The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Review #1130: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.

Cast: 
Burt Reynolds (Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd), Dolly Parton (Mona Stangley), Dom DeLuise (Melvin P. Thorpe), Charles Durning (The Governor), Theresa Merritt (Jewel), Jim Nabors (Deputy Fred), Lois Nettleton (Dulcie Mae), Noah Beery Jr. (Edsel), Robert Mandan (Senator Charles Wingwood), and Barry Corbin (C.J.) Directed by Colin Higgins.

Review: 
Admittedly, some films can have some interesting back-story to them. This film, for example, was adapted from the 1978 musical of the same name by Larry L. King and Peter Masterson, who had developed the musical loosely based on events that occurred in La Grange, Texas in 1973. The two contributed to writing the film alongside director Higgins (who had written films such as Harold and Maude), with this being his third and final directed effort before his death in 1988. Carol Hall, writer of the music and lyrics for the musical, contributed to the music for the film alongside Parton, in her second film role after 9 to 5 (1980). One of the production companies involved with the film is Miller-Milkis-Boyett Productions (named for its three people involved, Thomas L. Miller, Edward K. Milkis, and Robert L. Boyett), with them being responsible for producing shows such as Happy Days and Laverne & Shirley alongside films of their own such as Silver Streak (1976) and Foul Play (1978).

With all of that in mind, the film proves to be a fair if not flawed charmer. It doesn't come off as a surprise that the film fell to cuts (reportedly the original version lasted roughly two-and-a-half-hours), particularly when the film starts and ends with Nabors giving off narration to help with telling parts of the story, and that certainly feels a bit weird for something that lasts 114 minutes. At the heart of trying to provide charm is the duo of Reynolds and Parton, who certainly seem to want to generate excitement, particularly when singing together. For the most part, they do a fine job in providing a chuckle and a smile, but it isn't anything too greatly special that you would see from other musicals. Reynolds pulls off his typical swagger and mischievous charm with the kind of effort you expect from him. Parton comes off as appealing and interesting to watch that I don't find too surprising - making the character come alive with a good sense of humor. Their duet song "Sneakin Around" is a decent one to listen to with a foot-tap or two. DeLuise essentially plays a caricature of any sort of "decency police" huckster with the kind of zip and edge (alongside a wardrobe suited for spectacle) that certainly plays fine against the coziness of Reynolds and Parton. Durning stands out in part due to his song "The Sidestep" that certainly clicks as an ear-worm while also being pretty amusing, particularly for the character played. Nabors (who sings the first song of the movie with "20 Fans") is quirky but a welcome presence for a film trying to balance humor with music. The other members of the cast are okay, but the real focus is the main trio, with occasional parts of raunchiness. The movie moves itself at a gradual pace with trying to go through its material with flashes of singing and humor that comes off okay. Its story does sometimes stumble when it comes to its romance, and the cuts made to the film perhaps play a big part in making it have a bit less meat to it than the aspects with songs. One of the more amusing sequences involves Reynolds confronting DeLuise in the town public square, complete with gruff language and a fountain. While I can say that I knew pretty quickly that it was not going to be a great kind of movie, I found myself enjoying it enough to make the experience worth it.

On a sadder note, I would like to say my respects to Burt Reynolds, who died on September 6. In the eight films I have viewed that have featured Reynolds, there is not one performance that isn't in some way memorable or entertaining. His performance in Deliverance is especially one that stands out amongst other fun times delivered in movies such as The Longest Yard and Smokey and the Bandit. I'll end this with a quote from the man himself - "All you really have in the end are your stories.”

Overall, I give it 7 out of 10 stars.