“SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 273, 8 February 1928, Page 15

“SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS”

dramatic production "The Shepherd of the Mills,’* First National's elaborate screen version of Harold Bell Wright's widely read novel, is a highly dramatic and realistic production, with some remarkably beautiful photographic effects. Alec B. Francis has the weight of interpretation in the title role, and does some really fine work, while pretty Molly O'Day, who attained stardom in "The* One Woman,” is the heroine. John Boles, virile and manly, is cast as the hero, and a-strong supporting east adds to the interest of the producition. Here, indeed, are thrills in plenty, action that never slows up, intense interest evoked by the course of a beautiful love affair of a backwoods Sirl. and a primitive bred-in-the-bone hill* boy. . . . All the appeal of sheer the fascination of mountain scenery and Ozark backwoods of poignant charm, contrasted with grotesque ugliness, drama, pathos, and no little humour, all combine to make the film version as interesting as the thrilling novel.