Ga., SC mountains mark 'Deliverance' anniversary

DORIE TURNER, Associated Press
Updated 11:09 a.m., Friday, June 22, 2012

ATLANTA (AP) — Four decades ago, the movie "Deliverance" introduced the lush north Georgia mountains to the world.

Though many in the region still bristle at the movie's portrayal of locals as uneducated hillbillies, the film helped create the $20 million rafting and outdoor sports industry along the Chattooga River, which splits Georgia and South Carolina. Several movies have filmed in the area this year because of the natural beauty showcased in "Deliverance," including next year's "Killing Season" with Robert DeNiro and John Travolta.

This weekend, communities along the Chattooga are celebrating the 40th anniversary of the movie's release with the first-ever Chattooga River Festival, even though some locals are unhappy with the idea of reminding the world of the area's connection to the movie.

"It's one of those cases where some good comes out of most everything," said Stan Darnell, chairman of the Rabun County, Ga., board of commissioners. "Certainly a lot of good came out of that, as far as opening up film industry, the kayaking, the camping."


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