2007 Rolling Roadshow Tour - Deliverance

Rated Unknown; 109min; Director:John Boorman  

This show is a part of the The 2007 Rolling Roadshow Tour Signature Series, Click to See More

The Film:
One of the key films of the 1970s, John Boorman's Deliverance is a nightmarish adaptation of poet-novelist James Dickey's book about various kinds of survival in modern America. The characters, four Atlanta businessmen, represent four different types of the American male: Jon Voight's character is a reflective, civilized fellow; Burt Reynolds plays a strapping hunter-gatherer in urban clothes; Ned Beatty is a sweaty, weak-willed boy-man; and Ronny Cox essays a spirited, neighborly type. Together they decide to answer the ancient call to test their manhood against the elements, and set out on a treacherous ride on the rapids of an Appalachian river. What they don't understand until it is too late is that they have ventured into Dickey's variation on the American underbelly -- a wild, lawless, dangerous place isolated from the gloss of the late 20th century. In short order, the four men dig deep into their own suppressed primitiveness, defending themselves from the threat of real death on their carefully planned, death-defying adventure. Boorman, a masterful spinner of tales about individuals on peculiarly mythical journeys, does a terrifying and beautiful job of revealing the complexity of the private and collective character--the way one can never be the same after glimpsing the sharp-clawed survivor in one's own soul. --Tom Keogh

The Event:
The Deliverance canoe trip, undertaken on the Colorado River in Austin, TX, was the very first Rolling Roadshow event ever. We are including it in this year's tour, but this time the canoe trip will be along the same river where movie was filmed. Attendees will raft or canoe down the Chatooga River near Clayton, GA and when the sun sets we'll all gather at Southeastern Expeditions to enjoy a screening of Deliverance near the banks of the river. Before the film plays, we'll screen an assortment of very manly Burt Reynolds trailers. Members of the cast and crew will be on hand following the screening for a Q&A session.

On May 10, 1974, Congress designated the Chattooga a Wild and Scenic River. Few rivers possess the special characteristics to qualify. This protection is reserved for rivers possessing not only outstanding scenery, but also recreation, wildlife, geologic, and cultural values. No motorized vehicles are permitted within a corridor about 1/4 mile wide on either side of the river. Visitors must rely on their own skills and strength rather than on motorized equipment, both to access the river and to enjoy it. Man-made facilities are minimal, consisting primarily of hiking trails. What you notice most about being on the river is the absolute calm and quiet; there are no sounds of civilization whatsoever, and the water is clean and pure. Altogether it is one of the most beautiful spots I've ever been to. I highly recommend that if you are coming to the screening, you experience the river fully.

Following the show, actor Billy Redden (Lonnie the banjo player) will be live in person and answer any questions you may have about the filming of Deliverance. More cast/crew appearances are expected, check back here for more details.

Screening Address:
Southeastern Expeditions
7350 Hwy 76 East
Clayton, GA 30525


Check out our incredible, limited edition silkscreened Roadshow Tour 2007 posters HERE!

Sponsored by:
The after-party is sponsored by Dewar's White Label. We'll be posting information on the after-party on this website, so check back for updates. I can guarantee, however, that there will be whole spit-roasted pig for everyone.

Rolling Roadshow Tour FAQ

The screening is free, but the rafting and canoing during the day you will have to arrange on your own. There are many different packages, spanning anywhere from a couple of hours to overnight, and accommodating every skill level from beginner to expert. Space fills up quickly during the summer months, so if you want to go, we recommend that you make arrangements as soon as possible. When you book your trip, the outfitter will arrange the timing to make sure you arrive at the screening on time.

Recommended outfitters:
Southeastern ExpeditionsWe'll be screening the film at their facility. Southeastern Expeditions was founded by Claude Terry in 1972 after he purchased the equipment used in the filming of Deliverance. Claude Terry served as one of the technical advisors for the film.
Chattooga Whitewater Outfitters. Great outfit, very personable service, they also run an excellent lunch spot, Humble Pie Pizza, perfect for right after the river.
Wildwater Rafting The largest and one of the oldest Chattooga rafting outfitters. Wildwater also has cabin accommodations on their spacious grounds near the Chatooga.
Nantahala Outdoor Center

If you have experience and your own gear, you can also contact the USDA Forest Service to arrange a trip:
Andrew Pickens Ranger District
Mountain Rest, South Carolina 29664
Telephone: (864) 638-9568
Fax: (864) 638-2659

Links:
Article on the wild and scenic Chattooga River

 

Show Specials:

• VIP Deliverance Ticket: Admission to this show is free, but seating is limited. We are offering a small number of VIP seats to this event. VIPs will receive a limited edition hand-silkscreened Deliverance event poster, a reserved prime-seating spot at the screening and an invitation to the after-party.   
  Purchase VIP Deliverance Ticket

Location: Rolling Roadshow

Kid Policy: 18 and up; Children 6 and up will be allowed only with a parent or guardian. No children under the age of 6 will be allowed.

Screenings (click on a show time to buy tickets):

• Sunday, August 12, 2007
  • 8:45p