Ivanhoe (1952)

Entertaining...

Good old-fashion fun! Love being able to show these movies to my kids and not worry about the content!! They loved the action... July 23, 2008

"Ivanhoe" DVD

A classic movie, based on a classic novel by from the GOOD days of Hollywood. Set during the same time frame as Robin Hood (his character is also in the movie). The jousting scenes are terrific.

Robert Taylor's character, Sir Ivanhoe, has returned from the Crusades and is searching for King Richard. When he finds the king is being held for ransom in Europe, he returns to England to try to raise the money to ransom the king. King John is on the throne, just like in Robin Hood, and is opposed to King Richard's return. There is no Sheriff of Nottingham in this movie, but King John has more than enough soldiers and knights helping in his fight to retain power. George Sanders is one of John's "bad guy" knights, but is also a somewhat sympathetic character.

Great costumes, classic, talented actors and actresses (including a young Elizabeth Taylor), plenty of action and absolutely NO filthy language like they put in every modern Hollywood production. This is a great movie for collectors of classic Hollywood. January 12, 2008

Still moving

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This is another one of those movies that proves your emotion can be evoked without any f-bombs, or any swearing at all.

WARNING: Spoiler follows.

The climax comes when, for political reasons, the Jewess Rebecca is accused of witchcraft. Sir Brian de Bois-Guilbert, the antagonist and supporter of the evil Prince John, had been making advances to her throughout the story, to no avail, because she was in love with Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe.

To save her from burning at the stake, Ivanhoe challenges the verdict by an offer to combat the prince's champion. To play one off the other, the prince chooses Guilbert to fight Ivanhoe against Rebecca's cause, the idea being if Guilbert wins, Rebecca burns - not exactly what Guilbert had in mind.

Guilbert, however, has a proposal for her:

Guilbert: "Rebecca. I can yield now and Ivanhoe will win by default, and you will go free. I will have to live out my life in disgrace; all this I would do if you will be mine."

Rebecca: "We are all in God's hands now, Sir Knight."

Guilbert: (Angrily) "Then prepare to die - both of you!"

A tense combat follows in which Ivanhoe is almost defeated, but Guilbert is mortally wounded in a quick turn-around of events. As he lies dying, Rebecca goes to him out of sorrow, and he says to her, "Rebecca, fate had me instead of Ivanhoe love you. God be with you always." And he dies.

I know this dialog might sound a little corny by today's standards, but I think good actors saying, "We are all in God's hands now, Sir Knight" is a lot more moving than, "[...] you and the horse you rode in on, [...]" and "Fate had me instead of Ivanhoe love you. God be with you always" is infinitely better than, "[...] you, [...]!"

But then again, that's just me.
July 12, 2007

Ivanhoe oldie but goodie

A classic film with all the bells & whistles. Considering how old this film is it still holds great character performance and directorship. May 21, 2007

Ivanhoe

This is a great movie that depicts honor, love and chivalry. I would recommend it to anyone. The movie is one that I am proud to own and that I will watch over and over again. March 22, 2007

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