The Reality Behind the Story of "Walking Tall" Buford Pusser

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Background

Sheriff Who Inspired ‘Walking Tall’ Movie Killed His Wife, Inquiry Says

Buford Pusser, who was portrayed in the 1973 hit movie, led people to believe that his wife was ambushed by his enemies, cold-case investigators in Tennessee said.

www.nytimes.com

Legend of 'Walking Tall' sheriff shaken by new murder findings

A Tennessee sheriff who inspired Hollywood films and generations of law enforcement officers has now been linked to the killing of his own wife.

www.fox5atlanta.com

The original movie...

Walking Tall (1973)

A 1973 American action thriller film directed by Phil Karlson, starring Joe Don Baker, Elizabeth Hartman and Rosemary Murphy. It's loosely based on the true story of Buford Pusser, Sheriff of McNairy County, Tennessee from 1964 to 1970. Followed …

tvtropes.org

Harsher in Hindsight: It was announced in 2025 that Sheriff Buford Pusser most likely murdered his own wife, in addition to committing domestic violence on her, obviously tainting this film and any positive depictions of Pusser generally.