Alfred the Great (I) (1969)

While Old England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the 9th century, Alfred is planning to join the priesthood. But observing the rape of his land, he puts away his religious vows to ... See full summary »

Director:

Clive Donner

Writers:

James R. Webb (story), Ken Taylor (screenplay),

Stars:

David Hemmings, Michael York, Prunella Ransome

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
David Hemmings	...	Alfred
Michael York	...	Guthrum
Prunella Ransome	...	Aelhswith
Colin Blakely	...	Asher
Ian McKellen	...	Roger
Peter Vaughan	...	Burrud
Alan Dobie	...	Ethelred
Julian Glover	...	Shrdlu
Vivien Merchant	...	Freda
Julian Chagrin	...	Ivar
Jim Norton	...	Thanet
John Rees	...	Cuthbert
Christopher Timothy	...	Cerdic
Peter Blythe	...	Eafa
Sinéad Cusack	...	Edith

Storyline

While Old England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the 9th century, Alfred is planning to join the priesthood. But observing the rape of his land, he puts away his religious vows to take up arms against the invaders, leading the English Christians to fight for their country. Alfred soundly defeats the Danes and becomes a hero. But now, although Alfred still longs for the priesthood, he is torn between his passion for God and his lust for blood.

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Plot Keywords:

priesthood | dane | england | 9th century | husband wife relationship | 

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Taglines:

At 22 he gained a throne and saved a kingdom

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Certificate:

M

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 October 1969 (Hong Kong)

Also Known As:

A King Is Born

Filming Locations:

County Galway, Ireland

Company Credits

Production Co:

Bernard Smith Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer British Studios

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints) Mono (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Film debut of Ian McKellen.

User Reviews

King versus Vikings

"Alfred the great" is an entertaining film with perhaps too much battle scenes.The two leads are convincing but the part of the queen is too underwritten.

The first scenes between David Hemmings and Prunella Ransome are good though: an educated prince who knows the Bible by heart and whose only ambition is to become a monk;an ignorant virgin under her father's thumb who uses her for political reasons.

Then comes Michael York ,the villain who's got twenty concubines and who falls for his enemy's wife .

This is the story of a reluctant king who believed in peace and love and finally discovers that in those troubled times (the 9th century) you had to be cruel to be kind .

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