The Shepherd of the Hills (1941) Marks Return Of Classic Films To Historic Owen Theatre
July 31, 2024
Branson Regional Arts Council
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Monday Movies Are Back this Summer at the Historic Owen Theatre!
The Historic Downtown Branson Community Improvement District is pleased to partner with Branson Regional Arts Council to present a series of Classic Films that were actually shown at the Historic Owen Theatre when they first came out in the 30’s and 40’s. Everyone is invited to join us this Monday, August 5, 2024 at 7pm as we kick off this Summer Film Fest, and relive the nostalgia of great classic movies at the Historic Owen Theatre with your family and friends!
FREE ADMISSION – SEATING IS LIMITED
No reservations required, but seating is limited and on a first come basis. Doors open at 5:30pm with a special Ozarks Authors Book Signing at 6:00pm, and the film starting at 7:00pm. The concession stand will be open with fresh popcorn, refreshments and other tasty treats available.
Monday, August 5th – 7pm – The Shepherd of the Hills (1941 – featuring John Wayne, Betty Field and Harry Carey)
The Shepherd of the Hills is a 1941 American drama film starring John Wayne, Betty Field and Harry Carey. The supporting cast includes Beulah Bondi, Ward Bond, Marjorie Main and John Qualen. The picture was Wayne’s first film in Technicolor and was based on the novel of the same name by Harold Bell Wright. The director was Henry Hathaway, who directed several other Wayne films including True Grit almost three decades later. The story was filmed previously in the silent era by author Wright himself in 1919, released on State Rights basis. It was filmed again, in The Shepherd of the Hills (1928 film), starring Molly O’Day at First National Pictures, and later, in color in 1964.
The photo above was taken when the film premiered at the Owen Theatre in July 1941. In response to negative public opinion that the film may not accurately reflect the original Harold Bell Wright novel, theatre owner Jim Owen created a publicity campaign that included manned picket signs reading “Paramount’s Shepherd of the Hills – Unfair to Original Characters. We Don’t Like It! – Hillbilly Local #0001.” Now, 83 years later, come see the film and judge for yourself!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MORE MONDAY MOVIES THIS SUMMER!
- August 5th– 6pm Book Signing Event, 7pm – John Wayne in Shepherd of the Hills (1941) 98mins
- August 12th– 7pm – Ma & Pa Kettle Back on the Farm (1951) 80min
- August 19th– 7pm – Spencer Tracy in They Gave Him a Gun (1937) 94min
- September 2nd– 7pm – Mae West in I’m No Angel (1933) 87min
- September 9th– 7pm – Henry Fonda in That Certain Woman (1937) 1:33min
- September 16th– 7pm – Steven Spielberg’s Jaws (1975) 124min
“We are excited to partner with BRAC to offer free classic films. BRAC and the Historic Owen Theatre are a vibrant part of our community and history. It’s always a pleasure to work with our friends and neighbors! We recommend you arrive early for best parking, then take some time before the films to shop, dine and explore downtown!”
– Cris Bohinc, Administrator Historic Downtown Branson CID
In 2006, downtown Branson worked with the city and state to form the Historic Downtown Branson CID. The purpose was to help Historic Downtown generate more visitors when its new neighbor arrived; The Branson Landing. The downtown CID started the first public transportation system in Branson and operated within a “Community Improvement District”. The FREE trolleys join Historic Downtown with The Landing!
The “District” provides many things. Several trolleys that are free for riders and paid for by a 1-cent sales tax collected by businesses in the district. Also, Christmas light displays in November and December, lots of advertising on TV, social media, website and so much more!!
The District also partners with the DBBA to get out over 200,000 downtown brochures annually and other needs. The CID is currently working with the city to make upgrades to the public Awbery bathroom and to have the downtown’s landscaping completely redone!
The Historic Downtown Branson CID’s only goal, is to bring more business and beauty to downtown!!
Visit RideSparky.com for updates, the live trolley tracker and much more!
The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded in 1965 as the “Taney Arts Council,” and officially established 501 (c)(3) non-profit status as “Branson Arts Council, Inc.” in 1993.
Our mission is “to create exceptional artistic, cultural and educational opportunities for our community.”
Financial support is provided by BRAC members, theatre patrons, private donors, as well as additional grant support from the Missouri Arts Council and other organizations.
BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615
