Main Cast: David Hemmings, Michael York, Prunella Ransome, Colin Blakely, Julian Glover
Release Year: 1969
Country: UK
Run Time: 122 minutes
Plot
While Olde England is being ransacked by roving Danes in the 9th century, Alfred (David Hemmings) is commencing to join the priesthood. But observing the rape of his motherland, he puts aside 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 an English hero. But now, although Alfred still longs for the priesthood, he is torn between his passion for God and his lust for blood. After marrying the beautiful Aelhsweth (Prunella Ransome), he gives himself over to his dark side and aggressively rapes his wife. At this point, the Danes return and Alfred must muster the English forces once again for a decisive battle, but he also must battle his conflicting soul. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
Ian McKellen - Roger; Peter Vaughan - Burrud; Julian Chagrin - Ivar; Barry Jackson - Wulfstan; John Rees - Cuthbert; Andrew Bradford - Edwin; Michael Billington - Offa; Ralph Nossek - Bishop; Keith Buckley - Hadric; Alan Dobie - Ethelred; Vivien Merchant - Freda; Christopher Timothy - Cerdic; David Glaisyer - Olaf
Credit
Ernest Archer - Art Director, Jocelyn Rickards - Costume Designer, Clive Donner - Director, Brian Cummins - Second Unit Director, Fergus McDonell - Editor, Raymond Leppard - Composer (Music Score), Michael Stringer - Production Designer, Alex Thomson - Cinematographer, Bernard Smith - Producer, James R. Webb - Producer, Robert MacDonald - Special Effects, Cyril Swern - Sound/Sound Designer, James R. Webb - Screenwriter, Kenneth Taylor - Screenwriter
Alfred is preparing to join the priesthood, but, angered by the invasion his country by the Danes, he puts aside his religious vows to lead the West Saxon English against the invaders. Alfred defeats the Danes and becomes an English hero. However, although Alfred still desires to join the priesthood, he is pulled between serving God and his lust for blood. After he marries the beautiful Aelhswith (Prunella Ransome), the Danes return and Alfred must muster the English forces once again for a final battle, but he also must battle the dark conflicts within his own soul.
A vast amount of money was spent on the exact replication of every aspect of the ninth century it depicted, turning some corners of County Galway into Wessex, including etching a 200-feet long white horse into the hill at Knockma.
