The Shepherd | Official Trailer | Disney+

On Christmas Eve, a young Royal Air Force pilot flying home across the North Sea finds himself in peril when his radio and electric power cut out, leaving him stranded and running on limited fuel. Just when it appears his luck is about to run out, a mysterious good Samaritan guides him to safety.
Starring Ben Radcliffe, Steven Mackintosh and Academy Award Nominee John Travolta. The Disney+ Original Short film, streams December 1.
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[@HieuNguyen-jg4dc]

this movie made me tear up. for almost 12 years of aviation training and engineering on military aircraft, I take very serious on safety and quality. losing electrical and instrumentation would make a person panic and mind racing for survival. This Holy Ghost saved a life and avoided aircraft loss. bravo zulu

[@SuperDesignermatt]

I’ve been saying for 20 years that someone needs to make this into a film. It’s one of my favourite stories and I read the book every year before Christmas. It’s magical and moving!

[@brannanjohnson4046]

Same here! Our family does the same.

[@devvvved]

It's not easy to turn Frederick Forsyth works into movies. They work best as witten literature, because their elements are really difficult to translate into visuals. Unlike the works of - lets say - Alistairn McLean or Matthew Reilly, which appear to be written like more like movie scripts than anything else. Please don't get me wrong. Reilly and MacLean's books are really enjoyable. But Forsyth's work - including the more recent ones, and despite his lack of modern technical knowledge - is waaaaay more cerebral. Which means they are equally more memorable, as you really relish the delicious twists and turns.

[@edgarlara2411]

Sounds good the film

[@futuretrunks666]

Liar

[@kday6340]

Put a chick in it and make her gay!

[@Raghetiel]

A slight breath of Disney old magic. Loved it

[@victor4782]

It was like the Wonderful World of Disney came back for this movie.

[@Jabberstax]

I was honestly shocked by this considering Disney's recent output.

[@greencello599]

There are many stories of people being led to safety by those who had passed away. I remember years ago of two little girls, sisters, getting lost in the mountains. They were found, safe and sound with only needing to get warmed up and fed. It wasn't until later among family that one of the girls pointed at some pictures of an older couple and said that that couple helped keep the two safe and calm. The older couple had both passed away before the girls were born or old enough to remember. It is often and rightly said that truth is stranger than fiction. Those moments are what I would personally call from time to time, miracles.

[@jamesb7924]

This is also the plot of the horror movie Mama. Moments I would perosnally call from time to time, fiction.

[@futuretrunks666]

U wish

[@greencello599]

Just a small follow-up. The event that I described happened in the 1990s and was big in the local news, not national. The part with the pictures wasn't in the local, but was told by an extended family member who lived in the neighborhood I lived in at the time, and she told that part of the story. As was written by Shakespeare, "There are more things in heaven and Earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy."

[@IMRROcom]

Phantom 309 - Red Sovine

[@flashgo2]

there are tells of people falling into the ocean and some one with them keeping them calm and there spirits up. one of the more recent ones i heard, a crab fisherman fell overboard and the boat lost him. he thought another person fell in with him and told him what direction to swim and stayed with him until they got to shore. he climb a small cliff face and found a home. when he told the story later at a bar. he seen a pic on the wall of a rescue diver, and said that was the guy. The diver was lost at sea few years back rescuing everyone but himself. there is a movie based on his life before he was lost. the movie, The Guardian. It is said he has helped a few over the years.

[@johnmcdermott3474]

I'm looking forward to this film. I met John Travolta a few times while a student at ERAU Daytona Beach, when he lived at Spruce Creek Fly in community, had a Vampire that he flew in the New Smyrna Beach area. Appropriate that he would produce this story on screen.

[@johnchenoutstheworld]

Disney needs to showcase more movies like this. Solid story telling with wholesome values that make it a staple in the first place.

