Local movie star Viggo Mortensen has a heart of gold.

Last Wednesday the star of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and one of my favorite movies, Hidalgo, donated a set of books to each of the 350 Sandpoint High School seniors.

Lame duck SHS principal Jim Soper ran into the star last December. According to a story in the SHS newspaper, Cedar Post, Soper didn't have a clue who Mortensen was.

Mortensen asked Soper what he thought was the biggest problem facing the school. Soper responded with reading.

Two weeks after that meeting, Soper received a call from Walter Mortensen. Mortensen said he represented Perceval Press and wanted to donate $32 worth of books to each graduating senior.

Perceval Press is Viggo Mortensen's publishing company. Walter is Viggo's brother.

Each senior received two books written by Mike Davis: Land of the Mammoths and Pirates, Bats and Dragons. In addition, they received two bookmarks and a handwritten copy of a note from Viggo wishing the students well.

C-P reporter Becky Garrison talked with several students who were moved by the gift.

"I think it's great," said senior Nichole Rench. "I would hope it would be an inspiration. I thought it was really exciting to see him do stuff for our community."