Ivanhoe: Capturing the Romantic Rendition on Celluloid

Sir Walter Scotts Ivanhoe is one of the most illustrious work done in a fictional genre that depicts the
escapade of the main protagonist. The excitement and mystery associated with love delineated in this
historical romance has garnered an abiding popularity among readers and literary critics. The novel
unveils heroism that instigates exhilaration in readers. It reiterates the apprehension and agitation
between the Saxons and the Normans that once existed in the vanished era of England. As the plot
paces, Ivanhoe who is the son of Saxon Knight, Cedric, is transpired as a possible resolute to those
existing and anticipated tensions for that he is loyal and faithful to the Norman King Richard. Though its
counted among the foremost adventure classics, it is regarded and seen as a historical romance by most
of analysts, critiques and readers.
An archetypal story of chivalry that proliferated in England during medieval times was taken to the silver
screen under the direction of Richard Thorpe. An ensemble of accomplished actors like Robert Taylor,
Elizabeth Taylor, and Joan Fontaine succeeded in bringing up a realistic cinematic piece that deals with
many mythical facts and pompous leaders of vanished English era.
The film was released in 1952 across the theatres of United States of America. Lavish sets, sumptuous
ornaments and elegant pavilions grossed $24,729,920 box office collection worldwide (within the year
of release).
A jousting tournament (a sporting bout between two opponents seated on the horseback fight with
lances) between Robert Taylor (playing Ivanhoe) and George Sanders (playing Sir Brian de Bois
Guilbert) is the crowning moment of the movie. The tournament unfurls the rivalry between the two,
and extends to have an inkling impression Elizabeth Taylor (playing Rebecca, the daughter of Isaac of
York)
Action packed sequences, Technicolor cinematography and splendid fields complements even todays
filming standards. The bewitching spell casted by the handsome, vigorous, gentile persona of Robert
Taylor can entice the audience of any age.
The 1952 adaptation of Sir Walter Scotts Ivanhoe won three Academy award Nominations for Best
Picture, Best Cinematography and Best Score Scoring of a Dramatic or Comedy Picture. The film also
secured nominations in Golden Globes, USA (1953) for Best Motion Picture Score and for Best Film
Promoting International Understanding, in Venice Film Festival, International Film Music Critics Award
(IFMCA) in 2010 and was nominated for an Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures by
Directors Guild of America, USA in 1953. This classic fiction inspired film remains a striking motion
picture of times.