Red Fox / Second Hanging

Don Baker. 1984. 3/4" U-matic.

A film version of Roadside Theater’s highly acclaimed play, Red Fox/Second Hangin’ is the story of M.B. “Doc” Taylor, called “the Red Fox.” Taylor was a red-headed, red-bearded, highly popular preacher, doctor, philosopher, mystic, and U.S. Marshall. His execution, the second in the history of Wise County, Virginia, followed that of a local troublemaker, who — like Taylor — had been implicated in murders resulting from a feud that began during the Civil War. The hangings kicked off a law-and-order campaign that Northern speculators considered essential to expanding their coal mining operations in turn-of-the-century Appalachia. Onstage, Roadside Theater actors Gary Slemp, Frankie Taylor, and Don Baker recount this historical tale, adopting different voices and personae, and weaving economic and political tensions into a family saga. The program was recorded before an audience in Carcassonne, Kentucky.

“Red Fox/Second Hangin’ has more to say about the history of rural America than any five history books.”— Theater Times

“Each of the performers is an expert in telling tall tales, melding regional accents, local references, and topical humor … The camera surefootedly tracks the performers’ verbal ballet, never losing the link between them and the audience.”— Video Times

“Intensely local, Red Fox/Second Hangin’ has universal implications — and appeal.”— Pat Aufderheide, In These Times

“A sophisticated, technically daring work.”— University of Nevada-Las Vegas

All films in the Appalshop collection are protected under Title 17 of the United States Copyright Law. The unauthorized distribution or public performance of copyrighted works constitutes copyright infringement under the Copyright Act, Title 17 U.S Code Section 106(3)-(4). This conduct may also violate the Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works and The Universal Copyright Convention, as well as bilateral treaties with other countries that allow for protection of Rights Holder copyrighted works even beyond US borders. To receive rights for public performance of our works, including educational or institutional licensing, please contact Appalshop Sales to complete the purchase at 606-633-0108 or sales@appalshop.org.

You can learn more about Appalshop and our work at www.Appalshop.org