The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

The Prisoner of Zenda (1937)

The Prisoner of Zenda is a 1937 adaptation of Anthony Hope's 1894 novel of the same name directed by John Cromwell starring Ronald Colman and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Although not the first cinematic adaptation, this is considered the definitive version. The original novel had a sequel, Rupert of Hentzau, but producer David O. Selznick declined to film a sequel, partly because it was depressing and more importantly, he was busy with Gone with the Wind. The film was remade, shot for shot, in color in 1952 using almost an identical script and an identical score, starring Stewart Granger and James Mason.

The following weapons were used in the film The Prisoner of Zenda:

Gasser Montenegrin M1880

Various characters are seen using bone-handled Gasser Montenegrin M1880 revolvers throughout the film.

Gasser M1880 Montenegrin - 11.3x36Rmm "Montenegrin"

Actual screen-used Gasser Montenegrin M1880 from The Prisoner Of Zenda - image courtesy of the Armchair Gun Show, who are selling the original prop.

Rupert of Hentzau (Douglas Fairbanks Jr.) with his Gasser Montenegrin.

Colonel Zapt (C. Aubrey Smith) fires his Gasser Montenegrin. (Smith had played the lead role in the 1896 stage production.)

Johann (Byron Foulger) hands Rudolf Rassendyll (Ronald Colman) a Gasser Montenegrin. This shot shows off the bone grips.

Rudolf threatens a guard with his Gasser Montenegrin.

Rupert levels his revolver at Rudolf.

Rupert's henchmen fire their Gassers.

Smith & Wesson Schofield

Colonel Zapt (C. Aubrey Smith) and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim (David Niven) are armed with what appear to be Smith & Wesson Schofield revolvers for part of the film.

Smith & Wesson Schofield Model 3 with blued finish - .45 Schofield.

Col. Zapt shoots open a lock with his revolver.

Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim fires his revolver.

Double Barreled Shotgun

Colonel Zapt and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim are armed with Double Barreled Shotguns when they first meet Rudolf Rassendyll (Ronald Colman).

Charles Parker 1878 Side by Side Shotgun - 12 Gauge

Colonel Zapt and Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim meet Rudolf Rassendyll. These appear to be muzzle-loaded shotguns.

Webley RIC-type

Rudolf Rassendyll uses a Webley RIC or copy when he goes to meet Antoinette de Mauban (Mary Astor).

Webley RIC No. 1 Second Pattern - .442 Webley

Rassendyll approaches the rendezvous with revolver drawn.

Rassendyll takes cover.

Unidentifiable rifles

Ruritanian troops are seen with rifles in the film, but they are not clear enough to identify.

An honor guard with their rifles.

A rack of rifles in the background.

Cannon

Multiple field guns open fire to salute Rudolf's coronation.