[@nealeorinick1700]

I love Frederick Forsyth. He knows how to tell a story! No Comebacks is a great collection of short stories and The Fist of God will have you hyperventilating from the tension and suspense. Really looking forward to this film adaptation of his work.

[@walterweigert9840]

"The Fist of God" or "Qubt út Allah" is by far my favorite F. Forsythe novel. Reasently some very respectfull historicall channels briefed out some of the operations that took place in Desert Shield and Desert Storm... and most of those are surpisingly accurate with the book witch was written severall years ago. No wonder Mr. Forsythe is one of the best writers, maybe along with Tom Clancy. Long live "Sir" Frederick. Cheers from NE Patagonia, Argentina.

[@richardbischel6291]

I found this book in 1977 and have read it every Christmas Eve since then. My Wife has also read it for the past several years as well. Hope the Movie stays faithful to the book.

[@LoveWeed3000]

Most likely won't because you know these days everything is woke There's going to be some gender Change race change politically correct words Wi'll even change the story to pender To the 2023 audience Only

[@LoveWeed3000]

@arkunusstilshire6088 I don't know you but If you're into this kind of stuff, you should give it a read, it's pretty good, actually

[@glamrockfoxy6667]

I might watch this

[@Adolfo-fg8dk]

​@arkunusstilshire60889+-!😊-😊--😊😊

[@jgnnarvaez]

It is a personal Christmas traditions for me. Was not successful in passing it to my children; perhaps I may be luck with my grandson.

[@BobSmith-fu1nn]

In Canada, it's become something of a Christmas tradition since 1979 for CBC Radio to air a reading of Frederick Forsyth's The Shepherd read by Alan Maitland - well worth searching it out!

[@JenShea]

Ah, that's why I remember it... although I thought I was younger than that (me being born in 63)...

[@lynndenault4212]

Yes, it has.

[@paulingram422]

My Step Father, Flight Lt John Richard Dutton R.A.F. flew Short Sunderland Flying Boats on 201 Sqn Coastal Command during W.W.2. He taught me to fly initially on Gliders at Stratford Upon Avon Gliding Club here in the UK. On the day that I solo'd he gave me his Irvin Flying Jacket and Headset, his Cap and medals. I treasure them. We both loved this story, he passed in 2005. As an Ab-Initio Pilot I had a few small scrapes whilst flying, nothing major, but somehow I always felt watched over by him in the same way. I would be berated for my poor flying in some small way, instructed on how to do it with more deft use of controls before being treated to a pint afterwards. He was my Shepherd.

[@SecretSpiski]

Hello! My dad flew Sunderlands a little later, post-war in what was Ceylon. He passed away in 2000. I haven’t seen this film yet but am looking forward to it, especially as I now live in Germany. Wonderful to hear you had your own “Shepherd."

[@fred3965]

The de Havilland Vampire is such a beautiful jet I will watch the movie just because of it haha :)

[@savoirfaireroma8855]

It's a great short movie, but I need a long film!!! 🤤

[@TWRider]

Growing up, I LOVED this story.

[@JBinthesticks]

Looking forward to seeing the end result. Having our home in the middle of a film set was magical.

[@BowieTheOctoBear]

Oh Wow! That's so cool!!

[@user-ml1bq3lf9s]

Just watched it, it's a little different from the original story, but really well done. Thank you John Travolta, releasing an awesome Christmas classic!

[@colinbarron4]

Well done Mr Travolta. Remake of '633 Squadron' next please.

[@JTB198819962006]

My Dad was in the Royal Air Force during the 60’s and 70’s. He flew the Hawker Hunter and then the Hercules.

[@fred3965]

The hunters were incredible aircraft one of my favourite british jets but the lightning has to be my favourite british jet

[@SecretSpiski]

My dad was in the RAF too. A bit older than yours, probably. He flew Sunderlands in the late 40s and Meteors among other aircarft in the 50s. The Hunter was a fantastic plane. I haven’t seen this film yet but look forward to it.

