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This is an energetic, but ultimately mediocre adaptation of the play, directed on Broadway by Tommy Tune. Burt Reynolds is the town sheriff and a regular patron of a local bordello. He wages a public battle to keep it open after it is targeted as the devil's den by a television minister. Charles Durning was nominated for a Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, and there are some lively song and dance numbers featuring Dolly Parton as the madame of the Chicken Ranch. However, this becomes bogged down in too many serious moments for it to be more than a lightweight musical comedy. --Rochelle O'Gorman ... Read more

Reviews (37)

Ain't nothin' dirty goin' on.
The Best Little Whorehouse had a very bumpy transfer from stage to screen. The show itself was a Broadway success but the show failed miserably in overseas ventures. The main money behind the stage show was Universal Studios so it was only natural that they would bring it to the screen. They attached Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton to the cast, which seemed like a real score but, they also did an awful lot of reworking, enough to make the story lose its cohesion and heart. Most of the songs were cut and Ms Parton and Patrick Williams composed 2 new songs. The film was not well received, with only Charles Durning receiving positive notices.

Much of the fault lies in the new story ideas. Gone were subplots involving the girls at the Chicken ranch, which showed such promise on stage. That was arguably the heart of the show. Even Ed Earl and Miss Mona's personalities were softened as the story suddenly revolved solely around their relationship. They also went overboard to show Reynolds and Parton in a good light.

Many other shows have suffered a similar fate but have faired better by offering up new or expanded dance routines and musical numbers. But, we have no such luck here. The musical numbers are few and far between. A solo song with Burt Reynolds singing was cut making it even that much shorter. So, the film is not one of the best transfers but, like in most cases, it's all we got. Enjoy it the best you can. Ain't nothin' dirty goin' on.

The Best Little DVD One Could Wish For!
I have been waiting for The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas to be released on DVD for a few years now and finally it has arrived! It sure was worth the wait! The picture transfer is fantastic. Great clear images and a remastered soundtrack. The widescreen opens the picture up and gives audiences glimpses of things that were never able to be seen on the video. But the most exciting part of the DVD are the great bonus features: a short behind the scenes documentry (featuring interviews with Parton, Reynolds, Higgins and even Edna Milton, whom the character of Mona is based upon), outakes (hilarious bloopers from the set), and the original theatrical trailer (using an original song sung by Dolly about the premise of the movie). I only wish that Burt Reynolds deleted musical number had been included but I guess we can't have everything! I consider this DVD a MUST HAVE for any of the following people: Theater lovers, Dolly fans, Texans, Whores.... EVERYONE! Do yourself a favor and buy, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas... Its a howling good time!

A Delight!!!
I was in college when this movie came out and I missed it back then. I didn't think it was going to be any good.

I ended up buying it, as I'm collecting every movie that's ever been nominated or has won an Oscar, that's available on DVD. I was reluctant to purchase this one, but the price was excellent, and grabbed it.

What made this movie such a treat is the quality of the photography by William Fraker, the musical numbers, especially "Hard Candy Christmas" (fabulous!)and "I'll Always Love You" (which I cannot understand why it wasn't nominated for an Oscar as best song, since Dolly Parton wrote it, to my knowledge, for this film and it is great!); the dancing, superb; the whole tongue-in-cheek approach (albeit for adults--this is not a movie for kids) works; and they way they got away with all the whole thing, is astonishing. Granted, it's based on a very popular Broadway musical, but they seldom translate well to the screen...and with Burt and Dolly in the leading roles? Well, they're fabulous! Dolly is simply magical, and everything about her is perfect for her role as the madam Miss Mona.

Charles Durning as the governor of Texas does a brief but smashing job--it's a brilliant sequence, and now I understand why he was nominated as best supporting actor for this movie.

Overall, if you want to have a good time, light fun, listen to some good tunes, and ultimately feel strangely satisfied and happy, I recommend this film. It's actually excellent and hasn't aged a bit in 20 years...it's more fresh today than probably back when I was in college and thought it was "trash".

Now I think it's a pleasure. Not for kids, however. But adults who aren't as snobbish as some college students can be at times, will get a kick out of this surprising delight!

i love this movie
the DVD is Fantastic - it's crisp and the songs sound great - this is one of those movies that you have to see, and once you do, you'll be hooked... I think this movie is so wonderful because the actors obviously are enjoying themselves...Plus, anyone think Charles Durning looks a little like Dubbya? hee hee hee - even the song fits!

Makes an excellent social commentary
This movie is incredibly entertaining from beginning to end and goes through a wide range of emotions and human trials and tribulations - humor & sadness, triumph and failure, loyalty and hypocrisy, etc.

I think that most people watching this movie miss, what is to me, the most important point of the entire movie.

You have a small town with a whorehouse that has been in existence for over 100 years. The people in the town have no problem whatsoever with the whorehouse. In fact, many of residents talk about why they support it.

It's the people elsewhere that have a problem with the whorehouse. It's something that they don't condone and they want to force their beliefs on the people in the town, disregarding completely how the people in the town itself feel.

It's a problem that exists in America and is one that I personally think is brought to light in this cleverly written musical. People are busy worrying about what their neighbors are doing rather than focusing on their own lives. Most of it comes from religious wackos like the one portrayed by Dom Deluise.

