thinker1691 Across the centuries, there are special men who rise above others and for a few brief moments in history have the honor of becoming more than the summit of their work, they become 'Great.' This is the story of one such man. He was raised well and educated by monks for the priesthood, however, war enveloped England (West Saxony) and his family persuaded him to become king. In this film "Alfred The Great" it is the superb actor David Hemmings who plays Alfred with much conviction against the Danish King Guthrum played by another notable actor Michael York. From the passages of English lore, Alfred's legend lends itself to a few of the many deeds and innovations which shaped his country and it's reforms. The battle tactics which he gleaned from ancient military journals and used effectually against the Danes as well as the inner intrigues of the royal family are chronicled in this movie. What is offered is nothing short of exceptional. A good attempt at capturing the mood of the times and the interaction between the early Saxon king and the mighty Vikings. A film which offers enough to certify it as a classic. ****

LCShackley In the decade following the release of BECKET, audiences were treated to a parade of big- budget, star-laden historical epics based on British history. ALFRED THE GREAT obviously aspired to join the ranks of BECKET, LION IN WINTER, and MAN FOR ALL SEASONS; instead, it barely reaches the second rank of lesser films such as CROMWELL and MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS.Despite a host of prominent actors, some beautiful scenery, and big battle scenes, this film never seems to coalesce into an inspiring work of art. I think the fault lies with the meandering script and uninspired direction. My first hint that the director wasn't capable of pulling off a big epic was in the first battle scene where the Saxons pursue the Danes. When Alfred's men stop after the battle, they look like someone just shouted, "OK everyone, pant like you've been running." I have seldom seen such wooden, phony extras. The battle scenes look like each set-up was posed just before the camera started rolling. Alfred at one point receives a slash on the arm that results in a huge jet of blood, but when the battle is over, he washes it off as though it were a mosquito bite. Alfred himself is not a very compelling character. He does come off better here than in Bernard Cornwell's series of novels about him, but he's not as inspiring as Henry II, V or VIII. David Hemmings is a fine actor, and he has a perfect face for a Medieval king, but he doesn't seem to have what it takes to lead the Saxons against their invaders.Because this was the late 60s, we are treated to more realistic blood-letting than the epics of the 40s, and there are obligatory sex scenes (nothing graphic, but so very 60s). The one fun moment in the battle scenes is when the Saxons, forming a 'Spartan phalanx', execute some moves worthy of an American college marching band.The fine score by noted conductor Raymond Leppard is marred by tinny recording and bad mixing. Kudos to the creator of the closing credits, nicely done in Medieval illumination style. And Peter Blythe, best known to me as Soapy Sam on the RUMPOLE TV series, breaks that wishy-washy mold completely in his role as a wild-haired, screaming barbarian.Perhaps my ho-hum response is partially due to the fuzzy print which appeared on American cable this past week. But even with crisper visual outlines, the story and execution of ALFRED THE GREAT would still be too fuzzy for a good rating.

emmint Brilliant film, but then I'm biased as it's British history and I'm British. David Hemmings was excellent, I don't think any other actor could have portrayed Alfred the Great. If you want to know where the Brits come from watch this film and you'll see.If your studying English history then this is the film you should watch, the interplay between Michael York as Guthrun and David Hemmings should tell you a lot. You'll see where a lot of the laws that govern us come from. And how Alfred said that everybody should have access to the law and nobody should be above it.It's entertaining and educational at the same time.

Bruce Jones I originally saw this film at its first sneak preview when it was originally made and I still vividly recall some of it's beautiful work. I think it was much under-appreciated in it's time and was a terrific work of historical drama. I think it succeeded in conveying the period mood and atmosphere to a modern audience and I especially enjoyed the characters (even down to the names) and the attention to detail in the sets and battle scenes. It was a wonderful experience that has stuck with me.