Walking Tall (1973) - Remember It's Fiction, not Fact

Walking Tall (1973)

Stars: Joe Don Baker, Elizabeth Hartman, Leif Garrett,
and Rosemary Murphy.

Walking Tall is a fictionalized account of events that occurred during the life of Tennessee Sheriff and American icon Buford Pusser. While the film does state in fine print that it is a fictional account, it’s easy for some people to think that everything that occurred in the movie did in fact occur. Please understand that this is a drama, not a documentary. I would like for the moviemakers to have shown more factual occurrences, than to embellish the truth. In my opinion, the truth carried enough strength to hold the story together. The movie also does not explain the extent to which the McNairy County criminals had mob connections outside the area. The corruption of this group of criminals crossed many state lines in real life, and was simply not a local band of thugs.

Some of the events shown in the movie did occur. However, rather than rely on this movie for the facts, you’d be prudent to pick up one of the many biographies available on the subject.

Walking Tall is set in McNairy County, Tennessee. Buford Pusser has retired from professional wrestling, and has brought his family back home where he plans to settle down. Venturing into town, Buford meets his old high school friend Lutie (Ed Call) who shows Buford the darker side of McNairy County. The first stop is the Lucky Spot, a beer joint used to front an illegal gambling operation in the back room. Buford is shown as surprised at the corruption. This is a factual error as depicted in the movie. Buford did in fact know of the corruption that took place in the county before becoming sheriff. Buford is accurately shown as the type not to back down, and a running conflict develops between Buford Pusser and the county mob. This rivalry eventually causes Buford to run for Sheriff, which he wins. Buford goes against incredible odds, including numerous attempts on his life and the life of his family; offers of bribery from the higher-ups at the state capital; and corruption among his own deputy corps.

The production qualities of this film are pretty low. It is apparent that the film was made on a low budget. If it weren’t for a few action scenes and fact that this movie is based on actual events, this would be a bad movie. I’ve not seen a copy of this movie that has good sound or good color. Both are somewhat muddled compared to what you get from movies of that era. The acting is, however, pretty good. Joe Don Baker presents a very sympathetic character in Buford Pusser. Elizabeth Hartman also garnishes your sympathy because of what her husband is going through. The roughneck characters are hit-and-miss with their acting – mainly missing. Rosemary Murphy did a good job of playing Callie Hacker, and personified the ruthlessness apparent in the mob.

If you’re looking for an interesting story, the movie certainly presents one. I recommend this movie under the caveat regarding the factuality of the information.

I give it a 7 out of 10.