The Shepherd of the Hills
The Shepherd of the Hills
Young Matt Matthews, an Ozark Mountains moonshiner, hates the father he has never seen, who apparently deserted his mother and left her to die. His obsession contributes to the hatred rampant in the mountains. However, the arrival of a stranger, Daniel Howitt, begins to positively affect the mountain people, who learn to shed their hatred under his gentle influence. Still, Matt does not quite trust Howitt.
Mister Arn reviewedJuly 15, 2025
“The Shepherd of the Hills”, directed by Henry Hathaway, features John Wayne as a brooding young man driven by the need to kill the father who abandoned him. Rather than relying on shootouts or action, the film leans into emotional undercurrents and slow-burn revelations. It’s more about inner reckoning than dramatic climax, and while it unfolds at a measured pace, it builds a quiet power. This isn’t a film that grabs you, it settles in gently, rewarding patience with unexpected depth.