The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas

Released Jul 23, 1982

1h 54m

Musical

Comedy

List

48%

Tomatometer

27 Reviews

68%

Audience Score

10,000+ Ratings

Miss Mona (Dolly Parton) runs the Chicken Ranch, a brothel with a long history in a small Texas town. The locals have a good relationship with the institution, and Mona is respected in the community. The sheriff, Ed Earl Dodd (Burt Reynolds), also looks out for the Chicken Ranch due to his past with Miss Mona. However, when pious reporter Melvin Thorpe (Dom DeLuise) exposes the brothel, outside interests want it shut down, putting the governor (Charles Durning) in a tough spot.

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Critics Consensus

It has its moments -- and a couple of appealing stars -- but this misguided movie musical largely lacks the crowd-pleasing appeal of the stage version.

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Jack Mathews

Detroit Free Press

"The Best Little Whorehouse" is, in spots at least, a romping musical good time.

Rated: 6/10

Dec 31, 2023

Full Review

Gene Siskel

Chicago Tribune

Mild entertainment but somewhat disappointing.

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 31, 2023

Full Review

Michael Blowen

Boston Globe

The producers have transformed a gentle, well-meaning, satirical Broadway musical into a parody of itself.

Dec 31, 2023

Full Review

Jessica Baxter

jessicabaxter.com

There are, of course, some Hot Probs, but Dolly ain't one. Our National Treasure holds the floor, and even sneaks in her own song to round out the catchy soundtrack.

Jun 7, 2024

Full Review

Malcolm Johnson

Hartford Courant

About as sexy and funny as a bad translation of the Marquis de Sade.

Dec 31, 2023

Full Review

Patrick Taggart

Austin American-Statesman

Beyond the superficial prettiness, director Colin Higgins has to be congratulated for his effectiveness at handling that trickiest of problems in film musicals -- the moment at which a character bursts into song.

Dec 31, 2023

Full Review

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Joe R

Surprisingly good! Fun critique of the moral majority, with lots of campy bits that fit within the arc of the movie

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/27/23

Full Review

Chris M

Loosely based on a real event that happened in 1973 that became a hit stage show. What they changed other than names I don't know, other than spontaneous singing. The only real flaw is the football team's dance was too long. Other than that, it's a near perfect classic.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/04/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A delightful and catchy musical

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/05/23

Full Review

Joseph M

Absolutely ridiculous in the very best way.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/14/23

Full Review

Liam D

Apart from a scene stealing Oscar nominated turn by Charles Durning (Spy Hard, Breakheart Pass) this isn't much to back for but it's not as bad as it's infamous reputation

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/10/22

Full Review

Audience Member

This should have been much better. Except for Dolly, this film was very poorly cast with awful singers, over the top acting, poorly constructed musical numbers and bad choreography.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

Full Review

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Colin Higgins

Director

Burt Reynolds

Sheriff

Dolly Parton

Mona Stangley

Dom DeLuise

Melvin

Charles Durning

Governor

Jim Nabors

Deputy Fred

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The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas: Official Clip - Watchdog Report