Volume I: Narrative History

Chapter 7 (1914): Shep

Next on the schedule were In The Conservatory, a Princess film released on December 11th, When East Meets West, a Yellowstone National Park film issued on December 13th, and The Barrier of Flames, a two-reeler released on the 15th. The last-named film was reviewed by Elizabeth Lonergan for The New York Star:

If for no other fact, The Barrier of Flames is wonderful for the remarkable acting of that remarkable actor, Shep, the beautiful collie whose work is so well known in pictures. By a strange coincidence, this was Shep's last part, for the clever animal died a few weeks after the completion of the picture. One scene will surely stand out. There is a continuous action on the part of the dog as he climbs a high ladder into a second story window. No cutting was made on this particular scene, but the actual climb was shown in every stage of the trip. The story tells of rival political factions. One party, facing defeat, tries in vain to secure the cooperation of the other leader. The latter has a little daughter (Helen Badgley). While riding with her parents the machine becomes stalled. Helen, from the back seat, perceives an attractive white rabbit hopping along the road and goes in pursuit. Like all the phantoms he is hard to catch, and Helen not only misses him but discovers that she is lost.

After hunting around for some time she comes to the house where the rivals are in conference. The maid brings her into the room and the child is recognized. The thought comes to the leader, "Why not hold her here until her father agrees to side with us?" The plan is carried into effect and Helen is left in an upper room while word is to be sent to her father later. A clever effect here is the setting fire to the room through a simple yet excellent medium. The curtains blow into the gas jet. Soon the room is in flames. The child rushes to the door, then to the window. In the meantime the alarm is turned in by Shep, who has traced his lost playmate. A ladder has been left standing beside the house and Shep then climbs up, finds the little girl and barks until the attention of the firemen is attracted. She is rescued and he forgotten. Later the fire net is spread out. Shep jumps to safety and is rewarded by the loving caresses of Helen.