Who was Tom Priestley? ‘Deliverance’ Film Editor Dead at 91

Tom Priestly, the esteemed film editor recognized for his outstanding work, including an Oscar nomination for the 1972 film “Deliverance,” passed away on December 25 at the age of 91.

The J.B. Priestley Society, an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Tom’s father, the renowned playwright and novelist J.B. Priestley, announced his passing on Monday.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our President, Tom Priestley,” stated the J.B. Priestley Society. “As J.B. Priestley’s sole son, Tom emerged as one of the country’s most distinguished film editors. Among his notable achievements was his remarkable contribution to ‘Deliverance,’ a film for which he received an Academy Award nomination. Tom was a person of immense charm and talent.”

Hailing from London and a graduate of King’s College, Priestly commenced his career as a sound editor at Shepperton Studios in Surrey. His early work included contributions to films like the 1961 crime drama “Whistle Down the Wind,” notable for its focus on children.

Priestly’s collaboration with director John Boorman marked some of his most notable contributions to cinema. In addition to his pivotal role in shaping the gripping 1972 survival thriller “Deliverance,” starring Jon Voight and Burt Reynolds, he also edited Boorman’s 1970 class drama “Leo the Last” and the 1977 film “Exorcist II: The Heretic.”

Throughout the 1970s, Priestly continued to leave his mark on cinema, contributing to iconic films such as the 1975 comedy “Return of the Pink Panther,” directed by Blake Edwards and featuring Peter Sellers, and Roman Polanski’s 1979 masterpiece “Tess.” His final cinematic endeavor was the 1987 drama “White Mischief,” directed by Michael Radford.