The Prisoner of Zenda

Captain Fritz von Tarlenheim:
Fate doesn't always make the right men kings.

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!

Rupert of Hentzau:
Someone once called fidelity a fading woman's greatest defense and a charming woman's greatest hypocrisy. And you're very charming. And Michael's very busy and likely to be more so.

Rupert of Hentzau:
Touch?, 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.

[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!

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.

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.

Col. Zapt:
[trying to explain his loyalty to the King, who mistreats him] Rudolf is my King, and I have a feeling about my King.

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] Still, some things come true you never dreamed of!

Prologue:
Toward the close of the last century, when History still wore a Rose, and Politics had not yet outgrown the waltz, a Great Royal Scandal was whispered about in the Anterooms of Europe. However true it was, any resemblance in "The Prisoner of Zenda" to Heroes, Villains, Heroines, living or dead, is coincidence not intended...

Rudolph Rassendyll:
King for a day! What would it mean if I fail?

Col. Zapt:
[Grimly] Your life and mine and Fritz's here!

Princess Flavia:
In my heart there is no King, no crown - only you!

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.

Rudolph Rassendyll:
But I've reformed.

Princess Flavia:
Almost beyond recognition. You seem to be an entirely different person.

Black Michael:
There may come a time, Hentzau, when your services no longer excuse your impertinance.

Col. Zapt:
Let's trust in providence.

Rudolph Rassendyll:
[sardonically] You'll never get providence interested in this enterprise.

King:
I haven't lived like a king, but perhaps I can die like one. I will not disgrace the crown I never wore.

King:
You could never serve me better, cousin. You taught me how to be a king!

Rudolph Rassendyll:
[to Flavia] I love you more than truth or life or honor!

[last lines]

Col. Zapt:
[to Rassendyll] Goodbye, Englishman. You are the finest Elphberg of them all!"

Rudolph Rassendyll:
My work here is done.