The serious commentary is cleverly hidden within the dancing, singing and action, but it's still there. Taking this into consideration adds a new dimension to the film and the viewing experience. ... Read more

Description

Burt Reynolds is a champion stock-car driver who races and romances in high-speed good-ol-boy style. Year: 1983 Director: Hal Needham Starring:Burt Reynolds, Loni Anderson, Jim Nabors, Parker Stevenson ... Read more

Reviews (9)

burt rules!!
as judged00m said, he only was 16 when he watched Smokey and the Bandit which was only about three years ago. I watched it when I was 12 which was 4 years ago. I watched it again when I was 15 and fell in love with the movie and car. Stroker Ace isn't the best but it's still got its funny moments in it. I'm only 16 but I love Burt and his movies. You have to be the type of person though that's into Burt and slapstick mostly. I have 15 movies of his on dvd and am continuing to get more. He's a great guy and actor and everyone loved him. You should give this movie a chance.

Burt Lovers Unite
Burt Reynolds movies are not for everyone. Everyone has there likes a dislikes and are entitled to their own opinion. It takes a certain breed of person to watch Burt Reynolds. Burt Reynolds is beyond my time, first time i saw smokey and the bandit i was 16 and that was like 3 years ago. For those who love to drive, love to watch people drive, like to watch good tasteful humor. Then Burt is for you. If you are new to Burt, check out Smokey and Bandit, Check out Hooper, Checkout Stroker Ace. These are some of the best Burt films ever made, and you will see movie sites giving the movies bad rating and what not, but thats not why you see the movie. You watch the movie for yourself, for its content, not technicality. Hell, elvis had bad rating on the 30 some odd movies he made and people still watched them, because they were cool.

Burts the best, and if you havent seen them, see them. I also recommend "The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas", starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton. Another excellent, excellent Burt Flick.

Burt Reynolds drives his fast car again. All-Star Cast.
Another Burt Reynolds car-racing movie. Definately for the Smokey And The Bandit (1977), Hooper (1978) and Cannonball Run (1981) crowd. Another all-star cast: Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, Jim Nabors, Parker Stevenson, Loni Anderson, John Byner, Cassandra Peterson (Elvira, Mistress of the Dark), and many others. There is nothing wrong with your television set. The first four minutes of the movie was filmed off-tint. Out-takes during end credits. Shown in Full-Screen. No extras. No bonuses.

Intimidator
This movie includes a cameo appearance by Dale Earnhardt.Isn't that enough to recommend it?

Stroker Ace
This movie is a great example of an American Classic. They just don't make movies like this any more. Burt Reynolds and the entire cast kept me laughing throughout the entire story. Nascar is America's fastest growing sport and I recommend this for any of it's newest fans. The cameo appearances by several of that day's top drivers put the finishing touches on a great project by Burt Reynolds and Hal Needham. Incidentally, this duo were partners in a Nascar team with Harry Gant as the driver along the time this movie was produced. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Just more Krofft Craziness at its best
I remember seeing Lost Saucer on one of the Saturday morning preview shows that used to come on the Friday night at the start of the new season. For some reason, seeing the previews for this show really captivated my 9 year old mind. Like all of the Krofft shows, they are somewhat (cheezy, zany, campy), but as Krofft fans we love them. Ruth Buzzi and Jim Neighbors play androids Fi and Fum who pick up a kid and his baby sitter and take off in their flying saucer, and cant find their way back to earth to take them home. Like I said, more Krofft craziness, but you gotta love it. 5 stars for being Krofft, and also for the nostalgic rush. I just wish Krofft was still on tv today on Saturday mornings....

Good Saturday Morning Laughs!
Just a good old fashioned Sid and Marty Kroft Saturday morning TV show. I can remember watching this show as a kid and loving every minute of it.

For those of us who grew up in the seventies here's another classic Saturday morning show that you can't do without. Where does the time go...Fun entertainment that doesn't take itself too seriously, just some good old goofy fun. Buy this and have a good laugh!

If you like this get the Far Out Space Nuts and Land of The Lost.

A wild and crazy nostalgic trip down memory lane!
If you grew up in the 70s and you had a TV, you watched the Krofft Superstars after school. "Lost Saucer" was one of my favorites. This video brought back a lot of memories for me. Rhino Records did a good job of keeping the quality of the original broadcast in the video, including all credits. Even the FBI warning at the beginning of the tape is hilarious.

Ruth Buzzi as Fi and Jim Neighbors as Fum are quite a duo. This is definitely not sophisticated humor, but perfect for young kids. I'd much rather have my children watching this than the typical mind-garbage fare on Saturday mornings. The dialogue is safe... you don't have to worry about these episodes teaching anything subversive to your kids. The shows emphasized the importantance of teamwork, friendship and loyalty.

The 5 stars are for nostalgia more than anything. I doubt that any adult who didn't see these shows as a child would have the same warm fuzzy feeling while viewing it... and they might not like it at all. For 70s nostalgia parties, though, this would be a great ice breaker. Canned laughter, cheesy slapstick and hilarious special effects.

Even if you only vaguely remember there being such a show, this video will really bring back memories and it's definitely worth the price. ... Read more