Whippin' The Devil

Film Description

In 1925, Guy Roberts was an impressionable 15-year old working in the pool halls of Pound, Virginia, racking games and selling moonshine whiskey. During the 1930s he took to hauling moonshine over the mountain to Kentucky. After taking part in a robbery he was forced to flee across America on the lam. The video weaves together Guy’s descriptions of his journey, family photographs, and the banjo music of Dock Boggs, including the song “Prodigal Son.” Like the young man in the parable, Guy returned home, faced his punishment, and “lived a good life.” Whippin' The Devil is a one of many Appalshop portraits but of an unusual character one not to be missed.

Screenings & Festivals

• PBS Independent Television Service
• Warren Wilson College
• University of Louisville