I believe that the final climatic scenes music is the base notes for Jaws! The movie was shot in one of the most picturesque locations ever seen on film and it was shot just an hour away from Mr. Wayne's home in Balboa Island (at least his boat was docked there later on in his life). I was particularly struck by the dark satanic overtures and the Ozark verbiage which was great to listen too throughout the film, very down to earth with simple rules to follow in life. In general the storyline never wavered and the simple yet complex characters of the Master's family (kinfolk) was as real as any modern day dysfunctional family "as there ever was!" Aloha, Bobby Z

I found this to be an interesting, compelling story. I'd be curious to know where the producers of the film came up with it. It was certainly not based on Harold Bell Wright's novel "The Shepherd of the Hills", despite their use of the book's cover in the opening sequence, and of like-named characters throughout the movie.I didn't dislike the film, and I would recommend it to anyone as an enjoyable work. I would also recommend, after having watched it, to find a copy of Wright's book "The Shepherd of the Hills" and read it as well. It's quite a good story, too. Don't worry about the film giving away the ending of the book - there's no resemblance between the two.

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.

I just caught this little gem on AMC. I missed the opening credits so I had no idea who directed it. As the film progressed, I was like "This has GOT to be a John Ford film." After all, it features John Wayne, Harry Carey, Ward Bond and lots of wonderful Ford like shots. A wonderfully photographed and directed film. It even has Marjorie Main in a character role that's a total departure from her normal, boisterous parts we all know and expect from this great actress. Then I looked it up here at the IMDb and saw that it was Henry Hathaway's film. I never thought of Hathaway as a bad director by any means, but wow! This simply has the look of a well crafted classic beginning to end. Highly recommended.