An adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's 1819 novel of the same name, it stars Anthony Andrews in the title role.

It depicts the noble knight Ivanhoe returning home from the Third Crusade and becoming involved in a power struggle for the throne of England.

He develops some genuine affection for Rebecca of York towards the end, and although he could easily have won the fight against the wounded and weakened Wilfred of Ivanhoe, Brian de Bois-Guilbert lowers his sword and allows himself to be killed, thus saving Rebecca's life.

"[5] Julian Glover had played the role of Richard I previously in the Doctor Who serial The Crusade (1965), which was also directed by Camfield.

Popular Swedish heavy metal band HammerFall even named their debut album Glory to the Brave after a line from the film.