[@janetDT1904]

Why am I already crying?

[@jennifermackinnon6982]

It's Canadian and we've been listening to it and loving it for 40 years or more. This is NOT the first time this novella has been produced. It's part of my childhood memories and many many Ccanadians. And I don't think Canadians can forgive Americans stealing our magic!! Listen to the real one, the radio play on CBC radio read by the great Alan Maitland. Merry Christmas😁😁.

[@8ohm1]

The Alan Maitland version available on KZbin if you don't have CBC

[@F2devo]

Hooray for Fireside Al and Boo to Hollywood.

[@lorrainegmoore5042]

For once Disney have done something right ! A lovely short movie and it’s perfect for Christmas 🎄.

[@Bourne1886]

Disney actually have something new that is decent. Watched it last night. It was filmed just up the road from where I live in Norfolk. Hopefully one day this will be released to Blu-ray or 4k. Would love to own this.

[@mesteme]

Is it free of Disney's political pandering?

[@GrahamKracker]

@@mesteme yes completely! its super refreshing

[@jackoates6418]

No, it features sub Saharan African actors who would simply not have been present in their roles in 1950s England. More woke nonsense.

[@mikeglen7167]

Saw is last night, Beautiful, a perfect Christmas Ghost Story, one that went back to the Classic Disney style of telling a story,

[@wendykean6664]

Every Christmas eve CBC Radio playes The Shepherd. I've listened for years and know the story well. I hope the movie is as good as the radio broadcast.

[@fionabrownlee]

Me and my family as well.

[@elizabethtoews7866]

Good old Alan Mcfee

[@kasienkakaminska6915]

😊

[@baxatakbaxatak2014]

He’s trying, man. He’s trying real hard to be the shepherd.

[@crystinamarie1]

🤣🤣

[@borzajanos]

[@burncycle4621]

Ok, that made me laugh a LOT more than I would have thought...

[@Duderino27]

John is an aviation buff and I am so glad he produced it... I am ok with him being the Shepherd. I wanted this done for such a long time in a movie!

[@jesseowenvillamor6348]

I don't get it

[@SecretSpiski]

Looking forward to this. The story is a Christmas classic - my dad was in the RAF flying Meteors in the 1950s. I live in Germany now, so it has a special meaning for me.

[@KitttenAniimations]

Bless i

[@supercoops3703]

My grandad was a mosquito mechanic in the 1950s and got to fly in one a few times. He would have loved to see this

[@ZaraKhan-hl3re]

I remember reading this novel in grade 10 since it was in our curriculum and I swear this might just be the ONLY curriculum textbook that I was ever fascinated by. And I am expecting a LOT from this movie since it's Frederick's work as well and Louis is acting as protagonist which makes me much more excited about the whole thing.

[@uttkarsh635]

❤❤

[@ZaraKhan-hl3re]

@@uttkarsh635 😂teri or mere bhai ki profile pic same hai ruk uske account se comment krte hu

[@JL-wf2wp]

Your education was weak. I had books in grade 10 with authors such as George Orwell and Ernest Hemingway

[@alfredohumberto2222]

​@@JL-wf2wpNo way!! Congratulations!!

[@cloudy2I2]

The Black Aeroplane and it was a short lesson. It wasn't a novel.

[@AeroUNO1]

Was a genius opportunity to turn this into an actual movie.

[@ajballash962]

Listening to this with my family on cbc every Christmas eve and now it becoming a film makes me feel so happy

[@21halvie]

I have to say, Disney has been tremendously disappointing for a number of years. Just watched the show and it was full of heart. It has Christian undertone and is one of the best movies I've seen in quite a while. It's only 45 minutes but why doesn't need to be any longer?

[@KitttenAniimations]

Go get stuffed l

[@Jabberstax]

It's based on a short story. I'm glad they didn't try and pad it out with unnecessary drivel.

