When audiences think of Hollywood's 'Golden Age', its movies like this one that sums up that concept. Gloriously garish Technicolour, beautiful sets and costumes that have nothing to do with historical accuracy, and a story that is so full of inaccuracies (both historical and compared to the novel) that it would be quite laughable if it wasn't so much fun. And that's what this movie is all about - good, clean fun and pure, 100% entertainment.
I'd like to mention something about the musical score. Miklos Rozsa was one of the great movie composers, and his score to this movie is truly great. No composer today could write a score so lush and full of beautiful melodies. Each of the main characters gets their own theme, and all themes are gorgeous, especially those written for Rowena and for Rebecca. Ivanhoe's theme, heard first over the main titles, is one of Rozsa's greatest pieces. In fact, its worth watching this movie and concentrating listening to the music rather than the dialogue.
I'd like to mention something about the musical score. Miklos Rozsa was one of the great movie composers, and his score to this movie is truly great. No composer today could write a score so lush and full of beautiful melodies. Each of the main characters gets their own theme, and all themes are gorgeous, especially those written for Rowena and for Rebecca. Ivanhoe's theme, heard first over the main titles, is one of Rozsa's greatest pieces. In fact, its worth watching this movie and concentrating listening to the music rather than the dialogue.