Ivanhoe

The difficulty with bringing a piece of revered literature to the big screen has more to do with pleasing the fans of the work than in making a pleasing movie. Those who hold Walter Scott's classic "Ivanhoe" in high esteem will deem any adaptation to a largely visual medium unworthy no matter how much care and devotion are given to visualizing the original source.

This version of "Ivanhoe" holds up well and remains one of the more realistic films dealing with the myth, legends, and pomp of the High Middle Ages. The pictorial representation of Judaism at a time of wide-spread persecution of that religion throughout Europe by Christians who continually used the Jews as scapegoats was noble indeed for 1952, the height of the McCarthy witch hunts. The audience of the day undoubtedly overlooked this point when Rebecca is accused of witchcraft in order to insure conformity and stifle opposition to Prince John's tyrannical rule of England in King Richard's absence.

From a historical perspective, this film is about as accurate as any of the numerous Robin Hood tales prevalent at the time in the movies and on TV. Ivanhoe's father is correct when he remarks that Richard would be no better than John as far as the Saxons were concerned. Both Richard and John were ineffectual rulers. Prince John (later King John) has received a bad press as a result of the lionization of Richard the Lionheart. At least John stayed home and attempted to rule England; whereas, Richard was always traipsing about Europe and the Near East on a Crusade or leading his knights in battle mainly for personal gain. His ransom as a result of falling into the hands of the Germans was costly for his realm. Neither Richard or John was the skilled administrator their father, Henry II, proved to be, one of England's greatest monarchs. Neither inherited the diplomatic skills of their mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of the great women leaders in western civilization.

The division between the Saxons and Normans as a result of the Norman invasion of 1066 is at the crux of the story, Ivanhoe being Saxon, the royal family being Norman, descended from William the Conqueror. Nothing is said about those who lived on the British Isles before either the Saxons or the Normans, the Celts first, then the conquering Romans.

A highlight of "Ivanhoe" is the jousting tournament, leading to rivalry between Ivanhoe (Robert Taylor) and Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders), a rivalry that extends to winning the hand and heart of Rebecca. The alluring nineteen-year-old Elizabeth Taylor who portrays Rebecca is at the peak of her beauty and loveliness. George Sanders and Robert Taylor were much older than Elizabeth at the time. Taylor was uncomfortable making love, even on celluloid, to one so young, especially since he recalled her as a child in the early days of his movie career.

The brilliant Technicolor cinematography is bewitching even by today's standards. Adding to the eye-catching color are the action scenes, especially toward the end of the movie. The besieging of the castle is directed with élan by Richard Thorpe, who learned his trade well from directing action packed B films.

The acting is top notch throughout with Guy Rolfe as the loathsome Prince John stealing every scene he's in. The weakest is Emlyn Williams who plays Wamba (a chattel who becomes Ivanhoe's Squire). Wamba apparently is supposed to supply comic relief and is given some good lines by the writers, but Williams tends to overplay the part to the extent that at times the character becomes an obnoxious loudmouth.

This splendid version of Sir Walter Scott's classic epic tale starts in 12th century, when Saxon Knight Wilfred of Ivanhoe(Robert Taylor), a suitable noble, having fought for Richard the Lionhearted(Norman Wooland) during the Crusades, goes back to England. He aware king Richard has been taken prisoner and gets a letter written, telling the following : 'To the people of England . I am here held captive by Leopold of Austria. My brother, prince John has knowledge of it, yet he has denied my ransom. One hundred and fifty thousand marks of silver. I fear he does conspire with certain Norman knights to seize my throne. People of England, speed my deliverance. Your kingdom is at stake'. In order to regain his freedom, Ivanhoe attended by a likable squire(Emilyn Williams) confronts Prince John(Guy Rolfe) and his lieutenants(in this case George Sanders and Robert Douglas)and he's also drawn to Jewish healer Rebecca(Elizabeth Taylor), Isaac(Felix Aylmer)of York's daughter. Meanwhile, Ivanhoe woo maidens, as his childhood sweetheart, Saxon heiress Rowena(Joan Fontaine).Prince John, now John Lackland will stop at nothing to assume the throne. Ivanhoe join forces with Robin Hood and his Merry man who attack the stronghold.

This enjoyable film displays romance, chivalry, knighthood, daring jousting and lots of action with spectacular castle attack. This one proved notable hit as well as the others two Robert Taylor's forays into English history, 'Quentin Durward and Knights of the Round table', produced and directed by similar crew, Pandro S Berman and Richard Thorpe. The film packs a glamorous and luminous cinematography by Freddie Young and evocative musical score by Miklos Rozsa. The picture is excellently handled by Richard Thorpe.

The film is partially based on true events. Although Ivanhoe didn't exist, John Lackland was king of England from 1199 to 1216. Few monarchs have been subject to such appalling publicity as John, Although by no means lovable, he was an able administrator and spent more time in England than his predecessor and elder brother Richard I but he was jailed by Leopold of Austria, returning from Crusades. Besides appears Robin Hood, also known Robin O'Locksley and the Earl of Huntingdom, is probably and sadly a creation of romantic imaginations. If Robin Hood did exist, it's almost certain that he was not a Saxon , though his enemies may well have been the Norman sheriff of Nottinghan and Prince and later king John Lackland.

