Deliverance’s banjo scene provides an unforgettable moment of optimism within an otherwise dark film, showing how music can break down barriers between cultures and unite people through song.
Eric Weissberg was remembered for arranging and playing banjo during this scene of the film. Unfortunately, he passed away due to complications due to Alzheimer’s disease on March 22, 2020.
The song
Deliverance’s iconic “dueling banjos” scene remains one of the most unforgettable scenes in American cinema history and bluegrass music alike, helping bring bluegrass music mainstream.
Scene filmed in Georgia depicts two backwoods residents playing banjos together while facing imminent threat from bad guys in the film. It’s an inspiring scene which shows how music can bring people together regardless of background and can create bonds among people that otherwise wouldn’t interact.
Ronny Cox plays his guitar while Billy Redden plies his banjo in an exquisite musical conversation without words, as they strum their instruments. This scene depicts friendship and cooperation among strangers in times of danger; their interaction almost becomes dialogue as banjo and guitar play back-and-forth between each other in call-and-response fashion. Since its appearance, this scene has come to symbolise America’s deep cultural divides and it is often used to teach students about urban/rural tension.
Before the film’s popularity brought “Feudin’ Banjos” to widespread public awareness, many had never heard it. Thanks to its immense success and the song becoming one of four number ones on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for four weeks in 1973 – as well as serving as the soundtrack of several other successful movies such as Bonnie & Clyde, Deliverance, and Oh Brother Where Art Thou? – more people became fans of bluegrass music and its associated genre. The song became one of many bluegrass classics; moreover it also made appearances as soundtrack tracks in numerous other popular movies such as Bonnie & Clyde and Oh Brother Where Art Thou?
Arthur Smith initiated a lawsuit, alleging he wasn’t properly credited in Deliverance. After winning, Warner Brothers agreed to pay past and future royalties on his song.
Even though critics have charged Eric Weissberg with plagiarism, his movie has become an overwhelming success and banjo popularity has skyrocketed across America. Weissberg remains a talented musician; having collaborated with well-known artists like Jody Collins and Tom Paxton as well as serving as session musician for several major record labels.
The scene
Deliverance’s banjo scene has become one of the most iconic scenes ever in cinematic history. The scene depicts an extraordinary musical duel between a guitar player and banjo player that sets the scene perfectly, becoming iconic and memorable throughout. Captured on film by cameraman Eric Weissberg who wrote and arranged its music, “Dueling Banjos” won Grammy nomination that year and continues to remain popular even today.
Deliverance takes place in rural Georgia. The film follows four city slickers – Lewis Medlock (Jon Voight), Ed Gentry (Ned Beatty), Bobby Trippe and Drew Ballinger (Ronnie Cox) – who set out on an expedition down a river before it is dammed. While traveling through, they stop at a gas station where they encounter a local boy playing banjo who initially does not speak much but eventually strikes up conversation through music.
Drew quickly responds by playing counterpoint alongside him, changing the boy’s expression from fearful and anxious to joyful and delighted as they play together – creating an unforgettable dialogue of instruments.
At the end of it all, banjo-playing boy wins his duel against mandolinist boy. Both performers were passionate about their instruments and created an unforgettable sound that brought the entire movie alive – in fact, this scene became such an iconoclastic staple that it has become part of pop culture!
Deliverance’s banjo scene was shot on location in Rabun County, Georgia during summer 1971. Director John Boorman wanted to capture an authentic sense of place; actors also made sure not to overdo or stage it.
Billy Redden, who played banjo boy Billy in Deliverance, was working as a mechanic in his family’s car business at the time of filming. Once released, Redden returned to Clayton, Georgia; but hasn’t forgotten his brief stint in cinematic history; since then he has provided voiceover for numerous movies like Tim Burton’s Big Fish as well as giving tours along the river where Deliverance was shot.
The actors
Many people associate banjos with the iconic Dueling Banjos scene from the 1972 film Deliverance. But this wasn’t the only appearance of this instrument in this iconic movie; other scenes showcasing Appalachian life and culture with banjo music still popular today were featured too.
People remember most fondly the “Dueling Banjos” scene where Drew faced off against another local guitarist to demonstrate both men were skilled musicians. It also introduced viewers to both characters and their individual personalities.
Ronny Cox, known for playing guitar in the dueling banjos scene of “Revolver,” is both an accomplished actor and musician. He has appeared in over 140 films and television shows as an actor while touring guitarist, performing over 100 gigs annually often alongside world-class musicians. Furthermore, Ronny has written songs and recorded albums.
Cox was chosen for the role of Drew due to his unique banjo playing abilities; one scene became so memorable it sparked worldwide banjo and acoustic guitar sales increases. Cox has praised his performance in this movie as well as not regretting appearing in it.
Deliverance depicted banjos as one of the worst stereotypical images of rural Americans; other films have used banjos more positively to depict Appalachian life. Songcatcher utilized its banjo-heavy soundtrack as a way of countering stereotypes and the exclusion of women from Appalachia communities.
Lonnie and Drew exchange banjo banter without words through changing camera angles, as Lonnie initially shows his restrained talent before jamming out clawhammer style to show the audience their worthiness and skill. Audience members applaud them both and applaud their skill!
Lonnie was fifteen when filming of Deliverance took place and hails from Clayton, Georgia. Initially working as a cook at Cookie Jar Cafe before having an appearance on Blue Collar TV as part of his acting experience.
The soundtrack
Deliverance’s soundtrack featured numerous iconic songs, but none more so than its “Dueling Banjos” scene where Ronny Cox plays his guitar alongside Billy Redden (aged 15 at the time), who cannot actually play banjo at all and so to make the scene look authentic, Mike Addis (a musician from Deliverance’s cast) strung it under Redden’s shirt in order to strum under his shirt to give an authentic performance; yet Redden became synonymous with this song more so than its composers or musicians involved.
Feudin’ Banjos was written and first performed publicly on The Andy Griffith Show in 1963 by members of The Dillards. Following its inclusion in Deliverance, however, it became an instant hit despite not receiving credit from its author Arthur Smith; rather, filmmakers used an arrangement by Marshall Brickman and Steve Mandell without Smith’s authorization or knowledge; later Smith sued and the film makers agreed to give him credit for writing it.
Deliverance features one of cinematic history’s most beloved moments: its “Dueling Banjos” scene is one of its hallmarks, offering both rural enchantment and optimism in an otherwise dark and oppressive movie. Furthermore, it serves as a touching representation of Drew and Lonnie’s relationship; music of banjo is almost like dialogue between characters as they play together onstage; their banjo playing creates a meaningful moment between themselves that bonds them in play together; some critics have even claimed this scene contributes further this perception; others claim this scene contributes towards further strengthening this perception by depicting rural stereotypes by portraying inbred whites from another film: they play together during their “Dueling Banjos” scene from Deliverance;