Just received SOTH DVD set

KBCraig · June 12, 2010, 02:33:14 PM

I just received a set of DVDs from Shepherd of the Hills. I bought their 3-fer (live performance, 1941 John Wayne version, 1964 Richard Arlen version), plus the 1959 KYTV television special.

I'm watching the 1959 special now. It was well done, but the late '50s video (not film) recording certainly has its limitations. The audio is also right channel only.

I'm looking forward to the live performance. I don't know what I'll do with the 1941 John Wayne piece of crap. Target practice, maybe.

Junior · June 12, 2010, 03:25:11 PM

Id heard about the 59 KYTV thing for years, and last time at the homestead, I bought a copy. It was alright. I'm glad to have it because it's a piece of history. Interesting to see. How was the live performance DVD?

rubedugans · June 12, 2010, 08:47:47 PM

I received the John Wayne version and have never watched it....I still plan on giving it a try...From what I have heard on here, I should save my time by skipping it!

KBCraig · June 12, 2010, 10:34:20 PM

The live performance was pretty well, done, but it had all the usual problems of recording a theatrical presentation for TV viewing. I definitely wouldn't have used so many closeups. Stage lighting, theatrical acting, and close shots just wind up looking like a soap opera.

The 1964 movie was surprisingly well done, although I don't understand why they changed the timeline and a few major plot elements. It worked, though, and it kept the theme of the book, so in that respect it's no more different from the book than the stage version is. And Sherry Lynn made one of the prettiest Sammy Lanes ever!

The KYTV version is short (30 minutes), and had the technical issues you'd expect. But, it was cool seeing Shad Heller as Old Matt, and seeing Marvel Cave used to film the scene where they go to the wounded Howard in the cave.

KBCraig · June 12, 2010, 10:42:06 PM

Oh, and the 1964 version used SDC settings: Main St., the Butterfield Stage, the blacksmith shop, the Frisco station...

KBCraig · June 13, 2010, 12:32:41 AM

I wonder how often Terry Sanders has played Ollie. I've seen him on the SOTH Facebook page.

Junior · June 13, 2010, 08:01:44 AM

Terry has played Ollie the last two or three years, as well as the character that has the catchphrase "What would Sara and the girls say?" I understand he excells in both roles.