Whippin’ the Devil 2005
Distributed by Appalshop, Inc., 91 Madison Avenue, Whitesburg, KY 41858; 606-633-0108
Produced by Anthony Slone
Directed by Anthony Slone
DVD, color and b&, 27 min.
College - Adult
Appalachian Studies, American Studies, History
Date Entered: 03/10/2006
Reviewed by Charles Burkart, Head, Audiovisual Library, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WVWhippin’ the Devil is the story of Guy Roberts, a small time Appalachian bootlegger and onetime depression era robber. Narrated by Guy Roberts, this video uses family photographs, and period black and white photos to tell the story of Prohibition/Depression Era Appalachia from the personal viewpoint of Guy Roberts.
This short film is a valuable historical record of Depression era (1920s and 1930s) Virginia and Kentucky. Roberts was a seller of illegal moonshine whiskey, who became an unsuccessful thief. Guy Roberts mimics many rural bandits of that era, like Dillinger and Pretty Boy Floyd, in that he fled across the country after participating in a local unsuccessful robbery. After remaining “on the lam” for some time, Roberts returns to Pound, Virginia to confess to his crime and serve time on a chain gang before being pardoned. After going straight, Roberts said he “lived a good life.”
Much of this biographical film consists of close-ups of the aged Guy Roberts, whose semi-toothless countenance and slurred speak can be off- putting at times. The film also builds momentum slowly, and drags at times. Still, it is well constructed and interesting. Authentic banjo music is provided by Dock Boggs. As much of the program consisted of old photographs, resolution was not always crystal clear, but considering the age, it was adequate.
Whippin’ the Devil has a place in Appalachian collections in public, college and university libraries, and given the above mentioned drawbacks, it is still recommended.