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Russian director Sergey Tarasov helmed this adaptation of Sir Walter Scott's 19th century classic Ivanhoe. Released in 1983, Ballada O Doblestnom Rytsare Ayvengo (The Ballad of the Valiant Knight Ivanhoe) finds Peteris Gaudins in the role of Ivanhoe, the courageous hero who returns from the Crusades to find King Richard the Lionhearted dethroned by his villainous brother, John. To make matters worse, Ivanhoe discovers that in his absence, his beloved Rowena married another. Enlisting the help of a band of rebels, including Robin Hood, Ivanhoe attempts to restore Richard's kingdom and once again find true love. Previous adaptations found Ivanhoe portrayed by such actors as Steven Waddington and Robert Taylor.