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. 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 , 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. 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.
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| Release date: | July 14, 1969 |
| Directed by: | Clive Donner |
| Runtime: | 122 Minutes |
| Producer: | Bernard Smith |
| Editor: | Fergus McDonell |
| Music by: | Raymond Leppard |
| Cinematography: | Alex Thomson |
| Genre: | Adventure, Action |