The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)

A town's Sheriff and regular patron of a historical whorehouse fights to keep it running when a television reporter targets it as the Devil's 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 Ed Earl Dodd
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 little 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 died, 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 lives. 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:

chicken | texas | sheriff | governor | locker room | 

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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)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,874,268, 25 July 1982, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$69,701,637

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

Betty Grable's stepson, Tim James, natural son of big band leader Harry James, was an attorney working with the then Attorney General of Texas, and became responsible for enticing television personality Marvin Zindler of Houston to investigate the famous Chicken Ranch brothel in La Grange, Texas, eventually closing it down.

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Goofs

During the song "Little Bitty Pissant Country Place", Dolly welcomes some gentleman callers. She says "well howdy boys" and walks towards them smiling. Her mouth is clearly visible and she is not speaking but we hear her saying. "It's good to see you. Nice to meet you."

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Quotes

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

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Alternate Versions

When this movie was first released in theatres, and on its first ABC TV airing, it featured Burt Reynolds singing a song. (The song is in the scene immediately following his confrontation with Miss Mona, in which he orders her to shut down the Chicken Ranch. In the video release, and in the current TV version, that sequence has been removed On the new version, Burt is seen briefly in a "contemplation" link sequence. The tune (written by Dolly Parton) which Burt originally sang on the movie was used in Dolly's "Rhinestone" movie. She wrote totally new words to the music and titled the song "God Won't Get You". (Also a single release for Dolly on RCA).

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Connections

Referenced in Reba: Best Li'l Haunted House in Texas (2005)

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Soundtracks

A Lil' Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place
Written by Carol Hall
Performed by Dolly Parton, Theresa Merritt, and Whorehouse Girls

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!