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.
dbdumonteil
"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 .Like this?try these...Richard Fleischer: the Vikings 1958Jack Cardiff:The long ships 1964
Didier (Didier-Becu)
One of the most underrated actors of all time must be David Hemmings but sadly enough he will be immortal for his rol in "Blow up" and it also will be the role that will have chased him throughout his whole career. Sad to see that Hemmings appeared in very weak movies, like "Alfred the great" for instance. We go back to the 9th century at where East Anglia is overwhelmed by the cruel Danes and the help from Alfred (brother of the king who wanted to be a priest). Alfred the Great had his own methods to free his country and what could have been interesting has been completely destroyed as it's too boring (there is strong link to Hamlet's Shakespeare here, and we just saw it too much) or it is just too much of a silly actionmovie (the battles are so long that you tend to fall asleep). I really don't give a damn about this annoying movie that just seems to me like a Robin Hood-movie without a budget.
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.
