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The popularity of mythical kingdom stories in the silent era can be traced directly to author Anthony Hope, who wrote The Prisoner of Zenda and its sequel, Rupert of Hentzau. Both novels were committed to film several times. The sequel, however, ends tragically. It has been three years since Rudolf Rassendyll saved the life of Ruritania's King Rudolf V (Henry Ainley) and the King has all but forgotten the deed. Instead he jealously focuses on the affection that his wife, Queen Flavia (Jane Gail), has for the Englishman. Rupert of Hentzau wants a pardon from the King and steals some letters which he hopes to use as blackmail. Rassendyll plans to impersonate the king once again and meet up with Rupert, but Rupert encounters the real king first. In a battle at his hunting lodge, the king and his servant are fatally shot and a fire breaks out, burning both corpses beyond recognition. Rassendyll then comes face-to-face with Rupert and kills him in a sword fight. Because it is believed that it was Rassendyll who was found dead at the hunting lodge, he passes himself off as the king, but Rupert's spy shoots him dead.