Weirdly marketed as a right-wing screed upon its initial release in 1973, <I>Walking Tall</I> is really a tragic, shockingly violent post-noir film based on various legends surrounding real-life Southern sheriff Buford Pusser. Joe Don Baker (<i>The Natural</i>) gives a powerful performance as Pusser, who took on determined forces of crime and corruption in his town at great personal expense. Directed with an intentionally crude force by Phil Karlson (<i>Kansas City Confidential</i>), one of the toughest filmmakers of the 1950s, the film's grimness does not let up, but in the end it is more likely to break hearts than turn stomachs. <i>--Tom Keogh</i>
Viewer Reviews This movie to me will always be a Classic. Based on a true story how one man can make a difference. The newer version of this appears better because of the updates..However, the newer version just doesn't seem to grab my heartstrings or make me feel the emotion as I did with the original movie. I am glad to have this classic in my home now.
