Ivanhoe (1982) (TV)

Director:

Douglas Camfield

Writers:

John Gay (writer)
Sir Walter Scott (novel)

Release Date:

23 February 1982 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | Romance

Plot:

This is a remake of Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Ivanhoe, a worthy and noble knight, the champion of justice returns to England after the holy wars...

Plot Keywords:

Castle | Historical | Knight | Robin Hood | Tournament

Awards:

Nominated for Primetime Emmy.

Cast

James Mason	...	Isaac of York
Anthony Andrews	...	Wilfred of Ivanhoe
Sam Neill	...	Brian de Bois-Guilbert
Michael Hordern	...	Cedric
Olivia Hussey	...	Rebecca
Lysette Anthony	...	Lady Rowena
Julian Glover	...	King Richard
George Innes	...	Wamba
Ronald Pickup	...	Prince John
John Rhys-Davies	...	Front de Boeuf
David Robb	...	Robin Hood
Stuart Wilson	...	De Bracy
Michael Gothard	...	Athelstone
Tony Haygarth	...	Friar Tuck
Philip Locke	...	Grand Master

Runtime:

USA:142 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, England, UK

Company:

Columbia Pictures Television

Quotes:

Grand Master: Reverend and valiant men, Christian brothers of every degree. I regret to inform you, that the raging wolf has made an inroad upon this flock and is attempting to carry off one of our members. We therefore summon to our presence this woman by name Rebecca...

Movie Connections:

Version of Ivanhoe (1952)

Among my personal favourites

I must admit I've always liked this one. There are many reasons, but the chief one is the cast, which is brilliant in all parts.

Playing a hero, especially a naïve goody-two-shoes one, is probably the most difficult job in show business (just ask anyone who's played Batman) but he solves it very well, and sometimes annoyingly so (when he remains faithful to the beautiful, but dull, Rowena (also well-payed by Anthony, who does the best she can with Rowena).

From a post modern, jaded opinion, the more interesting characters are the three villains; the egocentric Front de Beuf (Rhys Davies), the amoral Maurice the Bracy (Stuart Wilson) and the cunning Brian de Bois Guilbert (Sam Neill). Also, the wise Rebecca (Olivia Hussey), the bitter Isaac (James Mason) and the stubborn Cedric (Michael Hordern) are good, and even Wamba and Robin Hood. In fact, while the book/film is called "Ivanhoe", the interesting parts are the dynamics between Brian Guilbert and Rebecca, or between James Mason and John Rhys-Davies (classic!).

Summing up: The film portrays Medieval England as both civilized and savage, and the castles and costumes are plausible rather than costly. The film has an epic battle scene, as well as really good jousting, intelligent conversation and interesting character development. It's definitely worth watching.