On Christmas Eve, a young RAF 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 appears through the fog. A film by Iain Softley, starring Ben Radcliffe, Claire Price, Scarlet Grace, Millie Kent, Iwan Bond, Olatunji Ayofe, Simon Wilson, Simon Lennon, Steven Mackintosh, Asan N’Jie, Jack Donoghue, and John Travolta.

Christmas Eve 1957, at RAF Celle in North Germany, a young Royal Air Force pilot named Freddie spends Christmas far from the warmth of his family’s embrace. A somber phone call to his mother (Claire Price) reveals the disheartening news: his leave did not come through, leaving him stranded at the base.

His younger sister Sally (Scarlet Grace) wishes him a Herry Christmas and asks him to send her love to his girlfriend Lizzy (Millie Kent). The conversation between Freddie and his sister is abruptly cut short as the phone line crackles and dies.

In the locker room, Freddie observes his fellow pilot Dashwood (Iwan Bond), struggling with a shoulder injury sustained in a snowball fight. Recognizing an opportunity, Freddie volunteers to take Dashwood’s place on the night flight to Lakenheath, driven by the desire to reunite with his loved ones on Christmas.

Freddie’s request initially meets with hesitation from his Senior Staff Officer (Simon Wilson), who raises concerns about his recent night rating qualification. However, recognizing the extenuating circumstances and the straightforward nature of the flight – a sixty-six-minute journey across the North Sea under clear night skies – the Senior Staff Officer eventually grants Freddie permission to fly.

Senior Staff Officer briefs Freddie on the flight procedures, emphasizing the importance of precision and adherence to protocol. He reminds Freddie that the base will be shutting down as soon as he leaves Celle’s airspace. At the airfield, Freddie is greeted by Jack (Simon Lennon), the dedicated ground crew member, who has meticulously prepared the de Havilland Vampire jet for his journey.

As the de Havilland Vampire soars across the expansive North Sea, the tranquil flight is abruptly disrupted by a flicker of light in the cockpit. The compass, an essential navigational instrument, has failed. A quick inspection reveals further electrical malfunctions. Freddie attempts to contact ground control, seeking assistance in navigating the stricken aircraft. However, his radio transmissions are met with an unsettling silence. The weight of the situation bears down upon Freddie’s shoulders. He knows that attempting to land the aircraft without the guidance of ground control is a perilous endeavor.

de Havilland Vampire’s fuel reserves are limited, providing only 80 minutes of flight time. The prospect of ditching the plane and surviving seems equally daunting. Amidst the despair, Freddie’s thoughts turn to his beloved girlfriend, of the adventures they never shared, of the places they never explored. He pens a heartfelt note on the back of a map, hoping against hope that someone will find it when the wreckage is discovered.

In the heart of World War II’s fierce battles, a band of courageous pilots emerged, their skills and bravery earning them the moniker “Shepherds.” These unsung heroes risked their lives repeatedly to guide crippled planes, their wings shattered and engines faltering, back to safety. The Shepherds’ missions were fraught with danger. They flew through treacherous skies, and navigating treacherous weather conditions. Their selfless acts of compassion saved countless lives, rescuing fellow pilots from the clutches of despair and reuniting them with their families. The Shepherds’ legacy lives on, a beacon of hope and inspiration amidst the darkness of war.

In the captivating cinematic adaptation of Frederick Forsyth’s THE SHEPHERD, Freddie’s moment of despair is punctuated by the emergence of John Kavanaugh (John Travolta), a Shepherd whose presence responds to Freddie’s desperate plea for assistance. Through masterful storytelling and poignant writing, the film weaves a compelling narrative of a Christmas miracle, enriched by an intriguing twist that goes beyond the confines of the original novella.

A short film based on the 1975 novella “THE SHEPHERD” by British writer Frederick Forsyth, follows the story of a de Havilland Vampire pilot, navigating a perilous journey home on Christmas Eve 1957 amidst a complete electrical failure en route from RAF Celle in northern Germany to RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk. Frederick Forsyth penned this original ghost story as a Christmas gift for his first wife Carrie. The tale unfolded on Christmas Day 1974, inspired by the sight of planes flying overhead, a departure from the traditional setting of haunted houses that often graced such narratives. The story was subsequently published a year later, captivating readers with its unique premise and Forsyth’s masterful storytelling.

THE SHEPHERD premiered at HollyShorts Film Festival on 10 August 2023. The film was made available on Disney+ on 1 December.