Ivanhoe
Ivanhoe was a BBC television series from 1970. The script was by Alexander Baron, based on Sir Walter Scott's novel of the same name. The director was David Maloney. It was shown on the Sunday tea-time slot on BBC1, which for several years showed fairly faithful adaptations of classic novels aimed at a family audience. It was later shown on US television. It consisted of five 50-minute episodes. It is not widely remembered nowadays, but is remembered favourably by some who do remember it, as one of the better BBC Sunday adaptations, and possibly more accessible to a late 20th-century audience than Scott's original novel.
Insights
Plot Summary
Sir Wilfred of Ivanhoe returns from the Crusades to find England in turmoil, with his father disinherited and his beloved Rowena promised to the brutish Prince John. He must rally the Saxons against the Norman oppressors, navigate treacherous political waters, and fight for his family's honor and the hand of Rowena. His quest involves legendary figures like Robin Hood and King Richard the Lionheart.
Critical Reception
This made-for-television film adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's classic novel was generally well-received for its earnest approach to the source material and its classic adventure storytelling. While not groundbreaking, it provided a faithful and engaging rendition of the beloved tale, appreciated for its historical setting and romantic elements. Performances were noted as solid, though the production values were typical of television films of the era.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its faithfulness to the novel and classic adventure narrative.
- Noted for a solid, albeit TV-movie-standard, production.
- Appreciated for its historical setting and romantic plot elements.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this specific 1970 television film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
Robert Taylor, who plays the titular hero, was one of the last major stars of Hollywood's Golden Age to appear in a television film before his passing in 1969, though this film was released posthumously.
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