marcyb1 Review of The Shepherd of the Hills

The Shepherd of the Hills (1941)

not true to book - does that make this a spoiler? Hmmm . . .

[7 August 2007]

I am sorry - I'm sure this is a wonderful film, but it doesn't follow the book. In the book, Mr and Mrs Matthews both are a wonderful couple who take Daniel Howitt in his first night in the hills and offer him the job taking care of the sheep. Aunt Mollie (Mrs Matthews) is such a wonderful woman, I hate to hear her character changed as she obviously is in the film. From what I've read, the only true thing in the story is the effect Howitt had on the community. Don't just watch the film - it has merit of its own, but also read this phenomenal story. It's even better. :)The true story is such a wonderful telling of the battle between those who take the high road and those who take the low. You'll see the baldknobbers (closely kin to KKK or other raiding groups after the war.) You'll hear a tragic story of pride and the beauty of redemption. It is a must-read.