The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Sheriff and madam fall in love, TV reporter ruins everything, governor sidesteps responsibility, and everyone learns a lesson about tolerance (maybe).

🍿 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Chicken Ranch’s History and Traditions

The film opens introducing the Chicken Ranch, a brothel operating since 1910 in Lanville County, Texas. Under Miss Mona Stangley’s management, following the death of its original owner Miss Wulla Jean, it’s known for its cleanliness, strict moral code, and the provision of ‘wholesome fun’. The Chicken Ranch enjoys the unofficial support of local authorities, including Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, who sees it as a community service and shares a romantic relationship with Miss Mona.

Melvin P. Thorpe’s Crusade

The peace is threatened by Melvin P. Thorpe, a television personality and self-proclaimed consumer watchdog. Thorpe launches an on-air exposé of the Chicken Ranch, accusing Sheriff Dodd of corruption and highlighting the brothel’s illegal activities. This puts immense pressure on Miss Mona and Ed Earl, forcing them to confront the potential closure of the establishment.

The Thanksgiving Tradition and Political Pressure

Adding to the turmoil is the upcoming annual party for the winning team of the University of Texas and Texas A&M football game, a Chicken Ranch tradition. The Governor of Texas becomes involved, swayed by public opinion polls influenced by Thorpe’s reports. Miss Mona and Ed Earl face difficult decisions as they navigate their relationship and the future of the Chicken Ranch amidst growing public scrutiny and political maneuvering.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Burt Reynolds): The hot-tempered sheriff of Lanville County who protects the Chicken Ranch and has a long-standing relationship with Miss Mona.
• Mona Stangley (Dolly Parton): The kind-hearted madam of the Chicken Ranch who upholds traditions of cleanliness and contributes to the community.
• Melvin P. Thorpe (Dom DeLuise): A consumer watchdog and television personality who seeks to expose and shut down the Chicken Ranch.
• Governor (Charles Durning): The spineless Governor of Texas who prioritizes public opinion polls over principled decision-making.
• Deputy Fred (Jim Nabors): The naive deputy who narrates the movie and provides a folksy perspective on the events surrounding the Chicken Ranch.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Miss Mona: “There’s lots of good will and maybe one small thrill, but there’s nothing dirty going on.” – Miss Mona explains the wholesome atmosphere of the Chicken Ranch.
• Ed Earl Dodd: “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?” – Ed Earl expresses his dilemma of protecting Miss Mona and upholding the law.
• Governor: “I always sidestep whenever possible.” – The Governor justifies his political strategy of avoiding direct answers.
• Miss Mona: “Well, I always just thought if you see somebody without a smile, give ’em yours!” – Miss Mona explains her philosophy of positivity and generosity

💰Box Office

• Budget: $35,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $69,701,637
• Worldwide Gross: $69,701,637

💥 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Reviews

Personal Review

I first watched this movie because my mom loved Dolly Parton. I remember being a little embarrassed by the subject matter, but I couldn’t help but be drawn in by the music. Dolly is amazing as Miss Mona, she just owns the screen. And that ‘Sidestep’ number from Charles Durning? Comedy gold. It’s a fun, feel-good movie, even if it’s a little cheesy.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds”
  • “Viewers interested in musical comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate stories set in the American South”
  • “People who enjoy campy and over-the-top performances”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suggestive themes and implied sexual content”
  • “Brief nudity”
  • “Language”
  • “Depiction of a brothel”
  • “Use of stereotypes”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A boisterous, bawdy musical that occasionally hits the right notes but ultimately feels like a watered-down version of its stage counterpart. Parton shines, but the film struggles to find its footing.
• The New York Times: “While Parton and Reynolds have chemistry, the movie lacks the sharp satire and emotional depth to elevate it beyond a fun, albeit slightly superficial, musical romp. Durning’s side-stepping number is the clear standout.
• Roger Ebert: “It’s entertaining enough as a splashy, campy spectacle, but ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ never quite decides if it wants to be a serious drama or a lighthearted romp, and that indecision weakens the final product.

Audience Reactions

Viewers love Dolly Parton’s performance and her chemistry with Burt Reynolds.: Most agree that Charles Durning’s ‘Sidestep’ is the highlight of the movie.

Many find the film to be a fun, lighthearted musical despite the controversial subject matter.: Fans appreciate the catchy songs and the overall campy feel of the movie.

Overall Consensus: A fun, if flawed, musical comedy with standout performances from Dolly Parton and Charles Durning. Its campy nature and catchy songs make it a guilty pleasure for many.

Awards

1. Golden Globe (New Star of the Year – Female)- 1983

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “During filming of the ending scene, Burt Reynolds suffered a double hernia while lifting Dolly Parton.”
• “The film is based on a true story about the Chicken Ranch, a brothel that operated in Texas from 1905 until 1973.”
• “Dolly Parton re-wrote and included her song ‘I Will Always Love You’ in the movie, which became a hit again after the film’s release.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas?

As of today, “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas” is available for purchase or rental on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current availability and pricing. Unfortunately, it is not currently available on any major streaming subscription services.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, you might like these similar films:

• Nine to Five (1980): Also directed by Colin Higgins and starring Dolly Parton, it features a similar blend of comedy, music, and social commentary.
• Calamity Jane (1953): Another musical set in the Wild West with a strong female lead challenging social norms.
• MASH (1970): Deals with controversial topics with dark humor and satire during the Vietnam war.
• Burlesque (2010): Features musical performances and explores themes of ambition and female empowerment in an entertainment setting.
• Showgirls (1995): A campy cult classic with musical elements that deals with controversial topics and exploitative environments.

🛒 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Related Products

• The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas [Blu-ray]: Experience this classic musical comedy in high definition with this Blu-ray edition. Features improved picture and sound quality.
• Dolly Parton – The Very Best Of: Celebrate Dolly Parton with this collection of her greatest hits. Includes ‘I Will Always Love You’ and other classics featured in the movie and beyond.
• Texas Cowboy Hat: Embrace your inner Texan with this stylish cowboy hat, perfect for any Country Themed party or Halloween costume.
• Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors [DVD]: This is a touching family film that captures Dolly Parton’s early life and provides a touching backstory to her iconic song.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “A Lil’ Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place” – performed by Dolly Parton
• “Sneakin’ Around” – performed by Dolly Parton & Burt Reynolds
• “I Will Always Love You” – performed by Dolly Parton
• “The Sidestep” – performed by Charles Durning
• “Hard Candy Christmas” – performed by Dolly Parton

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Best Little Whorehouse Outtakes

Ever wonder what it’s like on set with Dolly and Burt? Check out these hilarious outtakes and bloopers! You’ll definitely get a good laugh seeing them crack up.

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas 1979 Tony Awards

Want to see where it all began? This performance from the 1979 Tony Awards gives you a glimpse into the original stage production and how much people loved it!

“Where Stallions Run”~ Dolly Parton/Burt Reynolds Duet Cut From”The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”

Did you know Dolly and Burt recorded a duet that didn’t make the film? This is so cool! You have to give it a listen to hear their voices blend on a song that almost was.

Where Stallions Run – Burt Reynolds

Ever wonder what scenes ended up on the cutting room floor? Check out this deleted scene with Burt Reynolds singing a beautiful song that was written by Dolly Parton! It’s a shame it didn’t make the final cut, but it’s still a great performance.

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