AVERAGE

THE ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME!

In the late 1100s, the disowned son (Anthony Andrews) of a Saxon nobleman (Michael Hordern) returns from the Crusades and becomes involved in the struggle between Saxons and Normans.

The big Hollywood treatment of the famous Walter Scott novel came in 1952, but this TV movie is a more ambitious version that aims to teach us a lesson about how the historically poor treatment of Jews should still be a matter of concern for us today.

Still, this is largely a traditional adventure for the whole family with plenty of swordplay and romance. Enthusiastically performed, but goes on a little too long.

1982-U.S.-U.K. 142 min. Color. Directed by Douglas Camfield. Teleplay: John Gay. Novel: Walter Scott. Cast: James Mason (Isaac of York), Anthony Andrews (Wilfred of Ivanhoe), Sam Neill (Brian de Bois-Guilbert), Michael Hordern, Olivia Hussey, Lysette Anthony, Julian Glover, John Rhys-Davies.