WALKING TALL at HOLLYWOOD TEEN MOVIES

Walking Tall was first made in 1973 and was followed by two sequels, a TV movie and a short-lived TV series. It was the story of a crusading sheriff named Buford Pusser. Although this 2004 version is “Based on a true story” and is dedicated to Pusser, it is more a vehicle for action star, The Rock who, instead of taking on the real-life character’s name, is called Chris Vaughn.

Vaughn, a retired Special Forces soldier, returns to his small hometown - a place that, although nestled in beautiful natural surroundings, has become ugly. The lumber mill, once the town’s main source of income, has been closed down and now the revenue comes from a casino run by Vaughn’s high school friend - of sorts - Jay Hamilton (Neal McDonough).

Vaughn first decides that his old hometown needs cleaning up when Hamilton invites him and his friends to the casino and Vaughn discovers that the dice are loaded at the craps table. He goes on a rampage, but is finally brought down by Hamilton’s men who, in retaliation, perform some nasty surgery on his body.

When Vaughn tries to press charges against the casino, the sheriff (Michael Bowen) tells him the case is closed and does nothing about it. Later, when Vaughn discovers that his nephew, Pete (Khleo Thomas) and other kids in the town are getting drugs from the casino, he goes on a one-man demolition mission, smashing the casino and attacking the thugs who work there with a plank of timber. When he is charged for the offence and ends up in court, he promises that if he’s acquitted, he’ll run for sheriff and clean up the town.

Apparently tired of the corruption that has infested their town, the jury finds him not guilty him and the people vote him in. Vaughn fires the previous sheriff and his men, promotes his pal, Ray (Johnny Knoxville) to deputy and begins what he has promised, bringing the wrath of Hamilton and his cronies upon him - and his family.

Walking Tall [DVD](2004) DVD
Inspired by a true story, this loose remake of the classic 1973 actioner follows former decorated army officer the Rock as he returns to his small Washington town. Disgusted with the corruption that has ruined his home, he becomes sheriff and enlists the help of best friend and deputy Johnny Knoxville to bring down the head of a crime-ridden casino. With Neal McDonough, John Beasley and Barbara Tarbuck. 85 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 5.1, French Dolby Digital stereo, Spanish Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, Cantonese, French, Mandarin, Spanish; audio commentary by Johnson, more; alternate ending; bloopers; deleted scenes; featurette; photo gallery.
Walking Tall [VHS](2004) VHS

Walking Tall [DVD](1973) DVD
The true-life drama that had audiences standing and cheering follows the one-man campaign of Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser against crime and corruption in his state, a crusade that turns personal when mobsters kill his wife. Joe Don Baker, Elizabeth Hartman, Gene Evans, Noah Beery, Jr. and Leif Garrett star. 126 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; scene access.
Walking Tall 2 [DVD](1975) DVD
Bo Svenson takes over as tough-as-nails lawman Buford Pusser (a role to have been played by Pusser himself before his death in a suspicious auto accident) in this two-fisted actioner that finds Svenson swinging his big stick against mobsters and hit men. With Richard Jaeckel, Leif Garrett, Noah Beery, Jr. AKA: "Part 2, Walking Tall." 113 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
Walking Tall: The Final Chapter [DVD](1977) DVD
Buford Pusser (Bo Svenson), the bat-wielding sheriff, is back in this third film based on his struggle to clean up a crime-ridden town. This time, though, the mob is out for blood, and only one side will walk away. Margaret Blye, Forrest Tucker co-star. 116 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
Walking Tall [VHS](1973) VHS
Walking Tall 2 [VHS](1975) VHS
Walking Tall: The Final Chapter [VHS](1977) VHS
Walking Tall Trilogy [DVD] DVD
Includes "Walking Tall," "Walking Tall 2" and "Walking Tall: The Final Chapter."