New "Walking Tall" Movie Brings Hollywood to West Tennessee
March 17, 2004


Selmer, TN - He came to McNairy County with all the trappings of a presidential visit. It isn't every day a world-wide celebrity shows up here, and Melissa Koenig wasn't about to miss it. "How big a deal is this? A very big deal. I've been waiting since they started the movie to see 'The Rock' in McNairy County." she explained.

"The Rock" better known to those close to him as Dwayne Johnson, stars in a movie inspired by the life of former McNairy Sheriff Buford Pusser, a story told in the 1974 movie "Walking Tall". "What I wanted to do was, come here to McNairy County where Buford's famliy was, where he walked, where he talked, where he did his thing, with a big stick!" he exclaimed.

Buford Pusser and his big stick helped rid McNairy County of organized crime in the 1960's His hard nosed approach made him a lot of enemies and cost him his wife. The updated movie doesn't take place here, but Tennesseeans still claim it as their story even today.

What's interesting about this visit is, 30 years ago when the original "Walking Tall" came out, McNairy County wanted nothing to do with it. 30 years later things have changed. So much so, County leaders made "The Rock" honorary Sheriff. "I think attitudes have changed. I think everyone recognizes the "Hollywood Bang" that a movie of this caliber brings to our area." said Cindy Cain of the McNairy Chamber of Commerce.

But those instrumental in getting the first movie made say it's a shame McNairy County couldn't see those benefits the first time around. "If it would have happened back then, where Buford could see this, it would have been wonderful, because he would have really appreciated it." said Radio Personality Eddie Bond.

But this time, fans got to appreciate a close-up look at one of their heros. "I got a whole roll of film to remember him by." said Koeing. And it's a good thing she did too... because just like a presidential visit, "The Rock" sped away in his motorcade within minutes of his McNairy County debut.

"The Rock" and the movie studio donated 5-thousand dollars to the Burford Pusser foundation, money which will go to help pay for repairs and improvements to the Buford Pusser museum.