Musical deliverance: "Dueling Banjos" Eric Weissberg & Steve Mandel (1972)

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In previous series focusing on instrumentals, I was remiss in not mentioning “Dueling Banjos” from the 1972 movie “Deliverance.” The tune was composed in 1954 by Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith and originally titled “Feudin’ Banjos.” Smith recorded the song in 1955 paired with Don Reno. First major exposure came in a 1963 episode of “The Andy Griffith Show” when played by Griffith and the Dillards. Based on the 1970 novel by James Dickey, “Deliverance” was about four city men played by Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty and Ronny Cox taking a canoe trip in remote Georgia wilderness. Their condescending attitude toward the local “red necks” stirs trouble leading to killing. An intense disturbing movie, “Deliverance” was Oscar nominated for Best Picture and now a not to be missed classic. Reynolds states “Deliverance” his favorite movie and best performance. No argument. The “Dueling Banjos” sequences occurs early in the movie. Cox plucks his guitar and matched by Billy Redden as inbred mentally challenged Lonnie on banjo. Cox and Redden were dubbed by Eric Weissberg and Steve Mandel. Weissberg did the arrangement. The producers failed to obtain permission from Smith who successfully sued and cashed in. “Dueling Banjos” captured the public and was a surprise hit soaring to Billboard #2. The scene is a great movie musical moment.