Wallking Tall/Am I nuts?

[Stuffy]

I’ve been seeing the trailers for this movie for a few weeks now, and somethings been buggin me. Now this may show my age, but is it possible this is a remake? I could swear there was a movie with the same title back in the 70’s and my wife agrees, though I can’t remember if I saw it or not. The plot (snort) also seems familiar, though if it’s from a previous Walking Tall movie I can’t guess. Anybody know for sure?

[Ephemera]

Yes, there’re two movies and the current one is a remake. The story is based on actual events that happened in rural Tennessee.

[Darwin_s_Finch]

There was also a series in the early '80s, starring Bo Svenson.

For some reason, though, they changed the sheriff’s name in the current version from Buford Pusser to Chris Vaughn.

[Ephemera]

The IMDB entry for the original.

[Stuffy]

Thanks guys. Oh and yes I saw the original.

[Jeff_Lodoen]

Mitchell!

[Saltire]

The main character is played by Joe Don Baker in the original, and by Bo Svenson in the two sequels and the 1981 TV series.

The character’s name is Buford Pusser in those, which I assume is from the true story. I guess Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson or someone else connected with the remake didn’t like that name, since they are apparently not using it (the character is called Chris Vaughn). The action in the new one also apparently takes place here in Washington state rather than Tennessee. Maybe they couldn’t secure the rights to the original, and are keeping their film just enough different to stay clear of a lawsuit.

Looking at the IMDB write-up, I see that Johnny Knoxville is playing The Rock’s deputy. Interesting.

[Saltire]

This thread only had two posts when I started writing, I swear. I guess activity here hasn’t slowed down much, has it.

[Eutychus]

And yes, you are nuts.

[Miller]

Anyone else see the commercials to this, which looks halfway decent, and Punisher, which looks awful, and think “Why the hell didn’t they cast the Rock as the Punisher?”

[Ephemera]

@Darwin's Finch

There was also a series in the early '80s, starring Bo Svenson.

For some reason, though, they changed the sheriff’s name in the current version from Buford Pusser to Chris Vaughn.

Like Saltire said, it might be because they couldn’t secure the rights but I personally think it’s just to make it more mainstream. A character named Buford Pusser just wouldn’t fly today.

[Eutychus]

@Miller

Anyone else see the commercials to this, which looks halfway decent, and Punisher, which looks awful, and think “Why the hell didn’t they cast the Rock as the Punisher?”

We’ve been punished enough.

[Hey_It_s_That_Guy]

I’ll be at both movies opening day!

(As well as Hellboy, Kill Bill 2, Spider-Man 2, and Sky Captain.)

[Beauty_Personified]

From an article by Mallory Mahling of the Pro Wrestling Torch…

The tour had been arranged by Buford Pusser’s daughter, Dwana Pusser Garrison. Since the remake of the movie bears little resemblance to the original story, some feathers had been ruffled in McNairy County. But the Rock smoothed them over beautifully with his charm, his charisma, and his sincerity.

Initially, Garrison had reservations about the remake of her father’s story, but has wholeheartedly supported the movie since seeing a preview earlier this year. Speaking of the Rock’s character, she said, “No, his name is not Buford Pusser, but when you go see the movie, you will see the essence of my father’s story.”

Here’s the link to the full article…

http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/publish/article_7601.shtml

Anyhoo…

[Cabbage]

And if you’re ever in the area (or feel like making a road trip), you can find Pusser’s death car, along with other Pusser and police memorabilia, at Carbo’s Smoky Mountain Police Museum. Also, in his home town of Adamsville, TN, you can find the Buford Pusser Home & Museum.