holograf
Ok story line, but the way things unfolded was so stupid. people make blatant attempts on his life with guns 4 times and miss every time. the last one 2 car loads of guys with machine guns, all miss. then they come back 5 min later and drive by and spray him and miss again. the attempt in the bar was the dumbest thing i ever saw. this woman bar owner shoots a shot gun at him as soon as he walks in the door, in plain sight of everyone tons of people. all because she's bummed her profits are down thanks to his law enforcement. it's like, don't like someone in 1970 tennessee? just shoot 'em! it's like the movie the purge only you can freely purge someone 24x7 lol. btw, he didn't use the trademark 5 ft wood 2x4 hardly at all. i can see why the movie would have some appeal, but just not executed well. and wow, the commentary on society at that time. quite a difference from movies just 10-15 years earlier.
happytrigger-64-390517
In 1955, Phil Karlson directed "The Phenix City Story" about crime corruption just after the real facts happened in the city. After some violent crimes, the situation became under control, some were arrested, and some disappeared. Those who disappeared arrived in McNairy County, Tennessee, and the sad story began again. But Sheriff Buford Pusser was there, and he used the same weapons as the gangsters. And Phil Karlson made this tough movie, "Walking Tall", just after the real facts. Buford Pusser was the technical consultant and the huge Joe Don Baker played realistically his character. I have a picture with both of them, and Joe Don Baker doesn't seem to be so huge compared to the mountain Buford Pusser. I hope one day "Walking Tall" will get released again in theatres, I saw it at the french retrospective of Phil Karlson, and people were puzzled, a lot of people never saw it.
threerandot
I just watched this one tonight and I am appalled at how much praise has been laid upon the title character of Bufford Pusser. If these were indeed the kinds of actions taken by the subject of this film, then those are highly questionable ones.The film is certainly well made, but it also seems to glorify violence as a way to solve a problem. Not that the answers to the problems of the town in the film easy ones.In the process of fighting for a better life for the people, it was a war that in the end, was for not. So many die in this story, including Pusser's wife, not to mention the family pet, that they lose more than they could ever hope to gain.Pusser's wife, played so well by Elizabeth Hartman, is really the only character who actually seemed to question her husband's actions and really exhibited any kind of intellect or thought to the possible results. If a thinking viewer is watching this film, they are going to question Pusser's actions and form the opinion that there could have been a better way then the easy way of resorting to violence.Pusser uses a gun, torture and intimidation. The same methods used by the hoodlums to torture a naked girl. He is no better... a moral cripple.And this seems to have been the American way for decades. That might makes right and that we are the "good guys". This is shameful behavior and to reward it as heroic is moral bankruptcy.Baker is good as Pusser and the film keeps you glued to your seat. The only failure of the film is the lack of presenting an opposing viewpoint. That violence doesn't solve anything. Is the small town in this film all "perfect" today? The scene where Leif Garrett is sitting next to his father's hospital bed with a rifle in his lap was definitely a face palm moment. America continues to be a violent nation because it teaches their young that such actions are "heroic". A very sad commentary on a nation that could hold so much more promise.A strong film that should really have elicited more controversy and criticism of the title character's actions.
hammerfan1
If you are a southern male who grew up in the 1970's, "Walking Tall" is your "Gone With The Wind". This 1973 movie is based on actual events in the life of Sheriff Buford Pusser of McNairy County, Tennessee during the 1960's. Though the screenplay takes some liberties with Pusser's story, it is an exciting account of one man taking on organized crime and corruption .The story begins with Buford and his family moving back to his home town in McNairy County. Shortly after arriving, Buford realizes that his home town has changed. Gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging have taken over. Buford exposes the gambling operation to be corrupt and is brutally beaten and left for dead. He recovers and seeks vengeance using a big piece of lumber. He is arrested for his troubles. Buford is cleared of the charges and is soon elected Sheriff. He promises to rid the county of crime and corruption. The rest of the movie shows how difficult it was for Buford to follow through with his promise.Buford Pusser is played by Joe Don Baker, who gives the performance of his career. Baker's Pusser faces the tragic events of the movie with a sense of sad but heroic nobility. The audience is able to feel what Pusser must have felt when these events actually happened through Baker's brave performance.The story is ultimately a tragic tale of one man who walked tall and stood up against the forces of corruption. It is the rare action movie that makes you cheer and cry at the same time. This is essential viewing for anyone who loves true heroes.
AD