[@tybutton1957]

This is one of my favorite Christmas Stories, I listen to it every year. So excited for this!

[@Captain_Yorkie1]

Watched it yesterday with my mum & dad. We all liked it, it was pretty nice.

[@drw_predator]

The Disney we all wanted back,

[@NachtJaeger110]

At min 1:35 the propeller of the Mossie is standing still in the background on the left... I hope this shot was just moved there for the trailer. I Loved the short story with all its technical aviation detail, I hope Disney had good advisors for this adaptation!

[@rebotsomat2341]

i think thats what it is

[@letsrockza]

absolutely beautiful story

[@Duderino27]

So cool!!! I always loved this little tale and I am so trilled in advance to watch this short movie about it!!!

[@robpugh017]

Looks good. Surely and to keep it authentic John Travolta’s characters should be clean shaven? 🤷🏻‍♂️🕺🏻

[@bobprentice4854]

I hope it's as good as CBC radio's Al Maitland's audio recording. It's a classic that I listen to every year. The bar is pretty high on that one.

[@SteveHarrisPhoto]

Had this story on audio book back in the day when they were on tapes, wore the thing out I played it so much, cannot wait to see it on streaming.

[@mactastic144]

Dayum, Ben Radcliffe is fine.

[@mssramsunker4820]

I loved the movie! It was so...magical! feel that Divine vibe! John Travolta 🤩beautiful short movie!! Safe and Blessed Festive period to Everyone, love from South Africa!

[@ivanstephen9486]

I read the story around 35 yrs ago. Beautiful haunting ending but sure has the coming home christmas spirit...

[@Northernfire]

CBC Radio has aired this for years! Really hope they have gotten it right

[@alexjack5158]

That 2nd pilot could be great actor someday. he has a great smile and screen presence. 😂

[@aldakendall4921]

I have heard versions of this legend. Looking forward to this

[@FunkMasterJunk]

My wife and I listen to the CBC radio audio book each Xmas. And each Xmas.... I cry.

[@FirebrandB37]

Someone in Disney can edit a teaser and not a spoiler? The story is rather known, but... There are people who DIDN'T know it!

[@Jay-Jones]

If you dont want something to be potential spoiled for you...DONT WATCH THE VIDEO.

[@jackdonohue7893]

@@Jay-Jonesno. There should be no spoilers in a trailer. Stop defending it.

[@NagatoFan1]

Well I've never heard of the story so I havnt the slightest idea what was spoiled, wont find out till after I watch it so is it really a spoiler?

[@andyseinfeld1954]

@@NagatoFan1 it's clearly a metaphor of him dying and being led to heaven

[@NagatoFan1]

@@andyseinfeld1954 I didn't get that till you said it, and just like I said I didn't know till I was told, and now that I know isn't the title a giveaway?

[@dillonjohnson5530]

The Royal Air Force even cherish the royal family of Great Britain every few generations.

[@nawewan]

i always liked listening this every christmas on CBC

[@Holcroft1969]

Still have the book from my younger days, so I am definitely going to have to watch this. It looks excellent.

[@Hedriks]

what a brilliant film. Loved every moment.

[@angeandwords]

This is actually a really good trailer!

[@giankharlozamora2296]

A real saint for pilots

[@Braiancamejo]

This looks beautiful and the Pilot will have a very strong feeling when feeling all that in the sky.

[@veramae4098]

"Buzz" Aldrin very cleverly rigged an extra light for his instruments, when flying a fighter over N. Korea off one of those big Navy ships. And it very cleverly overloaded the whole panel and went dark. He got back by guess and by golly, and seeing a faint green light in the water. The ship was blacked out but the propeller wash was causing algae to illuminate. With that hint, he landed.

[@lidiatuchez6422]

Les he leído esta historia a mis hijos cada navidad desde hace 25 años! Es hermosa historia y mi autor favorito!

[@carriee.9712]

This one is gonna make me cry.

