Ivanhoe

I remember this version of the Ivanhoe story from when it was originally aired the United States in the early 1970's. I think that it was then, as it is now, an excellent example of British period production and find it regrettable that a production with such a remarkably talented cast (many of whom have gone on to have rather distinguished acting careers) should have faded into obscurity and, even worse, to be eclipsed by the ITV version starring Roger Moore which was done with far less panache a decade or so earlier. A particularly memorable performance is given in this version by Anthony Bate as Sir Brian de Bois Guilbert. The blazing fury of his personality simply eclipses Eric Flynn's otherwise very workmanlike portrayal of Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe. All in all a substantially more exciting treatment than the less than limpid prose of Sir Walter Scott's novel.

I loved this 1970 BBC series when I saw it twice as a child and have never forgotten it, having read the book twice since and watched other versions with a critical eye. I have searched many times to find out information about this version, and thought it must have been lost from the BBC archives, so I was amazed to see that it is now available on DVD from Simply Media. Of all the film and TV versions of Ivanhoe, this remains the definitive version for me in spite of its faults (such as some weird colours, and comical chants of "Normandy" or "England" in the tournament scenes). I dislike the Hollywood film version, and appreciated the BBC 1997 version in many ways, but although this 1970 BBC version lacks some realism by modern standards, it is still the version that faithfully represents the book and the many great characters in it. Next time I watch it (and I'm sure I will), I'll turn off the colour to recreate my fond childhood memory with even more accuracy. A gem!

Absolutely adored Eric Flynn as Ivanhoe. A much neglected actor, should have done better. Sons and daughter are actors also.