Alfred the Great (film)
- David Hemmings: Alfred the Great
- Michael York: Guthrum
- Prunella Ransome: Aelhswith
- Colin Blakely: Asher
- Ian McKellen: Roger
- Peter Vaughan: Burrud
- Alan Dobie: Ethel Reid
- Julian Glover: Shrdlu
- Vivien Merchant: Freda
- Julian Chagrin: Ivar
Action
The film is based on the historical records of the priest Asser, who was Alfred's mentor, friend and companion.
The young Prince Alfred to be ordained a priest, but there is not one of them, as his elder brother Æthelred, king of Wessex, asks him for help against the Danish invaders. Alfred runs a successful battle and is back prince at court, but still want to be a priest.
When his brother threading a meeting with the King of Mercia, Alfred meets his daughter Aelhswith, an old high school sweetheart, and falls again into it. From lust of the flesh packed, he swears off the chastity and marries Aelhswith.
There he becomes human again and tries to expel the Danes from England, whose king has also fallen in love with Aelhswith.
Production
The film shows an extraordinary atmosphere and scenery. He is more documentary created as effectively, shows the life and work of the English king in a critical light.
Reviews
" The attempts to involve the private life of the king in the historical events, as well in the Decorative stifle such efforts to psychological depression; remarkably the choreography of the crowd scenes. "