Alright, listen up, America. Walking Tall is what happens when you push a man too far. And not just any man—Buford Pusser. Yeah, that’s his real name. He’s a walking muscle slab from Tennessee, and when the law fails, he grabs a two-by-four and becomes the law. You know how some people call customer service when they’ve had enough? Buford builds a pine cudgel and starts swinging like Paul Bunyan in a bad mood.
They kill his dog. They try to kill him. Then they kill his wife. You think he’s gonna call for backup? Nope. He IS backup. Walking Tall is 1970s justice at its most red-blooded—before superheroes and CGI, back when men settled scores with timber and rage. It’s violent, loud, and not even pretending to be subtle. And it’s everything that makes you say, “Wait… this actually happened?!”
This week on The Turkish Diplomats present Charming Noise, we take the leash off this Southern-fried juggernaut and ask the important questions: Was Buford a folk hero, or just America’s angriest carpenter?
🔍 TRIVIA, MYTHS & FOLKLORE: Walking Tall (1973)
- Based on a Real Man
Sheriff Buford Pusser was a real person, former wrestler turned lawman in Tennessee. He really did carry a big stick. Yes, really. - The Stick Had a Name
Buford’s signature weapon, a massive hickory club, reportedly had multiple versions and was said to be reinforced with steel—though this may be legend more than lumber. - Hollywood vs. History
The film plays fast and loose with facts. While Buford did clean up crime in McNairy County, many locals contest just how heroically—or recklessly—he did it. - Tragedy on and off Screen
The real Buford Pusser’s wife was killed in an ambush—just like in the film. Buford himself died in a car crash in 1974, just before he was set to star as himself in Walking Tall Part II. - Multiple Remakes
Walking Tall was remade in 2004 starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Spoiler: Buford’s two-by-four got an upgrade, but the spirit (and smashing) remained. - Cult Hero or Mythical Beast?
Over the decades, Buford’s story has grown into Southern folklore. Depending on who you ask, he was a brave reformer… or a hothead who picked fights with the wrong people. - Tourism Bump
The movie inspired Walking Tall tours in McNairy County, Tennessee—where the Buford Pusser Home & Museum still stands today.
