The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)
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- R
- 1h 54min
- Comedy, Musical
- 23 Jul 1982 (USA)
- Movie
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:
Writers:
Stars:
Awards:
- Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 nominations.
- See more »
Photos and Videos
Complete, Cast awaiting verification
| Burt Reynolds | ... |
Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd
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| Dolly Parton | ... |
Mona Stangley
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| Dom DeLuise | ... |
Melvin
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| Charles Durning | ... |
Governor
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| Jim Nabors | ... |
Deputy Fred
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| Robert Mandan | ... |
Senator Wingwood
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| Lois Nettleton | ... |
Dulcie Mae
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| Theresa Merritt | ... |
Jewel
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| Noah Beery Jr. | ... |
Edsel
(as Noah Beery)
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| Raleigh Bond | ... |
Mayor
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| Barry Corbin | ... |
C.J.
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Ken Magee | ... |
Mansel
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| Mary Jo Catlett | ... |
Rita
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| Mary Louise Wilson | ... |
Modene
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| Howard K. Smith | ... |
Howard K. Smith
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| Gail Benedict | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Valerie Leigh Bixler | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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| Leslie Cook | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Carol Culver | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Lorraine Fields | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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| Trish Garland | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Sandi Johnson | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Lee Lund | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Paula Lynn | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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| Lily Mariye | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Andrea Pike | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Terry Calloway | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
(as Terrie M. Robinson)
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Jennifer Nairn-Smith | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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| Terri Treas | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Melanie Winter | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl
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Stephen Bray | ... |
Aggie
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Brian Bullard | ... |
Aggie
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Jeff Calhoun | ... |
Aggie
(as Jeffrey Calhoun)
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Gary Chapman | ... |
Aggie
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John Dolf | ... |
Aggie
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David Engel | ... |
Aggie
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Edmond Alan Forsyth | ... |
Aggie
(as Ed Forsyth)
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Mark Fotopoulos | ... |
Aggie
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Michael Fullington | ... |
Aggie
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David Warren Gibson | ... |
Aggie
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| Joe Hart | ... |
Aggie
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Jeffrey Hornaday | ... |
Aggie
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Patrick Maguire | ... |
Aggie
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Ted Marriot | ... |
Aggie
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Jerry Mitchell | ... |
Aggie
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Steven Moore | ... |
Aggie
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| Douglas Robb | ... |
Aggie
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Kevin Ryan | ... |
Aggie
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Tim Topper | ... |
