The Prisoner of Zenda & Rupert of Hentzau: Two BBC Radio 4 full-cast dramatisations

BBC Radio adaptations of Anthony Hope's famous swashbuckling adventure novel and its sequel

Anthony Hope's swashbuckling historical novel The Prisoner of Zenda was first published in 1894 and was an instant hit, spawning an 1898 sequel, Rupert of Hentzau, and launching the Ruritanian romance genre. Included here are the radio dramatisations of both thrilling novels, starring Julian Glover as Rudolf Rassendyll and King Rudolf, Martin Jarvis as Rupert of Hentzau and Hannah Gordon as Flavia.

The Prisoner of Zenda - On holiday in the East European province of Ruritania, English gentleman Rudolf Rassendyll is caught up in a web of subterfuge. When his distant cousin, King Rudolf, is drugged on the eve of his coronation, Rassendyll is persuaded to impersonate him at the ceremony, thereby thwarting Rudolf's half-brother's attempts to seize the throne. But as the doppelganger is crowned, the real King is kidnapped and imprisoned. To save him, Rassendyll is forced to continue the deception: and finds himself falling in love with the King's intended bride, Princess Flavia...

Rupert of Hentzau - Three years on from his Ruritanian adventures, Rudolf Rassendyll is living in voluntary exile, separated from his beloved Flavia since her marriage to the King. His only consolation is the annual red rose she sends him, as a token of love and remembrance. But now, instead of a flower, she has sent a letter - and this incriminating missive has been intercepted by the dastardly Rupert of Hentzau. The repercussions will bring Rassendyll face-to-face with his old foe, as he is embroiled once more in danger and intrigue.

First published 1894 (The Prisoner of Zenda) and 1898 (Rupert of Hentzau)

The Prisoner of Zenda Rudolf Rassendyll/King Rudolf - Julian Glover Colonel Sapt - Nigel Stock Princess Flavia - Hannah Gordon Count Fritz von Tarlenheim - David Timson Rupert of Hentzau - Martin Jarvis Duke Michael - Michael Spice Antoinette de Mauban - Anne Kidd Lord Burlesdon - Clive Swift Lady Rose Burlesdon/ Innkeeper - Diana Bishop Countess Helga - Hilda Schroder Rosa - Cherry Gilliam Captain Detchard - Terry Scully Johann - Sam Dastor Josef - Haydn Jones Train guard - William Sleigh Bersonin - David Gooderson Customs officer - Brian Haines

Adapted by Eric Maschwitz and Kay Patrick Produced by Martin Jenkins Original music (1939) by Robert Chignell and Leslie Woodgate First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 19 May 1973

Rupert of Hentzau Rudolf Rassendyll/King Rudolf - Julian Glover Queen Flavia - Hannah Gordon Herbert/Bauer - Nigel Anthony Hermann/Anton von Strofzing - David Sinclair James - Timothy Alcock Station-Master/Butler - Wilfrid Carter Countess Helga - Hilda Schroder Count Fritz von Tarlenheim - David Timson Madame Helsing/Mother Holf - Diana Bishop Rischenheim - Kerry Francis Rupert of Hentzau - Martin Jarvis Chancellor Helsing/Farmer - Peter Williams Constable/Thug - Vernon Joyner Colonel Sapt - Nigel Stock Fraulein Helsing - Bonnie Hurren Bernenstein - Sean Barrett Simon/Thug - Fraser Kerr Rosa - Cherry Gilliam

Adapted by Cynthia Pughe and Kay Patrick Produced by Martin Jenkins First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 26 May 1973

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Lydbog: 9. juni 2022