Part 2: Walking Tall

This film essentially takes up where its predecessor left off with "Sheriff Buford Pusser" (played in this movie by Bo Svenson) recuperating from his injuries sustained in an ambush which killed his wife. Although his loyal deputies want to go after the suspects involved in this fatal shooting, Sheriff Pusser manages to convince them to perform their day-to-day duties while he concentrates on winning reelection. To that effect, although he is quite popular to most of the people in his county, there is a certain corrupt element led by a man named "John Witter" (Logan Ramsey) who is intent on preventing that at all costs. For starters, it suits his business interests in having someone within the police department that he can control. But even more importantly, having had a role in the deadly ambush, the one thing he doesn't want is an investigation being carried out by someone intent on getting to the truth of the matter. That being said, when Sheriff Pusser does in fact win reelection, John Witter subsequently decides to eliminate his adversary by hiring several different people with unique skills of their own. Now, rather than reveal any more I will just say that, although it didn't have quite as much drama as the original movie, it had enough robust action to make up for it to a certain degree. I also liked the performances of both Richard Jaeckel (as "Stud Pardee") and Luke Askew ("Pinky Dobson") who played their parts quite well. Likewise, having both Angel Tompkins ("Marganne Stilson") and Brooke Mills ("Ruby Lee") certainly didn't hurt the scenery in any way either. Be that as it may, while this movie may not have been as good as its predecessor, it was still enjoyable for the most part and I have rated it accordingly. Slightly above average.

Following the ambush on his life and the assassination of his wife, Pauline Pusser, Buford(Bo Svenson) continue his pursuit of justice. While he is continuing his pursuit, he runs into another bump in the road, his African-American deputy is killed on duty following the people who want to kill Pusser. Obra is always loyal to him, and he has been a good friend to Buford.

Buford does carry the Big Stick. And the law always get the criminals. The man will never be forgotten.

Big changes in the film, but the fun is always there. It can be used for history lessons. Respect them always.

3 out of 5 stars.

Walking Tall Part II is a worthy follow up to the original Walking Tall. Bo Svenson carries the big stick and he does so with a lot of authority. Of course since this is Hollywood they can't get the facts right so they hollywoodize it. the story is Buford is on the rampage looking for the People behind Pauline's death. Those people are starting to get scared. And they send an assassin out to finish the job. In the End Buford gets his information foils the assassin and finds the spy in his office. Not a bad movie as far as movies go. But this one was mostly a fictionalized account of Buford Pusser's life. Having read everything on Buford Pusser that I could get my hands on. I find the films are a great way to tell Buford's Legend. Worthwhile film. And A good solid story that'll keep you in your seat.

This was the first "Walking Tall" movie I saw, I think in a $2 movie theater along Hollywood Blvd. , so I didn't have any reference to the first installment done by Joe Don Baker. I remember being shocked at the corrupted system of McNairy County and the brutality of the "redneck gangs". I was also amazed at the fact that one man decided he's not going to let it slide, and went out to do something about it. Courageous ? I thought so - to a point where it sent shivers up my spine.

I think this movie is a great story about American courage to stand up and do something about a system that's only serving its own interest. I was pretty blown away about it, and think this is still one of the best movie of the hero/anti-hero genre, which one might laugh but includes recent movies like the "The Punisher", but even more so because it's a true story. The recent remake starring the "Rock" just doesn't do any justice to the real fire in the story of Buford Pusser.

A "classic" that I'm sure will resurface again in the future.

This sequel to the 1973 picture of the same name but doesn't match up to the original. Bo Svenson stars this time as the big stick wielding southern Sheriff. The film takes up where the 73 film leaves off. Pusser is already well known around his parts and continues his war against the state line mob. Had this one been made with Joe Don Baker in the lead role it might have been better. Had Bo Svenson been in the original, likewise.

At times it drifts to the point that it resembles the adventures of a TV hero and not the exploits of a real person.