Ivanhoe Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A knight, a king, and two Taylors walk into a medieval bar, then proceed to have a surprisingly complex love quadrangle involving religious intolerance and political intrigue… and chainmail.

🍿 Ivanhoe: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Divided Kingdom

Set in 12th-century England, the film depicts the tensions between Saxons and Normans after the Norman conquest. King Richard the Lionheart is held captive, and his brother Prince John schemes to seize the throne, supported by Norman knights. This sets the stage for a power struggle and the quest to restore rightful rule.

Ivanhoe’s Return and Quest

Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe, a Saxon knight loyal to King Richard, returns from the Crusades and discovers the king’s imprisonment. He seeks to raise the ransom money, facing opposition from Prince John and his Norman allies. Ivanhoe’s journey leads him to seek help from Isaac of York, a Jewish moneylender, highlighting the prejudice faced by Jews in that era.

Tournaments and Treachery

Ivanhoe participates in a tournament to raise funds and prove his loyalty to King Richard. Disguised as a mysterious knight, he defeats several Norman challengers, including the formidable Brian de Bois-Guilbert. This victory establishes Ivanhoe as a champion of the Saxon people and a threat to Prince John’s ambitions.

Romance and Rivalry

The plot thickens with romantic entanglements. Ivanhoe is torn between his childhood sweetheart, Lady Rowena, and Rebecca, Isaac’s daughter, who possesses healing skills and a strong moral compass. Bois-Guilbert also desires Rebecca, creating a love triangle that fuels the conflict.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Ivanhoe (Robert Taylor): A noble Saxon knight loyal to King Richard, striving to restore him to the throne and reconcile with his estranged father.
• Rebecca (Elizabeth Taylor): A beautiful and compassionate Jewish woman who falls in love with Ivanhoe and faces persecution due to religious prejudice.
• Rowena (Joan Fontaine): A noble Saxon lady and Ivanhoe’s betrothed, caught in a love triangle and threatened by political unrest.
• De Bois-Guilbert (George Sanders): A conflicted Norman knight torn between his duty to Prince John and his obsessive love for Rebecca.
• Prince John (Guy Rolfe): The treacherous and power-hungry brother of King Richard, scheming to usurp the throne and maintain control over England.
• King Richard (Norman Wooland): The rightful King of England, held captive and desperately needed to restore order and justice to the realm.
• Wamba (Emlyn Williams): Ivanhoe’s loyal and clever squire, providing comic relief and unwavering support throughout his adventures.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Prince John: “What is it you want? My crown? My kingdom?” – Prince John’s villainy as he attempts to secure his reign.
• Rebecca: “To whose god shall a Jew pray for a Gentile?” – Said when asked about her feelings for Ivanhoe, highlighting the social barriers of the time.
• Brian de Bois-Guilbert: “You know I want you, Rebecca.” – Bois-Guilbert confesses his deep love for Rebecca, torn between his duty and his feelings.
• King Richard: “Before me kneels a nation divided – rise as one man, and that one, for England!” – Said when King Richard returns to England, calling for unity between Normans, Saxons, and Jews.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $3,842,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Ivanhoe Reviews

Personal Review

I watched ‘Ivanhoe’ because I’m a sucker for old Hollywood epics, and I wasn’t disappointed. The costumes and sets are gorgeous, and the action scenes, especially the jousting tournament, had me on the edge of my seat. Elizabeth Taylor is stunning, and George Sanders makes a deliciously conflicted villain. While Robert Taylor is a bit wooden, the overall charm and adventure of the film make it a worthwhile watch. I found myself really engrossed in the conflict between Ivanhoe and the Templar knight, de Bois-Guilbert. The final battle was also pretty amazing, with great tension, as well as the dramatic way he died as well. Overall, it’s one of my new favorites!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic adventure films”
  • “Those interested in medieval history and legends”
  • “Viewers who appreciate swashbuckling action and romance”
  • “Families looking for an engaging historical drama”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence and sword fights”
  • “Brief scenes of religious persecution”
  • “Some stereotypical portrayals of Jewish characters (common for the time period)”

Professional Reviews

• Collider.com: “Sick of gritty medieval movies? Ivanhoe offers a colorful and swashbuckling alternative. Though somewhat dated, the film’s sense of adventure and romantic spirit still resonate, making it a refreshing historical epic.
• IMDB User Reviews: “An entertaining fairy tale come to life. Some have criticized Robert Taylor for being too stiff, but I found him to be suitably formal and chivalrous. George Sanders intrigued me the most. Though a villain, he actually became more sympathetic as the movie progressed.
• IMDB User Reviews: “A spectacular motion picture rich in action epics. Robert Taylor is the exact choice for a handsome medieval hero. Elizabeth Taylor is sweet, sincere and beautiful. George Sanders gives a splendid performance as the villainous Norman knight.

Audience Reactions

Spectacular scenery and vibrant colors bring the medieval world to life.: Viewers praise the film’s visual appeal and exciting action sequences.

The performances of Elizabeth Taylor and George Sanders stand out as memorable.: Many appreciate the casting choices and the actors’ portrayals of their respective characters.

Overall Consensus: A visually impressive and entertaining medieval adventure, though some find the lead performance and pacing less compelling.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (Best Film Promoting International Understanding)- 1953

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film was one of MGM’s most expensive productions at the time, reflecting the studio’s commitment to lavish historical epics.”
• “The casting of Elizabeth Taylor as Rebecca was a significant draw, as she was already a rising star in Hollywood. She was only 19 years old during filming.”
• “The film was shot on location in England, adding to its authenticity and visual appeal. Doune Castle in Scotland was used for some exterior shots.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ivanhoe?

Currently, ‘Ivanhoe’ (1952) is available for purchase or rental on platforms like Amazon Prime Video. Check your preferred streaming service for current availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ivanhoe, you might like these similar films:

• The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938): Similar medieval setting, themes of loyalty and justice, and conflicts between Saxons and Normans.
• Knights of the Round Table (1953): Another MGM historical epic with Robert Taylor, focusing on Arthurian legends and chivalry.
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005): Shares themes of religious conflict, honor, and the Crusades, with a focus on a knight’s journey.
• First Knight (1995): Features knights and castles, it also deals with themes of chivalry, love, and conflicting loyalties in the Arthurian legend.

🛒 Ivanhoe Related Products

• Ivanhoe [Blu-ray]: Own the classic story in stunning high definition. Experience the adventure like never before with enhanced visuals and audio.
• The Complete Ivanhoe: Delve into the full novel by Sir Walter Scott and uncover details not captured in the film. Explore the rich text that inspired the movie.
• Medieval Knight Action Figure Set: Recreate iconic scenes from the film with this detailed action figure set. Perfect for collectors and fans of medieval history.
• Robin Hood: The Complete History: As Robin of Locksley features in Ivanhoe, gain the complete background of one of England’s favorite heros in this historical compendium.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ivanhoe features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Song of Ivanhoe” – performed by Miklós Rózsa

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Film snobbery on location with Ivanhoe

Ever wonder what it’s *really* like on a movie set? Lindybeige shares a hilarious (and slightly cringe-worthy) story about his time on the set of Ivanhoe. Honestly, it’s a little shocking how some people behave!

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