The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)

Town Sheriff and regular patron, fights to keep a historical whorehouse open when a TV preacher targets it as the Devils playhouse.

Director:

Colin Higgins

Writers:

Larry L. King (play), Peter Masterson (play),

Stars:

Burt Reynolds, Dolly Parton, Dom DeLuise

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Burt Reynolds	...	Sheriff
Dolly Parton	...	Mona Stangley
Dom DeLuise	...	Melvin
Charles Durning	...	Governor
Jim Nabors	...	Deputy Fred
Robert Mandan	...	Senator Wingwood
Lois Nettleton	...	Dulcie Mae
Theresa Merritt	...	Jewel
Noah Beery Jr.	...	Edsel (as Noah Beery)
Raleigh Bond	...	Mayor
Barry Corbin	...	C.J.
Ken Magee	...	Mansel
Mary Jo Catlett	...	Rita
Mary Louise Wilson	...	Modene
Howard K. Smith	...	Howard K. Smith

Storyline

Founded in 1910 just outside of the city limits of Gilbert located in Lanville County, Texas, the Chicken Ranch has for generations been known as the best whorehouse in Texas for its wholesome fun, strict moral code and cleanliness, all perpetuated by its original owner, Miss Wulla Jean. Seven years ago, Miss Wulla Jean passed on, leaving the Chicken Ranch to her favorite working girl, Miss Mona Stangley, who wants to keep the same traditions of Miss Wulla Jean. The Chicken Ranch has always had the unofficial blessing of the local authorities, who see the ranch providing an important community service, one which most in local authority have used at one time or another in their life. In fact, Miss Mona and Lanville County Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd have been in a relationship for years, Ed Earl who is Miss Mona's protector, albeit one with a hot temper and good ol' boy attitude that doesn't exactly match the needs of his law upholding position. That blessing may change when television ...

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Plot Keywords:

texas | sheriff | governor | based on article | blockbuster | 

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Taglines:

With Burt and Dolly this much fun just couldn't be legal!

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Genres:

Comedy | Musical

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 July 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

La mejor casita de placer

Filming Locations:

Austin, Texas, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$35,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$69,700,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, RKO Pictures, Miller-Milkis-Boyett Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

114 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Henderson Forsythe won the 1979 Tony Award (New York City) for Supporting or Features Actor in a Musical for "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" in the role of Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd.

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Goofs

In the scene where Burt is telling Dolly to shut down for 2 months her hair is parted on the left, but when she walk in the hallway it is parted on the right.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Deputy Fred: It was the nicest little whorehouse you ever saw!

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Connections

Referenced in O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

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Soundtracks

"The Aggie Song"
Written by Carol Hall
Performed by the Aggies

User Reviews

Sadly forgotten

Big, splashy, fun musical about a whorehouse (the Chicken Ranch) in Texas run by Miss Mona (Dolly Parton). She's in love with the sheriff (Burt Reynolds) and the town has no problem with the house. Then a sleazy TV showman (Dom DeLuise) exposes the ranch and all hell breaks lose.

This was a modest hit in 1982. It's easy to see why--it's full of energy and enthusiasm, has great songs and some fantastic all out production numbers. Reynolds is just OK but Parton is an absolute joy--she gives one of her best performances and even sings "I Will Always Love You" (I prefer Whitney's version). Also there is equal amounts of male and female nudity and has a healthy attitude about sex (this was made before AIDS was well-known about). And Charles Durning stops the show with his "sidestepping" number...he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this.

Only complaint is the ending. It's way too serious and realistic--I wish they had opted for a fairy tale like ending. Also Lois Nettleton's subplot is seriously underdeveloped--I assume it was shot but cut out for the running time.

See it and enjoy!