An American drama; A story about a young, hotheaded backwoodsman in the Missouri Ozark mountains who is forsworn to find and kill his father, who he believes years earlier abandoned his mother. Outsiders threaten to push his friends and family off their land, but then a mysterious stranger wanders into the community.
Based on the Harold Bell Wright's bestselling novel, this is a tender bluegrass poem with Christian themes of sin, forgiveness, and redemption. It is leisurely paced which befits its slow-moving characters. A handsome John Wayne and delightfully pretty Betty Field give good performances given their less than believable characters. Wayne's transformation from inarticulate and immature guy, to a more mature and thoughtful man is impressive. Field shines, embodying the wide-eyed, superstitious backwater girl with real heart.
The film is at times too fast and sometimes it feels overlong. Wayne is kitted out in anachronistic cowboy clothing which feels out of place, one of many changes from the novel to create melodrama that didn't add up to much. Nevertheless, the film is well directed, especially scenes of tender moments, and scenes calling for atmosphere and tension. It makes the most of the striking locations and the photography portrays a rustic ambience which is in keeping with the film's tone.
Review of The Shepherd of the Hills
The Shepherd of the Hills
(1941)
Sentimental mush but a moving yarn beautifully staged
29 September 2019