In a fictional European kingdom, a young British man named Rudolf Rassendyll is on vacation, and while visiting Zenda Castle, he gets caught up in a royal intrigue. Rudolf, who bears a striking resemblance to King Rudolf V, leads a fairly normal life until he learns that the king has been kidnapped by his evil half-brother, the Duke of Faldez. Upon discovering the situation, some nobles decide that the only way to save the crown is for Rudolf to impersonate the king and take his place on the throne. At first, it seems like a game, but as he delves deeper into the dangerous dance of power, Rudolf realizes that his life and the stability of the kingdom are at stake.
As Rudolf assumes the royal role, he is also swept up in a whirlwind of emotions, especially when he encounters the charming Princess Flavia, who is engaged to the king. Caught between his duty and his feelings, our protagonist must confront the threat that the duke poses and the growing connection he feels towards Flavia. With intrigue, romance, and a touch of adventure, Rudolf discovers that nothing is as simple as it seems, and that the fate of the kingdom may weigh more than his own desires. The film is a display of heroism, honor, and the dilemmas of identity, perfectly wrapped in a palace setting filled with secrets.