Aggie
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Marvin Tunney | ... |
Aggie
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Randy Val Cupp | ... |
Aggie
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Robert Warners | ... |
Aggie
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Robin Lynn Funk | ... |
Dogette
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Larry Kenton | ... |
Dogette
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| Edie Lehmann Boddicker | ... |
Dogette
(as Edie Lehmann)
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Mark Thomas McGee | ... |
Dogette
(as Mark McGee)
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Karen McLain | ... |
Dogette
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Benjamin Taylor | ... |
Dogette
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| Arnetia Walker | ... |
Dogette
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Ty Whitney | ... |
Dogette
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| Robert Briscoe Evans | ... |
Melvin's Crew
(as Robert Briscoe)
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John Walter Davis | ... |
Melvin's Crew
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| Gregory Itzin | ... |
Melvin's Crew
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| Timothy Stack | ... |
Melvin's Crew
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Larry B. Williams | ... |
Melvin's Crew
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Harvey Christiansen | ... |
Old Farmer
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Donald F. Colson | ... |
Jeff Gerald
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| Helen Kleeb | ... |
Dora
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| Mickey Jones | ... |
Henry
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Bobby Fite | ... |
Dulcie Mae's Son
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| Paula Shaw | ... |
Wulla Jean
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Kenneth White | ... |
Sheriff Jack Roy
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| Ted Gehring | ... |
Sheriff Chapman
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| Wayne Heffley | ... |
TV Station Manager
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Verne Lundquist | ... |
Verne Lundquist
(as Vern Lundquist)
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Lee Grosscup | ... |
Lee Grossip
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Lee Ritchey | ... |
Governor's Aide
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| Alice Drummond | ... |
Governor's Secretary
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Thomas Myers | ... |
Senator's Aide
(as Thomas R. Myers)
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Victoria Wells | ... |
Washing Girl
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Karyn Harrison | ... |
Chicken Girl
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| Randy Bennett | ... |
Privates Boy
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Willie T. Neely | ... |
Nester
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Harold Offer | ... |
Nester
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Kenneth Threadgill | ... |
Nester
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John Edson | ... |
Male Reporter
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| Robert Ginnaven | ... |
Male Reporter
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Sharon Ammann | ... |
Female Reporter
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Claudette Gardner | ... |
Female Reporter
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| Suzi McLaughlin | ... |
Female Reporter
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| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
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Herb Boomhower | ... |
Dancer (uncredited)
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| Christine Bridges | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl Raid (uncredited)
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| Stephen Douglas Butler | ... |
Customer in waiting room (uncredited)
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Sterling Clark | ... |
Dancer (uncredited)
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Chuck Dawson | ... |
JukeBox Delivery Man (uncredited)
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| Anne Gaybis | ... |
Chicken Ranch Girl (uncredited)
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Larry Gilman | ... |
