Long before Julia Roberts played a hooker with a heart of gold, there was another movie that glamorized the prostitution industry. The Best Little Wh*rehouse In Texas was released in 1982 shortly after the highly successful comedy 9 to 5 for star Dolly Parton. Burt Reynolds was still considered a box office draw as well. (he would soon slip into the abyss until his revival in Boogie Nights). Funny, entertaining, scandalous and even touching at times the movie is about the rise and fall of a famous wh*rehouse. It’s best described as a musical -comedy and actually succeeds in both areas. Funny song and dance numbers plus some pretty hilarious scenes give this movie a bit of timelessness despite the fact its firmly rooted in the decade of the eighties.

The story is told from the point of view of Deputy Fred played amusingly by Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle of The Andy Griffith Show) who reflects on the history of The Chicken Ranch. After a recap of the last few centuries of debauchery we are brought to present day. Sherriff Earl Dodd is “the law in these parts” and he’s a bit of a cad but a likable one. Earl has his in town respectable relationship with the local single mom and plays the father role to her kid. Yet, as we soon find out he’s having a fling with the madam of The Chicken Ranch Mona Stangley. I guess he didn’t want to put all his eggs in one basket so to speak. All is well until a TV evangelist type gets wind of the long running institution in the little Texas town and decides to get it shut down. Of course, Sherriff Dodd gets his feathers ruffled and the hilarity ensues.

The acting in this film is right on for the type of movie this is. Dolly Parton is perfection with her vivacious persona, shapely figure and ability to sing and sing well. I don’t think there is any other actress who could have played this role like she did. When she comes down the stairs on the opening act with her twangy vibrato declaring “It’s just a little bitty p*ssant country place…” you just can’t imagine anybody else. I think Burt Reynolds was a good choice as well. Burt Reynolds can’t really hold a tune unless it’s a radio in his lap but his charisma more than makes up for it. Well, he actually has about six notes that he can stay on tune and “Sneaking Around” makes the most of them. Dom Deluise plays the TV watchdog Melvin P. Thorpe and he plays the prissy, spiteful sensationalist with fervor and humor. One of the best moments though comes from Charles Durning. Playing the governor of Texas, he has a whole number about the political maneuvering he must do so that he doesn’t really ever say anything. “Sidestep” is a hilarious little dance number as Durning crinkles up his squatty face and sings “ooh I like to dance a little side step, now they see me now they don’t I’ve come and gone!”

The music in the movie is catchy and I can remember a lot of the words to these songs even if I haven’t seen the movie in awhile. Almost everyone has heard Whitney Houston’s remake of “I Will Always Love You” which is fantastic, bombastic and on quite a grand scale for her movie The Bodyguard. In this movie it’s a much simpler song and fit’s the moment beautifully. “Hard Candy Christmas” is a good little melancholy song towards the end of the movie with all the Chicken Ranch girls singing. Dom Deluise shine as well on “Texas Has A Wh*rehouse In It” which is funny with its righteous indignation and over the top showiness. Just like his bright blue suit, horrendous wig and socks stuffed in his boxers, its all over the top gaudiness and perfect to show what kind of person Melvin P. Thorpe really is.

*Note to Epinions: If you don't want us to use the word wh*rehouse why did you leave it in the title?*

Overall, this movie is a fun guilty pleasure with great musical numbers, a little naughtiness and a whole lot of absurdity . Everyone plays their part with gusto and the energy put into this film definitely translates to the audience. It’s a nice little movie to watch on the weekend or when it comes on TV. It’s even worth a rental.


Recommended:
Yes

Video Occasion: Better than Watching TV
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older