Search - Ivanhoe on DVD

Two Taylors for Your Delight.

Maximiliano F Yofre | Buenos Aires, Argentina | 04/01/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie is what we use to call "a good one from Hollywood".
It was filmed in 1952 in radiant Technicolor when Hollywood was launching one hit after other, "Ivanhoe" passed with quite good marks.
I was a kid when it was released and saw it with undivided attention as most of my age-mates and parents.
I recently viewed the VHS version again and I am still fond of this film. Is it a great movie? No. Is it a good movie? It certainly is and fully entertaining!

Based on Sir Walter Scott well known novel is a rich mixture of history, romance and drama.
It narrates the adventures of Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a knight of Saxon origins, who has gone into the Crusades against his father's will.
He returned to England to raise funds in order to rescue his imprisoned King, Richard Lionhearted.
He founds the kingdom ruled by John Lackland, Richard's junior brother, who by no means will cooperate and more so will try to stop his intents.
From here on adventures follow with jousts, castle's sieges, rescue of the feeble, difficult romances, out-laws helping the knight, evil knights trying to kill our hero but to no avail.
You name it you have it!

It was directed by Richard Thorpe, an artisan with 186 films in his account. He has started directing movies in the silent period. He was very versatile, directed Johnny Weissmuller in four Tarzan's chapters.
Between 1951 till 1953 he delivered at least four successful movies: "The Great Caruso" (1951), "The Prisoner of Zenda" (1952), "Ivanhoe" (1952) and "The Knights of the Round Table" (1953). He retired in 1967.

The Taylors perform paramount. Robert gives the viewers one of his classic hero's portraits with skill and wit. Elizabeth is very young and fascinating woman, she also delivers a very good acting piece. Even if she was never very fond of this film, WE were, and it is known: the public rules.
George Sanders as the evil Bois-Guilbert is very convincing. Joan Fontaine as Lady Rowena is a little faded.

A final reference for musical score authored by Budapest born Miklos Rozsa: underline forcefully the movie pictures.

If you like romance and adventure, do not miss this film!
Reviewed by Max Yofre."

A Beautiful Movie

Simon Davis | 09/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this movie in 1952 when I was 7 years old. Years later I bought the Laser disc and am dismayed there is no DVD.There have been many swashbuckling movies but this is the best. It is a ripping good story, poignant as well. Beautifully filmed! Robert Taylor Joan Fontaine and Elizabeth Taylor are superb-as is George Sanders. I have shown this film over and over again to my children and they love it. It is romantic without being vulgar. It has plenty of action" without being gruesome. It has character. And lest I forget a wonderful musical score."

A spectacular motion picture rich in action epics...

Roberto Frangie | Leon, Gto. Mexico | 01/03/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This loyal colorful classic account of Sir Walter Scott about knighthood flourishing in 12th Century medieval England is filmed under the direction of Richard Thorpe...

We see lavish sets, splendid scenery, castles, halls, courts, noble knights, gorgeous maidens, sumptuous ornaments, fancy dresses, jousting fields, tournaments, elegant pavilions, brilliant tents, costumed horses, armors, swords, shields, bows and arrows...

To seek the freedom of King Richard The Lion-Hearted imprisoned by Leopold of Austria, a Saxon knight, Wilfrid of Ivanhoe (Robert Taylor), asks the help of Isaac of York (Felix Aylmer), a persecuted Jewish merchant, to raise l50,000 marks of silver... Prince John (Guy Rolfe), his treacherous brother, was conspiring with the Norman Knights to seize his throne..

The best moments of film were: When Ivanhoe, disguised as a Black Knight, enters the tournament at Ashby; the siege of Torquilstone Castle; the attack of Locksley and his bowmen; and the dramatic fight-to-the-death, with mace and ax, between Bois Guilbert and Ivanhoe...

Robert Taylor is the exact choice for a handsome, vigorous, gentile medieval hero who loves Rowena, and he is loved by Rebecca, creating a romantic triangle... Taylor plays the part with dignity, vitality and energy, rising high the age of Chivalry...

Elizabeth Taylor is sweet, sincere and beautiful... We see love through her beautiful violet eyes... Joan Fontaine, at the contrary, is far to be engaged with the part... She seems so cold and indifferent as the Saxon heiress...

George Sanders gives a splendid performance as the villainous Norman knight whose heart was stronger than his sword... He wants Rebecca at any price...

Robert Douglas plays the ambitious Sir Hugh De Bracy who had a taste for beauty and love for money... This great actor crossed swords with Errol Flynn in "Adventures of Don Juan," with Burt Lancaster in "The Flame and the Arrow," with Cornel Wilde in "At Sword's Point," and with Lawrence Harvey in King Richard and the Crusaders."

With three Academy Award Nominations for Best Picture, Best cinematography, and Best Score, "Ivanhoe" remains a spectacular motion picture rich in action epics...

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