50's Vignette (uncredited)
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| Bob Harks | ... |
Audience Member (uncredited)
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| Kay Parker | ... |
World War II Girl (uncredited)
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Catherine Wilkinson | ... |
Young Whore Dancer (uncredited)
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Bret Williams | ... |
Silhouette Cowboy (uncredited)
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| Robbin Young | ... |
Working Girl in Whorehouse (uncredited)
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Directed by
| Colin Higgins | ||
Written by
| Larry L. King | ... | (play) and |
| Peter Masterson | ... | (play) |
| Larry L. King | ... | (screenplay) & |
| Peter Masterson | ... | (screenplay) and |
| Colin Higgins | ... | (screenplay) |
Produced by
| Robert L. Boyett | ... | producer |
| Peter Macgregor-Scott | ... | co-producer |
| Edward K. Milkis | ... | producer |
| Thomas L. Miller | ... | producer |
Music by
| Carol Hall | ||
| Patrick Williams | ... | (original background music) |
Cinematography by
| William A. Fraker | ... | director of photography |
Editing by
| David Bretherton | ||
| Nicholas Eliopoulos | ||
| Walter Hannemann | ... | (as Walt Hannemann) |
| Pembroke J. Herring | ||
| Jack Hofstra | ||
Editorial Department
| Neil Brewer | ... | assistant editor |
| John W. Carr | ... | assistant editor (as John Carr) |
| William Essary | ... | assistant editor (as Bill Essary) |
| Erica Flaum | ... | assistant editor |
| Jack Garsha | ... | color timer |
| Phil Hetos | ... | color consultant |
| David A. Simmons | ... | assistant editor (as David Simmons) |
Casting By
| Terry Liebling | ... | (as Terry H. Liebling) |
Production Design by
| Robert F. Boyle | ||
Art Direction by
| Norman Newberry | ||
Set Decoration by
| Arthur Jeph Parker | ... | (as Arthur J. Parker) |
Costume Design by
| Theadora Van Runkle | ||
Makeup Department
| Pete Altobelli | ... | makeup artist (as Peter Altobelli) |
| Cindy Baggett | ... | body makeup |
| Irene De'Atley | ... | hair stylist |
| Tom Ellingwood | ... | makeup artist: Mr. Reynolds (as Tom Eillingwood) |
| Lynda Gurasich | ... | hair stylist: Mr. Reynolds |
| Barbara Lorenz | ... | hair stylist |
| Colleen Owens | ... | hair stylist: Miss Parton |
| Lorraine Roberson | ... | hair stylist: Miss Parton |
| Marvin G. Westmore | ... | makeup artist (as Marvin Westmore) |
| Brad Wilder | ... | makeup artist: Miss Parton |
Production Management
| Peter Macgregor-Scott | ... | production manager |
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
| Emmitt-Leon O'Neill | ... | second assistant director (as Emmitt-Leon O'Neil) |
| Jack Frost Sanders | ... | first assistant director |
| Jim Van Wyck | ... | second assistant director |
Art Department
| Carl Aldana | ... | production illustrator |
| Tom Bartholomew | ... | standby painter |
| Bob Cameron | ... | greensman |
| Marco A. Campos | ... | propmaker |
| Mentor Huebner | ... | illustrator |
| Joseph Hurley | ... | production illustrator |
| Greg C. Jensen Sr. | ... | general construction foreman (as Greg C. Jensen) |
| Daniel Maltese | ... | set designer |
| Frank Mitchell | ... | greensman |
| Jerry Moss | ... | propmaster (as Gerald Moss) |
| Ken Peterson | ... | assistant propmaster (as Kenneth Peterson) |
| Phil Read | ... | construction coordinator |
| Frank Richwood | ... | assistant art director |
| Art Schneider | ... | leadman (as Arthur Schneider) |
| Curtis A. Schnell | ... | set designer |
| Robert A. Sturtevant | ... | stand-by propmaker |
| Ted Wilson | ... | carpenter |
| Glenn Dunn | ... | propmaker (uncredited) |
| Clarence Fay Konkel | ... | carpenter: set (uncredited) |
| Robert Misetich | ... | painter (uncredited) |
| Benjamin Resella | ... | scenic designer (uncredited) |
Sound Department
| Bill Becker | ... | playback operator |
| Carl Fischer | ... | playback operator |
| Craig Herring | ... | assistant sound editor |
| Glenn Hoskinson | ... | sound editor |
| Gil Hudson | ... | dialogue replacement editor |
| Walt Jenevein | ... | sound editor |
| William B. Kaplan | ... | sound mixer |
| Steve Klinghoffer | ... | cableman |
| Stanley H. Polinsky | ... | sound re-recording |
| Earl Sampson | ... | boom operator |
| John Stacy | ... | supervising sound editor |
| Bruce Stambler | ... | sound editor |
| John J. Stephens | ... | sound re-recording |
| Kyle Wright | ... | sound editor |
| Ross Taylor | ... | foley artist (uncredited) |
Special Effects by
| Fred Z. Gebler | ... | special effects (as Fred Gebler) |
