau : Touché, Rassendyll! I cannot get used to fighting furniture - where did you learn it?
Rudolph Rassendyll : That all goes with the old school tie.
Rupert of Hentzau : Well, then, here's your last fencing lesson. Look out for your head.
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Rudolph Rassendyll : You know, there's another reason I feel so well. Had a remarkable wine for dinner last night. Soothed my nerves - went right off to sleep! Slept like a top! Came from right near your castle, by the way. You must try it in case you're ever troubled about sleeping.
Black Michael : I sleep very well.
Rudolph Rassendyll : Is that so? You must have a clear conscience.
Black Michael : I have, and I've never had a dream that didn't come true... if I waited long enough.
Rudolph Rassendyll : Really? How romantic!
[laughs]
Rudolph Rassendyll : Still, some things come true you never dreamed of!
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Rudolph Rassendyll : King for a day! What would it mean if I fail?
Col. Zapt : [Grimly] Your life and mine and Fritz's here!
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King : Well, what are you doing here, cousin?
Rudolph Rassendyll : I must admit, Sire, that I may have been guilty of somewhat the same offense as our mutual ancestor.
King : Such as what?
Rudolph Rassendyll : Fishing in forbidden waters.
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King : You could never serve me better, cousin. You taught me how to be a king!
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Rudolph Rassendyll : [to Flavia] I love you more than truth or life or honor!
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Princess Flavia : I sent for you to thank you... for the service you've done this kingdom and its king. No one can know better than I how conscientiously you've played your role. You even... You're hurt! They didn't tell me.
Rudolph Rassendyll : My only hurt is the thought of the pain I've caused you. 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... you've been the only woman in the world for me. As I stand now, I know there'll never be any other.
Princess Flavia : It would have made no difference if I'd known. It was always you and never the king. Is it true that you're going home to England?
Rudolph Rassendyll : Tonight. Come with me. I won't give you up. I won't let them stand in the way of our happiness!
Princess Flavia : Oh, if I could...
Rudolph Rassendyll : There's a world outside. Our world. And a throne for you, a woman's throne, in my heart.
Princess Flavia : I want that. And you will always love me? Always, even as now?
Rudolph Rassendyll : Always, always. Oh, my love, think. You'll be free. Free of all these cares and duties... to live your own life, as freely and joyously as... What is it, Flavia?
Princess Flavia : I was born for those cares and duties, Rudolf. Help me to do what I was born to do. Help me to do what I must.
Rudolph Rassendyll : But my dear, how can I? I love you.
Princess Flavia : But is love the only thing? If love were all, I could follow you in rags to the end of the world. But if love were all, you would have left the king to die in his cell. Honor binds a woman too, Rudolf. 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 know that I must stay.
Princess Flavia : I was mad to ask you.
Princess Flavia : For one lovely moment I, too, was mad.
Rudolph Rassendyll : Never to see you again? Never to hold you? Never... My darling.
Princess Flavia : Your heart will always be in my heart... and the touch of your lips on mine.
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Rudolph Rassendyll : [preparing to leave after the coronation to recover the real king] In a couple of hours, I'll just be plain Rudolph Rassendyll.
Col. Zapt : You'll be lucky if you're not the late Rudolph Rassendyll.
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Rudolph Rassendyll : But I've reformed.
Princess Flavia : Almost beyond recognition. You seem to be an entirely different person.
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King : I haven't lived like a king, but perhaps I can die like one. I will not disgrace the crown I never wore.