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Alfred the Great (film)
Encyclopedia
Alfred the Great is a 1969 epic film which portrayed Alfred the Great's
struggle to rid Wessex
of the invading Danes, in the 870s AD. It starred David Hemmings
in the title role.
), 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.
The film was partly shot in Castlehackett, Tuam
, Co. Galway, Ireland
.
Alfred the Great
Alfred the Great was King of Wessex from 871 to 899.Alfred is noted for his defence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of southern England against the Vikings, becoming the only English monarch still to be accorded the epithet "the Great". Alfred was the first King of the West Saxons to style himself...
struggle to rid Wessex
Wessex
The Kingdom of Wessex or Kingdom of the West Saxons was an Anglo-Saxon kingdom of the West Saxons, in South West England, from the 6th century, until the emergence of a united English state in the 10th century, under the Wessex dynasty. It was to be an earldom after Canute the Great's conquest...
of the invading Danes, in the 870s AD. It starred David Hemmings
David Hemmings
David Edward Leslie Hemmings was an English film, theatre and television actor as well as a film and television director and producer....
in the title role.
Plot
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 RansomePrunella Ransome
Prunella Ransome was an English actress, primarily active on television and films.Born in Croydon, Surrey, Ransome is best known for her roles in films such as Far from the Madding Crowd , opposite Terence Stamp, for which she earned a Golden Globe Award nomination for playing the part of the maid...
), 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.
The film was partly shot in Castlehackett, Tuam
Tuam
Tuam is a town in County Galway, Ireland. The name is pronounced choo-um . It is situated west of the midlands of Ireland, and north of Galway city.-History:...
, Co. Galway, Ireland
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
.