“Rough Cuts” by Glenn R. Miller

Glenn R. Miller captures a fascinating and largely forgotten snippet of silent film era history in the novel Rough Cuts (Koehler Books 2026).

In the early days of cinema, individual states established censorship boards to review films and determine which scenes had to be removed before exhibition. It is difficult to imagine how studios managed the logistical nightmare of producing multiple versions of a single film to satisfy these demands. In an afterword, Miller explains that his inspiration came when his mother-in-law discovered hundreds of blue 4×6 notecards among her late grandfather’s papers. A Methodist minister, he had meticulously recorded scenes to be cut on behalf of the state of Ohio.

Miller transforms this historical curiosity into an engaging satire centered on two main characters. Patrick J. Shepard, a director dying of pancreatic cancer, is determined to make one final silent film—his masterpiece. He hopes to capture the essence of human emotion on screen: “After all, he justified, aren’t we all wistful at the end, wondering if we had done enough, created enough, loved enough?” Yet Shepard’s artistic vision must first survive the scrutiny of the censors. And who are these arbiters of morality?

“Shepard was of the mind that the people requesting the changes knew nothing about film… If there was one thing Shepard understood about human nature, it was this: when somebody is appointed to a body referred to as a ‘censorship board,’ sure as hell they were going to censor.”

Shepard’s suspicions prove well founded in the novel’s antagonist, Harold Dawdry, a prim and self-important young minister. Tasked with censorship after his superior conveniently delegates the duty, Dawdry has never even seen a film. He quickly remedies that, immersing himself in fan magazines, interrogating moviegoers, and devoting his life to identifying moral failings on screen. To Dawdry, films are rife with corruption—too suggestive, too erotic, too disrespectful of authority—and he is convinced they threaten the nation’s moral fabric. One director in particular becomes the focus of his crusade: Patrick Shepard.

Miller clearly delights in placing Dawdry and his congregation into theatrical reenactments designed to expose cinematic “sins.” These performances draw large crowds, filling the church with fluttering fans and suppressed laughter. Inevitably, Dawdry’s earnest efforts seem to spark the very reactions he hopes to prevent, with unintended consequences unfolding beyond the church doors.

A lively supporting cast rounds out the novel—actors, assistant directors, studio executives, and small-town dreamers, all eager for a place in the world of film.

Though Rough Cuts is rich in humor and satire, it also offers moments of genuine poignancy. When Shepard’s wife tells him he has been a good man, he demurs, wishing for the chance to do better:

“Decades-old mistakes and shames populated his daytime thoughts… Regrets, needless slights to others, things said and unsaid… all so unnecessary.”

Shepard’s humility and humanity make him an endearing figure. As his final film hangs in the balance, readers will find themselves rooting for him when he ultimately confronts his unreasonable censor in Marietta, Ohio.

Glenn R. Miller

Glenn R. Miller is the author of the critically acclaimed novel Doorman Wanted, named the 2026 Plymouth Reads Book of the Year. He began his career working on television soap operas and game shows on the backlots of NBC Burbank and holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. His professional experience includes roles as a CBS-affiliate news producer, public television producer, and creative director at Twin Cities production agencies. He lives in Minneapolis with his wife and is the father of two grown sons. Learn more at www.glenn-r-miller.com.