While no version of The Prisoner of Zenda could possibly outdo the 1937 version, the 1922 version is an extremely close second. Starring Lewis Stone (Rudolf V/Rudolph Rassendyll), Alice Terry (Princess Flavia), Ramon Novarro (Rupert of Hentzau), Stuart Holmes (Black Michael), and Barbara LaMarr (Antoinette de Mauban), it too boasted a stellar cast. The sets were just as, if not more, exquisite than the 1937 version. And it was a very welcome reprise after the 1913 version, which is only known for being the first filmed version. (The 1913 Zenda was probably very short and sketchy, and the cast was entirely too old and probably too stagey with exaggerated arm movements and such.) The 1922 version, however, is very rarely seen. While it exists and has been preserved, it isn't on video. TCM shows it once in a while, but this is hardly enough. To help build interest in this film, which appears to be a gem, here is a small picture gallery which will hopefully expand soon. Click on the thumbnails (made small on purpose) to enlarge them.
