The Prisoner of Zenda

Universal City, CA: Universal Pictures, 1978. Revised Final Draft script for the 1979 film. Copy belonging to "M. James," with the name in manuscript ink (marked through) on the front cover, but James' association with the film is unknown.

Probably the best of the seven adaptations of Anthony Hope's 1894 adventure novel, this time a campy swashbuckler. Rudolf IV (Sellers), the reigning monarch of the tiny nation of Ruritania, plummets to his death while flying in a hot air balloon. The rightful heir, Rudolf V (also Sellers), is kidnapped by the person next in line for the throne. Luckily, the Royal party employs Syd (again, Sellers), a London taxi-driver who looks like Rudolf V, to sit-in as King. While impersonating the monarch-to-be, Syd falls in love with Princess Flavia (Frederick).

Shot on location in Austria and California.

Yellow titled wrappers, noted as REVISED FINAL DRAFT SCREENPLAY on the front wrapper, production No. 02106, dated May 9, 1978. Title page present, undated, noted as REVISED FINAL DRAFT SCREENPLAY, with credits for screenwriters Clement and La Frenais. 122 leaves, with last page of text numbered 121. Mechanical duplication on eye-rest green stock. Pages and wrapper Near Fine, bound with three gold brads.

[Book #135845]