The saga of Alfred the Great, the legendary Wessex King who led his ragtag army to victory against the Danish invaders, is ripe for a cinematic masterpiece. Unfortunately, the 1969 film “Alfred the Great” misses the mark, delivering an uneven portrayal of this fascinating historical figure. Directed by Clive Donner, the film stars David Hemmings as Alfred and features Prunella Ransome, Michael York, and Ian McKellen in his film debut. Despite its flaws, this film offers an interesting, albeit flawed, interpretation of Alfred’s life and struggles.
Key points
Alfred the Great (1969) Movie
David Hemmings plays Alfred with a mix of confusion and inner turmoil. Donner’s direction presents Alfred not as a traditional heroic figure, but as a troubled ’60s anti-hero who yearns to become a monk. Forced into the roles of king and warrior, Alfred grapples with his responsibilities and the temptations around him, particularly the allure of the Mercian Princess Aelhswith, played by Prunella Ransome. Alfred’s pacifist ideals clash with his darker impulses, creating a character who is both complex and frustratingly inconsistent.
The film’s narrative is a wild ride, blending elements of historical drama with unexpected comedic touches reminiscent of Monty Python. Alfred’s journey is fraught with internal and external conflicts. He struggles with his desire for peace and his latent sadism, finding solace only in the brutal act of war. This portrayal attempts to delve into Alfred’s psyche but often falls short, leaving the audience bewildered by his erratic behavior.
One of the film’s most compelling sequences is Alfred’s fall from grace and subsequent redemption. After a humiliating defeat, Alfred hides in the marshes, where he befriends a band of outlaws led by a young Ian McKellen. This period of exile allows Alfred to reflect on his failures and emerge with a renewed sense of purpose. He vows to unify his kingdom and enact laws to bring peace, ultimately preparing to confront the Danish invaders once more.
Michael York’s portrayal of the Norse god Guthrum is one of the film’s more puzzling aspects. York’s performance, coupled with the depiction of his Viking cohorts as heavy metal fans, adds an unintentionally humorous layer to the film. This odd choice, along with Alfred’s sometimes absurd internal struggles, detracts from the film’s more serious moments.
The film’s attempts to portray a passionately conflicted hero are commendable but ultimately fall short. Alfred’s character is intriguing, with his pacifist ideals and latent sadism, yet the execution lacks coherence. The film’s uneven tone and scattered narrative undermine its potential to be a gripping historical epic.
“Alfred the Great” takes significant artistic liberties with historical facts, which may irk purists but is a common practice in historical dramas. The film compresses timelines and dramatizes events for cinematic effect. For instance, the depiction of Alfred’s relationship with Aelhswith is heavily fictionalized, adding elements of forbidden romance and betrayal that are not supported by historical records. These choices serve to heighten the drama but at the expense of historical accuracy.
There is a great film to be made about Alfred the Great, but this is not it. The 1969 rendition offers glimpses of what could have been a compelling story of a reluctant hero rising to greatness. Instead, it settles into a disjointed tale that fails to capture the true essence of Alfred’s legacy. Despite this, the film is not without merit. It is, at the very least, an interesting watch that attempts to explore the complexities of a historical figure in an unconventional manner.
Finding the Film Today
Finding a copy of “Alfred the Great” can be a challenge. It is hard to locate on VHS and has not been released on DVD. Some dedicated fans have uploaded segments of the film on YouTube, making it accessible for those curious enough to seek it out. Watching the film in this piecemeal fashion can be frustrating, but it also adds a layer of intrigue, as viewers piece together the story from available clips.
Reflecting on my viewing experience, I recall my own personal connection to the film. My enthusiasm for watching it was sparked by the presence of an actor who appeared only briefly before being killed off. This fleeting appearance saved me from having to endure the entire film, a small blessing considering its uneven quality. This nostalgic connection adds a personal dimension to my critique, reminding me of the quirky and often unpredictable journey of discovering forgotten films.
in Conclusion “Alfred the Great” is an ambitious but flawed attempt to bring the story of one of England’s most revered monarchs to the big screen. While it stumbles in its execution, the film’s exploration of a conflicted hero offers a unique, if uneven, perspective on Alfred’s life. It stands as a testament to the challenges of translating historical narratives into compelling cinema. For those interested in a different take on a well-trodden historical path, “Alfred the Great” is worth a watch, if only to appreciate the effort and ambition behind it.
