Overview
A tale of chivalry and romance unfolds amidst the backdrop of medieval England.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Moderate
- heroic
- romantic
- colorful
- classic movie night
- historical adventure marathon
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film's lavish MGM craftsmanship, colorful medieval spectacle, energetic action, and unusually forceful treatment of tolerance, while noting some wooden writing.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The MGM production emphasizes brilliantly colored spectacle, castles, jousts, and sieges.
Ivanhoe and Robin of Locksley seek to return King Richard to the throne over Prince John's opposition.
Rebecca and Isaac's treatment gives the story's anti-Semitism and questions of tolerance unusual prominence for a spectacle film.
Ivanhoe's commitments to Rowena and his concern for Rebecca complicate the chivalric adventure.
Films like Ivanhoe, and why
The Adventures of Robin Hood
shared medieval setting, chivalric adventure, courtly romance, and large-scale spectacle
The Vikings
shared literary medievalism, heroic knights, colorful production design, and tournament action
Henry V
shared historical spectacle, swordplay, noble protagonists, and conflicts over rightful rule
The Black Shield of Falworth
shared classic Hollywood swashbuckling, romantic intrigue, and castle-centered adventure
Movie Details
- Director
- Richard Thorpe
- Release Date
- 1952-07-31
- Runtime
- 106 min
- Rating
- 6.8 / 10 (209)
Cast
- Robert Taylor
- Elizabeth Taylor
- Joan Fontaine
- George Sanders
- Emlyn Williams
- Robert Douglas
- Finlay Currie
- Felix Aylmer
- Francis de Wolff
- Norman Wooland
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Ivanhoe about?
- A colorful MGM swashbuckler follows a disowned knight and his allies through tournaments, sieges, and romantic peril to restore England’s rightful king.
- What is Ivanhoe like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Ivanhoe as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Ivanhoe violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Ivanhoe as moderate.
- What did critics think of Ivanhoe?
- Critics broadly praised the film's lavish MGM craftsmanship, colorful medieval spectacle, energetic action, and unusually forceful treatment of tolerance, while noting some wooden writing.
- Which films are like Ivanhoe?
- Films with a similar feel include The Adventures of Robin Hood, The Vikings, Henry V, and The Black Shield of Falworth.
- How long is Ivanhoe?
- Ivanhoe runs 106 minutes.
- Where can I watch Ivanhoe?
- In United States, Ivanhoe is available to rent or buy from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home.
