The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)

56% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
67% of users liked it
(14,947 ratings)

In this filmization of the hit Broadway musical, a popular brothel is threatened with a shutdown by Texas authorities. Burt Reynolds plays the Sheriff, while Dolly Parton portrays the Chicken Ranch madam. While this film has its moments, it never reaches the entertainment heights of its stage… More In this filmization of the hit Broadway musical, a popular brothel is threatened with a shutdown by Texas authorities. Burt Reynolds plays the Sheriff, while Dolly Parton portrays the Chicken Ranch madam. While this film has its moments, it never reaches the entertainment heights of its stage predecessor. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Colin Higgins
Genres: Romance, Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 23, 1982 Wide
On DVD: Jan 7, 2003
Studio: Universal Pictures

Critic Reviews

Chuck O'Leary, FulvueDrive-in.com
A bawdy good time. All but stolen by Charles Durning as the sidestepping governor and Dom DeLuise as the leader of the decency police.
Gerry Shamray, Sun Newspapers of Cleveland
Not really the best.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lady D

Despite being around 7 years old when I first watched this film (and not completely understanding all of it's contents) I watched this film over and over and fell in love with the costumes (how naive? ha ha). Country music isn't particular my thing, but this film is fun… More
Despite being around 7 years old when I first watched this film (and not completely understanding all of it's contents) I watched this film over and over and fell in love with the costumes (how naive? ha ha). Country music isn't particular my thing, but this film is fun and I still remember pretty much every word throughout the film (yes, I was an even worse film addict as a kid). I have to rate this film fairly high, the nostalgia's sake.
Lafe F

A rousing good time at a Texas Whorehouse with silly country-flavored songs which I found catchy. There's plenty of antics going on, but nothing nude is shown. Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton have some fun chemistry. He can't sing too well, but she belts out some good tunes.… More
A rousing good time at a Texas Whorehouse with silly country-flavored songs which I found catchy. There's plenty of antics going on, but nothing nude is shown. Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton have some fun chemistry. He can't sing too well, but she belts out some good tunes. Dom Deloise plays a crazy TV news examiner who tries to expose the Whorehouse and get it closed down. There are some slow bittersweet moments near the end. It's a slice of the 80's.
Lee K

dolly partons rack and wardrobe were the only thing i rmember from this film
Anthony V

Of note only for Charles Durning's portrayal of a Texas Politician.

Cast

            Burt Reynolds as Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd

            Dolly Parton as Mona Stangely

            Dom DeLuise as Melvin P. Thorpe

            Charles Durning as Governor

            Jim Nabors as Deputy Fred

            Robert Mandan as Senator Wingwood

            Lois Nettleton as Dulcie Mae

            Theresa Merritt as Jewel

            Noah Beery Jr. as Edsel

            Raleigh Bond as Mayor

            Barry Corbin as C.J.

            Ken Magee as Mansel

            Mary Jo Catlett as Rita

            Mary Louise Wilson as Modene

            Howard K. Smith as Himself

            Harvey Christiansen as Old Farmer

            John Walter Davis as Melvin's Crew

            Stanley de Santis
            
            Alice Drummond as Governor's Secretary

            David Engel as Aggie

            Ted Gehring as Sheriff Chapman

            Robert Ginnaven as Male Reporter

            Joe Hart as Aggie

            Wayne Heffley as TV Station Manager

            Gregory Itzin as Melvin's Crew

            Mickey Jones as Henry

            Helen Kleeb as Dora

            Lily Mariye as Chicken Ranch Girl

            Suzi McLaughlin as Female Reporter

            Paula Shaw as Wulla Jean

            Tim Stack as Melvin's Crew

            Tim Topper as Aggie

            Arnetia Walker as Dogette

            Kenneth White as Sheriff Jack Roy

            Melanie Winter as Chicken Ranch Girl

            Randy Bennett as Privates Boy

            Stephen Bray as Aggie

            Kevin Ryan as Aggie

            Terri Treas as Chicken Ranch Girl

            Jeff Calhoun as Aggie

            John Edson as Male Reporter

            Bobby Fite as Dulcie Mae's Son

            Lee Ritchey as Governor's Aide

            Terri Robinson as Chicken Ranch Girl

            Larry B. Williams as Melvin's Crew

            Karyn Harrison as Chicken Girl

            Jerry Mitchell as Aggie
See full cast