[@TheMooseAndJohn]

Okay so like this trailer showed the PERFECT amount of info.

[@phdcreative]

Part of me really wants to watch the film when it's released, and the other part of me doesn't. I first read The Shepherd 40+ years ago and then heard the CBC radio production with Fireside Al reading it and it's been a favourite ever since. Sometimes the 'theatre of the mind' is so much stronger than actually watching the film... will watching this ruin the images I've had in my head all these years? I guess I'll just have to see...

[@raldar1112]

If you watch the movie, "watching this ruin the images I've had in my head all these years" will come true. Don't do it!, please. I feel about the novel as you do, and I try to forget every single scene of this flat movie as fast as possible.

[@F2devo]

I concur with the other respondent to your comment. Hooray for Fireside Al and Boo to Hollywood.

[@F2devo]

When they say in the trailer that it is the first time the story has been brought to life, they disregarded Alan "Fireside Al" Maitland's rendition which has played Christmas Eve on CBCRadio since 1979. Of course, Hollywood stretched out the 31 minute read and added the love interest but this short film does not capture the emotion that Fireside Al brought to reading Fredrick Forthsythe's Novella. Have not missed this reading on Christmas eve since its inception and have turned many on to this tear-to-your-eye story.

[@huguex-xx]

Seems the old disney's movies great !

[@tboullem]

So frustrating that it appears to be only available on yet another subscription only channel - trailer looks very good !

[@brnichkybrnichky8871]

Oh this looks so good ❤

[@abidshaikh5112]

I read this store 40 years ago in a digest it inspired me to much. I wished may some one make movie on it. Well done Walt Disney ❤

[@chrishewitt4220]

Looks brilliant... but no pilot from WWII would have had a beard!

[@JBinthesticks]

I think the RAF excuse you from shaving when you are dead.😊

[@chrishewitt4220]

@@JBinthesticks 🤣

[@Jake-vc7gr]

No RAF pilot maybe, Fleet Air Arm pilots were classed as sailors, and beards were almost encouraged!

[@FrantisekKotsmid]

try to find story of czechoslovak pilot Frantisek Fajtl (313th fighter squadron RAF)

[@JenShea]

This was such a good film!! Very touching! I remember this story when I was a child.

[@travislogan1482]

It's about damn time this was filmed.

[@garthfaragher8683]

I had tears in my eyes watching the trailer

[@loinsheaven]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@garthfaragher8683]

@@loinsheaven wasn't supposed to be funny

[@Duderino27]

I was afraid when I saw the poster (only one boom for the Vampire, seriously!!!!) but there are both there in the trailer as it should be... GOOD!

[@___Danny___]

Our atc callsign is shepherd, is always nice to be able to hear their voice. And that’s a Hunter in the background.

[@flightsimcentre9244]

Looking forward to this.

[@derweibhai]

The rapid decline in this shows IMDB rating seems to show that fans think it sucks.

[@Lotiel03]

I have a feeling I’m gonna cry after watching this one.

[@raldar1112]

yes, you are going to cry after what Travolta did to this classic novel.

[@loinsheaven]

No need to cry it's not reality

[@Lotiel03]

@@loinsheaven i know, I’m just really emotional

[@loinsheaven]

@@Lotiel03 ohhky

[@usuhbi]

Can't wait! looks like a good 1

[@tallerwarrior1256]

See if Disney gave this movie half the budget that they gave to their Snow White remake and made this into a full length feature film I’m sure it’d do well at the box office.

[@robertbrown9860]

It's a nice story, but I fear it's a bit spare to be stretched into a full-length feature. You'd have to pad the living daylights out of it.

[@chong2389]

I wondered how they were going handle John Travolta's American accent! 😊 🇨🇦 All in all, a very satisfying adaptation. I remember reading it in the late 70s. It has remained in my top ten favourite reads. Thank you Alfonso, John, cast, crew and, of course, Disney.

