Alfred the Great

1969
M/PG
2h 2m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

While Old England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the ninth century, Alfred is planning to join the priesthood. But observing the rape of his land, he puts away his religious vows, to ... Read allWhile Old England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the ninth 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 count... Read allWhile Old England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the ninth 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. Although Alfred still longs for t... Read all

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.2/10

1.1K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos20

+ 13

More like this

6.7

6.2

6.3

5.3

5.7

7.4

6.0

5.0

6.6

7.4

7.8

The Tragedy of King Richard II

7.3

Walter

Storyline

Edit

Did you know

Edit

Trivia
Vivien Merchant has a prominent role in this movie, but doesn't say a word. Critic Pauline Kael suggested sarcastically that she'd probably refused to say her lines, as the dialogue in the movie was unspeakably bad. That turned out to be the truth.

Goofs
Aelhswith's dress has a zipper around 1 hour 27 minutes into a film taking place over 1,000 years before zippers were invented.

Quotes
Guthrum: I am Guthrum, son of Odin! This is Ivar, my warrior chief. He's called Ivar the boneless because his mother made him with gristle, instead of bone. Show them.
[Ivar performs impressive acrobatics with a sword]
Guthrum: He fights as well.
Alfred: I am Alfred, king of Wessex. This is my cousin, Athelstan of Lamborn. I fear he only jumps on Danish graves.

Connections
Featured in Mark Kermode's Secrets of Cinema: British History Movies (2020)

User reviews32

Review

Featured review

7/10

Biopic about the king who defeated the Danes and united English Kingdoms

During depths of Dark Ages various kingdoms find in England , the greatest results to be Wessex ruled by King Alfred (David Hemmins) . When in ninth century the Scandinavian Vikings or Danes (led by Michael York) invade England with bloodthirsty raids , the young leader Alfred (849-899) at 22 years old dreams with an united nation . Alfred the Great managed himself to unify the small Anglo-Xaxons states in order to battle and beat the invaders barbarians Vikings . Alfred vanquished the invading Danes and freed the London city , besides he promoted the Anglo-Xaxon culture and the civilized values such us learning read Latin.

David Hemmins makes an excellent interpretation along with Michael York as the brutal Danish chief and attractive Prunella Ransome as a princess wished on both sides , besides appears Sir Ian McKellen's debut as a brave outlaw . The great climaxes of the film are , of course , the spectacularly staged battles scenes which convey us a realist scenario . The sets are properly adjusted although no palaces , silks , satins at a court with no pomp and circumstance but simple cloaks and rags and living in wood-forts . This biography is a historic chronicle developing an enjoyable screenplay by James R. Webb . Sensational and glimmer cinematography stunningly reflected on the outdoors by cameraman Alex Thomson . The motion picture is well directed by Clive Donner . The flick will appeal to historic cinema buffs . Rating : Above average. Well worth watching.