Visual Effects by
| Henry Schoessler | ... | visual effects |
| Bill Taylor | ... | matte photographer |
| Albert Whitlock | ... | special visual effects |
Stunts
| Eddie Hice | ... | stunt coordinator |
Camera and Electrical Department
| Fredrick Albrecht | ... | best boy grip (as Frederick Albrecht) |
| Dave Anderberg | ... | grip |
| Gerald H. Boatright | ... | best boy electric (as Gerald Boatright) |
| Steve Bridge | ... | camera operator |
| Bobby Byrne | ... | additional photographer |
| Joe Collins | ... | best boy grip |
| Gary R. Dodd | ... | key grip (as Gary Dodd) |
| Lindsay P. Hill | ... | vtr operator |
| Gary Holt | ... | gaffer |
| Franklyn B. James | ... | assistant Chief lighting Technician |
| Jan Koshay | ... | dolly grip |
| Peter Kuttner | ... | first assistant second unit |
| Nick McLean | ... | camera operator |
| Bob Mundell | ... | best boy electric (as Bob Mundell Jr.) |
| Michael Orefice | ... | electrician |
| Doug Pentek | ... | gaffer (as Douglas Pentek) |
| Keith Peterman | ... | first assistant camera |
| Steven Poster | ... | additional photographer |
| Calmar Roberts | ... | first assistant camera (as Cal Roberts) |
| Robbie Robinson | ... | still photographer |
| Andy Romanoff | ... | louma crane |
| Bobby Thomas | ... | first assistant camera |
| Jeff Zimmerman | ... | assistant camera |
| Lawrence Grauman | ... | assistant camera (uncredited) |
| Ann Lukacs | ... | second unit (uncredited) |
Casting Department
| Liz Keigley | ... | casting: Texas |
| Shari Rhodes | ... | casting: Texas |
Costume and Wardrobe Department
| Bruce Ericksen | ... | wardrobe: men (as Bruce Erickson) |
| April Ferry | ... | wardrobe: women |
| Bruce R. Hogard | ... | wardrobe: men |
| Kathleen Lawrence | ... | wardrobe: women |
| Michael Lynn | ... | wardrobe: men |
| Norman Salling | ... | wardrobe: Mr. Reynolds |
| Shirlee Strahm | ... | wardrobe: Miss Parton |
Location Management
| Dow Griffith | ... | location manager |
| Chris Karamanos | ... | location catering |
Music Department
| Bob Alcivar | ... | musical arranger |
| Richard Baskin | ... | music consultant |
| George Brand | ... | music editor |
| Gene N. Fowler | ... | music editor (as Michael Fowler) |
| Michael Fowler | ... | music editor |
| Earle Hagen | ... | orchestrator: dance |
| Carol Hall | ... | music and lyrics by |
| Wally Harper | ... | music arranger: dance |
| Jack Hayes | ... | orchestrator: dance |
| Roger Jaep | ... | assistant music editor |
| Billy May | ... | orchestrator: dance |
| Dolly Parton | ... | composer: additional songs / music supervisor |
| Gregg Perry | ... | music arranger / music producer / music supervisor |
| Shorty Rogers | ... | musical arranger |
| Herbert W. Spencer | ... | orchestrator: underscore (as Herb Spencer) |
| Sally Stevens | ... | singer |
| Dan Wallin | ... | music re-mix |
| Donald Woods | ... | underscore music editor (as Don Woods) |
| Orion Crawford | ... | song transcriber (uncredited) |
| George Doering | ... | musician (uncredited) |
| Malcolm McNab | ... | musician: trumpet (uncredited) |
| Tommy Morgan | ... | musician: harmonica (uncredited) |
| Louise Di Tullio | ... | musician: flute (uncredited) |
| Patrick Williams | ... | conductor (uncredited) / orchestrator (uncredited) |
Script and Continuity Department
| Marshall Schlom | ... | script supervisor |
Transportation Department
| Joseph Lockwood | ... | driver / transportation |
| Tony Monzo | ... | transportation coordinator |
Additional Crew
| Michael Bourne | ... | production associate |
| Stanley Brossette | ... | unit publicist |
| Theresa Burt | ... | production assistant |
| Cadence Cloggers of Austin | ... | dancers |
| Janet M. Daube | ... | assistant to Colin Higgins |
| Robert Davenport | ... | animal trainer (as Bobby J. Davenport) |
| Bruce Ehrlich | ... | auditor |
| Nicholas Eliopoulos | ... | pre-production coordinator |
| Dow Griffith | ... | assistant producer |
| Dorain Grusman | ... | assistant choreographer |
| Tony Habeeb | ... | unit publicist |
| Iris Hedrick | ... | assistant accountant |
| J. Paul Higgins | ... | production assistant |
| Richard Holley | ... | helicopter pilot (as Rick Holley) |
| Liz Kohlman | ... | assistant to Peter Macgregor-Scott |
| Stevie Myers | ... | animal trainer |
| Phill Norman | ... | title designer |
| Princess O'Mahoney | ... | production assistant |
| Willie Radcliff | ... | craft service |
| Bill Rodenbaugh | ... | production accountant (as William Rodenbaugh) |
| Carole Steller | ... | assistant to Edward K. Milkis |
| Tony Stevens | ... | choreographer |