[@jimreilly6933]

the classic Christmas time reading of Frederick Forsyth's great short story called the Shepherd was written by him for his wife who replied when he asked her what she would like for christmas, and she said, write me a ghost story. The story has been a staple on christmas eve "my birthday" for decades here in canada. Ably narrated by Alan Maitland since 1979.

[@albertcharles7182]

Greetings from Trinidad and Tobago in the Caribbean.... Most interesting to me that John Travolta is a pilot in "real life" as they say and holds 2 World Records in aviation (that I'm aware of). I also read this story as a young man. Fascinating to finally see it on film.

[@JP-wm1cc]

Ya eat pumpum bwoy

[@Thecutecyanbird]

Disney can release date in 2024 is called Magic Towel Movie! Green cat character on movie! 😊

[@Tolandruth]

This feels like it should be on hallmark channel not disney

[@md.shahadathossain916]

Very short.. Very powerful.. Megistic ❤

[@MaxamillianStudio]

Why does this feel like a Lifetime Movie... Also that is not a compliment.

[@JeremyAvis1978]

I need The Muppet Family Christmas on Disney Plus!!!!

[@greencello599]

I think there might be a problem with that as the Muppets of Sesame Street belong to Childrens Television Workshop. I admit that having that special on Disney+ would be fantastic, especially since Jim shows up in it.

[@JeremyAvis1978]

@@greencello599 Maybe they could work out a deal like how they did with Sony and Spiderman!

[@analoor1706]

Simplemente hermoso este film! John Travolta es un ícono y la historia de estos Nobles Héroes que dierón su vida para que los pilotos encontrarán el camino a casa, es realmente Maravillosa. Gracias Disney Plus 👑👑👍👍👍👍💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@eb1638]

You know its a short film when trailer has more credit info than the actual film

[@loki76]

"Lord send me someone to lead me down".... The lord precedes to send the Saturday night dancing ACE..

[@bernierose719]

I’ve just seen the whole movie

[@ridcomics9364]

Excellent story line and they really captured the mystic of that era during Christmas time Just watched it last night really loved this short film I almost wanted it to continue it was so captivating finally Disney hits one of the park !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Excellent holiday film

[@george3156306]

Me encantó la película me conmovió 😢

[@magallanesagustin4952]

"Oh man, I just shot Santa in the face!"

[@thearistonband]

Our frontman Luca Slade in the opening shot of the trailer 😩

[@theroseinthelibrary7975]

I’d swear I can remember an old twilight zone episode like this.

[@fredricksmith-something.2125]

Looks cool. Different story finally. I'm in.

[@JZL-Arkerivon]

What an amazing original

[@jay_rod]

I think Doctor Who answered all our questions about this event already. Haha kidding; looking forward to this.

[@Anyglezb]

Me encantó ❤❤❤ I loved ❤❤❤ ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lilachodan4941]

0:17 O my God this actor! Who is that?!

[@ROBtimusPrimeReborn]

Why was this edited like a faith-based Hallmark film? Lol.

[@KillerTacos54]

DUDE this looks great!

[@pinkyantho]

Watched it. Love it😊😊

[@draganjagodic4056]

If not Christmas angel himself, then someone from the base in Iceland or Greenland.

[@AndrewGivens]

*SPOILER ALERT* - - - Last Warning: - - - Thank you - for years it's been described as a ghost story, but I've been convinced for a little while that Johnny Kavanagh is actually an angel sent by God in answer to The Pilot's last-minute, awkward prayer, rather than just being a lost soul endlessly haunting the North Sea in his ghostly Mossie. In fact, the Mossie is a Heavenly Steed, given to Kavanagh by God for his mission down in the Earthly sky. As far as I am concerned, Kavanagh flew his last mission and the Lord didn't allow him to just get lost, crash and drown in the North Sea - he just took him to Heaven and placed him amongst the ranks of angels, as recognition that he'd earned his place there.