THE GOOD SHEPHERD

Well, here comes another review of a good movie!

It seems that every movie I’ve seen lately I like! I don’t know if I’m just lucky, a good picker, or that there is just a lot of good movies being made; whichever it is I’m enjoying it.

This is a good movie, an interesting movie, but not necessarily an entertaining movie. It was good for me because I’m an avid fan of World War History, especially WWII. Of the many WWII books, both fiction and non-fiction, I have read: this screen play is consistent with all of them.

I have always been fascinated with the genius of the Franklin D. Roosevelt strategy to recruit and use of the Captains of Industry to fill the strategic logistical and administrative positions required for the overall non-combat related functions of managing and prosecution of World War II. The amazing thing is that these Captains of Industry stepped up to the challenge! William Joseph Donovan was one of these Captains of Industry.

One thing the movie brought out that I had not been aware of was the significance of the Skull and Bones society. I did know that the elite, upper-class, Ivy League, rich and privileged young men were often used in special military units, such as: The original OSS operatives and JFK as a PT Boat Skipper.

The story of Intelligence and Espionage, from the U.S. point of view, is very strange. We had none at the beginning of WWII. It was thought of as not civilized by our government, at the time. Following is a quote from Bill Donovan: "Espionage is not a nice thing, nor are the methods employed exemplary. Neither are demolition bombs nor poison gas... ...We face an enemy who believes one of his chief weapons is that none but he will employ terror. But we will turn terror against him..."

We had to start from scratch with the OSS (Office of Strategic Services) in 1939 and 1940 with the help of the British. It is fortunate that there were men like Donovan and others that were able to get the job done when it was needed. Just after WWII the OSS was disbanded and then rejuvenated in 1947 as the CIA to deal with the exigencies of the Cold War.

As noted earlier, the screenplay was excellent, as was the directing, and the performances of all the actors. This film will be a contender for both Best Picture and Director of 2006.