| Dorothy Vitale | ... | first aid |
Production Companies
- Universal Pictures (presents)
- RKO Pictures (presents)
- Miller-Milkis-Boyett Productions
Distributors
- Universal Pictures (1982) (United States) (theatrical)
- Cinema International Corporation (CIC) (1982) (Argentina) (theatrical)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (1982) (Australia) (theatrical)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (1982) (West Germany) (theatrical)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (1982) (United Kingdom) (theatrical)
- Nova Film (1983) (Netherlands) (theatrical)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (1983) (Norway) (theatrical)
- United International Pictures (UIP) (1983) (Sweden) (theatrical)
- Universal Films of India (1984) (India) (theatrical)
- American Broadcasting Company (ABC) (1984) (United States) (tv) (broadcast premiere)
- Argentina Video Home (Argentina) (VHS)
- CIC Video (West Germany) (VHS)
- Canal+ (1987) (France) (tv)
- MCA/Universal Home Video (1992) (United States) (VHS)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2001) (Australia) (DVD)
- Universal Home Video (2002) (Brazil) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2002) (Germany) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2002) (United Kingdom) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2002) (Italy) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE) (2003) (United States) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2003) (Netherlands) (DVD) (rental)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2004) (Netherlands) (DVD) (retail)
- SET India (2007) (India) (tv) (Chennai)
- Umbrella Entertainment (2010) (Australia) (DVD)
- Umbrella Entertainment (2016) (Australia) (DVD)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE) (2016) (United States) (Blu-ray)
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (2016) (United Kingdom) (Blu-ray)
- Studio Hamburg Enterprises (2021) (Germany) (Blu-ray)
- CIC Vídeo (Brazil) (VHS)
Special Effects
Other Companies
- Universal Title (titles and opticals)
- Southwest Texas State University Marching Band (marching band)
- Velvet Apple Music (publisher: 'Sneakin' Around', 'I Will Always Love You')
- Duchess Music Corp. (publisher: 'Sneakin' Around')
- MCA Records and Tapes (original soundtrack album available on)
- The People of Texas (the producers gratefully acknowledge)
- Texas Film Commission (the producers gratefully acknowledge)
- Cadence Cloggers of San Antonio (extras casting)
Storyline
| Plot Summary |
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 personality and consumer watchdog, Melvin P. Thorpe, one of the most powerful men in the state, starts an on-air exposé of the illegal activities at the Chicken Ranch, the exposé which includes Ed Earl's role in letting it happen. Ed Earl and Miss Mona's relationship goes through some difficult times on how to deal with this issue, especially with the upcoming annual party night with the players following the Thanksgiving Day football game between the University of Texas and Texas A&M, this party which is arguably the Chicken Ranch's busiest night of the year, and one filled with tradition for the ranch and the participating schools. Will the Chicken Ranch be able to remain open especially in light of a spineless Governor who sways to the direction of polls, and will Ed Earl and Miss Mona's relationship be able to withstand the pressure? Written by Huggo |
| Plot Keywords | |
| Taglines | With Burt and Dolly this much fun just couldn't be legal! See more » |
| Genres | |
| Parents Guide | View content advisory » |
| Certification |
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Additional Details
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Box Office
| Budget | $35,000,000 (estimated) |
| Opening Weekend United States | $11,874,268, 25 Jul 1982 |
Did You Know?
| Trivia | While filming the ending scene, Burt Reynolds got a double hernia from picking up Dolly Parton. He often joked to Dolly that he'd think of her every time he got a pang of pain. See more » |
| Goofs | When Miss Mona and the girls are singing the rules of the house, one of the rules is "no tattoos, because brands belong on cattle", but one of the girls clearly has a tattoo on her shoulder blade. See more » |
| Movie Connections | Featured in The Best Little Special in Texas (1982). See more » |
| Soundtracks | 20 Fans See more » |
| Quotes |
Ed Earl:
They want me to close her down, run her out of town. How can I ask her to leave when all I want her to do is stay? See more » |