Is the movie Walking Tall (2004) based on a true story?

Yes, the movie Walking Tall (2004) is based on a true story. It is based on the life of Buford Pusser, a former professional wrestler turned sheriff who fought against organized crime in his community in the 1960s. However, the movie takes some artistic liberties and deviates from the actual events.

What is the true story behind the movie Walking Tall (2004)?

The movie “Walking Tall” (2004) is loosely based on the life of Buford Pusser, a former professional wrestler turned sheriff who battled corruption and illegal activities in his small town of McNairy County, Tennessee during the 1960s.

Buford Pusser became known for his use of a 4-foot wooden club as a weapon during his numerous raids on illegal establishments. He also became known for surviving numerous assassination attempts and for his controversial methods, which included the use of extreme force.

Despite his controversial methods, Pusser became a folk hero and was even the subject of multiple films, including the original “Walking Tall” (1973) that starred Joe Don Baker as Buford Pusser. The 2004 version of the film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took some artistic liberties with the story, but remained faithful to the general premise of the real-life events in McNairy County during the 1960s.