Ivanhoe - 3 of 5 stars

In honor of the late Liz Taylor I will review the only film of hers in my collection.I do this because no one mentioned it when they talked about her career.First I rated it only 3 stars because the big castle siege battle scene was poorly done.The film was made in 1952 at 106 minutes and there were many other films with far better better filmed battle scenes from that era. As to the cast,the best performances were by George Sanders as De Bois-Guilbert and in a smaller role   Guy Rolfe as Prince John.Bothe Liz and Robert Taylor (no relation) were ok as Rebecca  and Ivanhoe.based on a novel by Walter Scott  it shows the story of a brothers betrayal  and unrequited love as well as honor and loyalty.In short the story is of Ivanhoe trying to free King Richard of England who has been betrayed and held for ransom in Austria so his brother John might rule England.Ivanhoe raises the ransom with the help of Jews,but must fight to the death De Bois-Guilbert for the life of accused Jewish Rebecca.The tragic love is that De Bois-Guilbert loves Rebecca who in turn only loves Ivanhoe who only has eyes for Rowena (Joan Fontaine).There are a few good fight scenes especially a Jost where Ivanhoe, a saxon, defeats 4 of 5 norman knights before losing to
 De Bois-Guilbert .It's a big sweeping epic story of the era of the Crusades,chivalry ,intolerance,honor and love.In short,England when it was young and wild.Worth a look if only for Liz at her  most beautiful.
Trailer below pix as always.

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi531105049/