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.
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.