I love this film, especially the jousting tournament scene. I think one of the reasons why it touched me so deeply because the tournament scene was based on 'The Tournament of the Black Lady' held by King James lV of Scotland in 1507 at Edinburgh Castle. He competed against five knights (whom he defeated) and presented himself in black armour to conceal his identity. His Queen of Love and Beauty was his African attendant, Ellen, whom he dedicated to the tournament to. Sir Walter Scott would have had this fresh in his mind when he was re-writing the Robin Hood story.

Although the story of Ivanhoe has been brought to screen several times, this is the version that I have always considered outstanding. Yes, I admit that it is a free adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's novel, much is changed. I also admit that it is a clearly Hollywood production of the early 1950s with cast elites of the time. Yet, IVANHOE is extremely entertaining as an epic movie.

MIDDLE AGES ON SCREEN: The picture of the medieval England of the 12th century is very appealing. Viewers get a right impression of the lifestyles, believes, and values of the time. And it is not only because of the costumes and sets... the film is supplied with such moments that allow us to travel in our imagination to the distant Middle Ages. I loved the tournament, for instance, when the "knight with the hidden face" (Ivanhoe) is supposed to prove his courage. Here, a mention must also be made of the castle siege and the very natural action. Another important medieval aspect that is developed in the film is man's chivalric love to a woman. Ivanhoe comes back to his homeland and refers to the vows of chastity he has made with his beloved Lady Rowena (Joan Fontaine). This delicacy combined with straightforward love and courage with sacrifice are very beautiful...and very medieval (consider this aspect in Gibson's BRAVEHEART as well). Finally, funny moments are accurately embedded in the context. The scenes with humble Squire Wamba (Emlyn Williams) constitute the heart of the movie's humor.

PLAYERS: The cast give very fine performances. Although these are mostly great stars of the early 1950s and may be not that famous to the general audience at present, Robert Taylor is absolutely amazing as Ivanhoe. He perfectly expresses chivalric courage, purity of intentions and honor. I also liked young Liz Taylor who is noticeably not that professional on screen as she later was. Yet, her girlish beauty in the role of a Jewish girl, Rebecca, is magnificent. Except for Taylors, Joan Fontaine in the role of the virtuous Lady Rowena is terrific - real Lady, yet a bit boring. There are also such mainstays of epics like George Sanders, Felix Aylmer and Finlay Currie. Who can forget their roles in QUO VADIS? or SOLOMON AND SHEBA? Thanks to the famous cast, the film can be placed in the accurate cinema period. Yes, it cannot be forgotten that IVANHOE was made in the early 1950s and thanks to this awareness you partly know what to expect from such a film. However, the movie's old age talks even more for its value. IVANHOE is just standing a test of time.

EPIC PROPORTION FILM: IVANHOE is also filled with spectacular scenes. The first one worth consideration is the opening scene when Ivanhoe is traveling through Austrian valleys and hills looking for the captured Richard the Lionheart. Mind the excellent colors' selection and the sunset by the castle at Durnstein where the king was kept for ransom. The cinematography is outstanding. Another beautiful scene is the feast that Cedric (Finlay Currie) gives to his guests. This luxury of medieval cold castles, the hospitality of the Saxons and the manners of the wealthy are in focus. But these moments are not there for nothing...they serve the purpose to supply the viewer with a unique atmosphere.

What more to say? IVANHOE by Richard Thorpe, in spite of its 54th birthday, is a great medieval epic that I would recommend to everyone. For me, it is one of those films that I have seen several times and still dream to see once again. I am always in a very nice mood whenever I see this movie 7/10

In his return from the crusades king Richard of England is captured and held for ransom by Austrian king Leopold. His loyal knight Wifred of Ivanhoe tries to collect the amount for his liberation but Prince John (Richard's brother) sits now in the throne and will do anything to stay there with the aid of some Normand knights.

This is a real good action and adventure medieval film with knights, maidens, castles, tournaments, battles, duels and else. Richard Thorpe direction is excellent (perhaps his best work ever); you'll find also good color photography, well made settings and an interesting plot. Costumes and armours -though perhaps too "hollywoodish" perfect- are also a plus.

Robert Taylor (Ivanhoe) was in his peak and does well as the reliable and faithful knight who fights for his captive king. George Sanders is very well casted as Brian de Bois Gilbert the Templar warrior-monk that would give up his honor for the love of the Jewish maiden Rebbeca (Elizabeth Taylor) but will rather see her death when he is rejected. Joan Fontaine is Lady Rowena Ivanhoe's bride. The rest of the cast includes some all time favourites as Felix Aylmer (Rebbeca's father), Finlay Currie (Cedric the Saxon), Robert Douglas (as Sanders's sidekick Sir Hugh de Bracy) and in a typical role for him Guy Rolfe as the treacherous and ambitious Prince John (this guy was born to play villains).

The tournament in which Ivanhoe challenges the five top Saxon knights and the assault on Front de Beuf's castle by Robin of Locksley and his men are very well achieved action scenes and even more if you consider it was the early 50's. And the final duel between Taylor and Sanders is a great climax for the film (notice they chose war axe and iron ball and chain instead of the usual swords).

A most enjoyable film in its genre.