Volume II: Filmography

SHEP THE SENTINEL

Working title: THE DOCTOR'S SENTINEL

January 1, 1915 (Friday)

Length: 1 reel (953 feet)

Character: Drama

Director: Jack Harvey

Scenario: John William Kellette

Cast: Shep (as himself, the Thanhouser Collie), Reenie Farrington (May), Nolan Gane (Jack, her lover), Claire Kroell

ARTICLE, The New Rochelle Pioneer, October 3, 1914:

"Jack Harvey with The Doctor's Sentinel, a Kellette drama, started work Thursday with Nolan Gane and Reenie Farrington in the leads, and Morgan Jones as the gentleman heavy with Claire Kroell as the female light heavy. Of course, the story is built around Mr. Harvey's wonderful dog 'Shep.' At the studio it is said that 'Shep' will be directing photoplays within a month - he's so intelligent."

SYNOPSIS, Reel Life, December 26, 1914:

"When May receives a letter from another girl telling her that Jack, her lover, is untrue, she dismisses him. Shep, Jack's beautiful collie, however, is suspicious of Jim Hallet, who, some way, he feels is responsible for his master's unhappiness. He trails Jim and steals another letter, written by Nell Borden, Jim's accomplice, which betrays the plot. This Shep brings to Jack, who is then able to convince May that trickery and Jim's jealousy are behind their estrangement. Meanwhile, Jim has schemed to enter May's house by night and commit a robbery, putting the suspicion upon Jack. But Shep, whom Jack has given to May, hears the thief. The noise of their struggle wakes May, who summons Jack and the police. Jim is arrested, and May has all the evidence she can desire of her lover's faithfulness."

REVIEW, The Moving Picture World, January 16, 1915:

"Renee Farrington, Nolan Gane, and Shep himself are the central figures in this acceptable offering, which, of course, stars Shep. The story is somewhat shaky in spots, but the remarkable feats performed by Shep, the beautiful Thanhouser collie, save the day. The picture contains some very effective scenes."

REVIEW, The New York Dramatic Mirror, January 6, 1915:

"There is just enough story in this picture to furnish 'Shep,' Thanhouser's intelligent collie, with a part that reveals his attainments. A misunderstanding between sweethearts assumes serious proportions, and then 'Shep' concludes that by stealing certain notes and carrying them to those for whom they are not intended, he can straighten matters out. Incidents are nicely contrived to make good use of an exceptionally well-trained dog. Reenie Farrington and Nolan Gane are severely taxed in the parts of the sweethearts."

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