William D McCrum wrote:
Yes, even Avie L. who regards it as his favourite film is reluctant to call it 'great' when he's being objective.  It's just that the film has so many excellent production values ... and the music of course.  Every costume, every link of armour, every set is totally authentic, and has been quoted as such by experts ... except for the metal shields for that 'clanging' effect!  It has a 'mediaeval naive' quality about it too that has charm, but it is a big compromise on Walter Scott's big conception.
I never said that IVANHOE is my favorite film (I've always enjoyed it, but you're absolutely right about R. Taylor, who's also far too American -- but he did have great hair); it contains my favorite score which is, of course, a very different thing.