Rough'n'tumble maverick sheriff Buford Pusser (a fine and credible performance by Bo Svenson) finds himself falling out of favor with the people in the small town he enforces the law in and faces an uncertain future after he's voted out of office. Moreover, the local mob plot to take him out.
Directed with trademark muscular aplomb by Jack Starrett, with a strong script by Howard B. Kreitsek and Samuel A. Peoples, an engrossing story that unfolds at a constant pace, a few potent moments of bloody'n'brutal violence, a tough serious tone, an interesting subtext concerning changing social mores and victims of progress, and several exciting and well-staged action set pieces, this film packs essentially the same fierce punch as the excellent original. Furthermore, it's compelling to see Pusser try to do something else with his life besides being a lawman and eventually cutting a deal with Hollywood types who want to make a movie about his exploits because he desperately needs the money.
Svenson gets to show a greater range of emotion this time out and rises well to that particular challenge. In addition, there are sound supporting contributions from Forrest Tucker as Buford's hearty dad, Sandy McPeak as helpful lawyer buddy Lloyd Tatum, Logan Ramsey as slimy toad John Witter, Dawn Lynn as Buford's spunky daughter Dwana, Margaret Blythe as the sultry Luan, Libby Boone as smitten secretary Joan, H. B. Haggerty as the brutish Bulo, and Morgan Woodward as fearsome bigwig the Boss. Robert B. Hauser's polished cinematography boasts the occasional snazzy visual flourish. A worthy closer.
Directed with trademark muscular aplomb by Jack Starrett, with a strong script by Howard B. Kreitsek and Samuel A. Peoples, an engrossing story that unfolds at a constant pace, a few potent moments of bloody'n'brutal violence, a tough serious tone, an interesting subtext concerning changing social mores and victims of progress, and several exciting and well-staged action set pieces, this film packs essentially the same fierce punch as the excellent original. Furthermore, it's compelling to see Pusser try to do something else with his life besides being a lawman and eventually cutting a deal with Hollywood types who want to make a movie about his exploits because he desperately needs the money.
Svenson gets to show a greater range of emotion this time out and rises well to that particular challenge. In addition, there are sound supporting contributions from Forrest Tucker as Buford's hearty dad, Sandy McPeak as helpful lawyer buddy Lloyd Tatum, Logan Ramsey as slimy toad John Witter, Dawn Lynn as Buford's spunky daughter Dwana, Margaret Blythe as the sultry Luan, Libby Boone as smitten secretary Joan, H. B. Haggerty as the brutish Bulo, and Morgan Woodward as fearsome bigwig the Boss. Robert B. Hauser's polished cinematography boasts the occasional snazzy visual flourish. A worthy closer.