La cage aux poules

Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds star in this outrageous tale of a house of ill repute in Texas, which is supposedly based on a true story. The story goes that this bedlam has been in existence with no problems (or complaints) for years, I mean YEARS, decades, generations, until Dom DeLuise, a TV host/reporter (with a bad hair day everyday) hears about it and decides that this an immoral wart on the face of Texas and it needs to be closed down to bring some semblance of integrity back to the people of Texas. But people in high places not only have let this go on, but have been patrons in more ways than one. And, Burt is the sheriff who has to deal with all the hoopla Dom creates. What will become of "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas?" This was the basis of a stage play, and then the idea was turned into this movie musical. Some people, not having seen it and given the subject matter, may be turned off by its supposed perverseness. Others may be turned on by the novelty of it. Most guys wanting to see it as a possible skin flick may be turned off by the musical side of it. But enough supposing. Granted, this may not be the kind of movie you'd admit to watching, but this is a highly entertaining film, if not altogether a very laugh-out-loud funny movie. But in fact its outlandish and unashamed humor is what sustains the movie and keep the viewers' interest, knowing anything can happen and probably will. The back story of why I saw this was the passing of Charles Durning. I heard at that time that he was nominated for his brief appearance in this, so I bought a cheap copy of this to see him. I was way past the halfway point in the movie and thinking that this wasn't that funny, when, lo and behold there's Mr. Durning. He was absolutely hilarious, as a governor who loves to side step the press on the issues. He was so good, that once he's gone, you keep hoping you'll see him again. But alas. But, I'm so glad I own this now. This may be a far-from-perfect film, with flaws and loopholes abound, but if you jump in and let its muck engulf you, you'll really get into the spirit into which it was made, and you will feel really good after seeing this, with very enjoyable songs, skin for both sexes to see and it even has serious meaningful moments too. Surprise! Surprise! Costarring Jim Nabors as the narrator of the story and Burt's deputy, this is one film you'd have to see to believe. And then, you'll wallow in it over and and over again.

I decided to watch this after learning of Burt Reynolds' death. I can't believe it took me this long to finally watch the film! It was an utter delight watching this! I enjoyed every moment. I loved the music and the stunning costumes, and the film was really funny. It was good innocent fun with a hint of eroticism. The chemistry between Dolly and Burt was fantastic. 'The Best little whorehouse in Texas' made me smile from beginning to end!

Finally watched "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" and I must say fun musical with a story that's funny and the acting was true to heart with a theme that's real. And that is who really cares that the world's oldest profession exist hey legalize it! Based on a play set in Texas a house of prostitution known as the Chicken Ranch is on the verge of being shut down by a gossip type TV traveling hype salesman named Melvin Thorpe(Dom DeLuise)as it's his first goal to expose it's scandal. Yet the house's leading lady Miss Mona(Dolly Parton)joins forces with the local sheriff Earl Dodd(Burt Reynolds)to stop it's closing yet along the way the two join in a romance hopefully this all works out to save the girls and their jobs as they need to shine in their sexy colored bras and attractive underwear! Overall it's a fun journey with some great tunes the Parton and Reynolds chemistry is unmatched and the wonderful Jim Nabors is a treat as the narrator and future sheriff. Overall good little fun comedy!

How could anyone not love this movie? Being a big fan of musicals myself, I love this movie for the fun, campy performances, larger then life, sassy, characters,smalltown southern charm, the surprisingly sweet romance between Reynolds and Parton(I'm a big fan of both) and the homage to the south in general-YEEHAW!!! This is a perfect movie to watch directly after you've watched a heavy movie and want to "come down". It's bright, fun and filled with wicked gaiety. Anyone who's a fan of musicals should see this, I've seen many a stage show as well, my one big regret is I never saw the play version of this.

I don't see how anyone could fault Burt Reynolds performance in this, in my opinion the casting choices-all of them-were as close to perfect as there is. Although I do not live in Texas, I have visited and hold a deep admiration for Texas and all it has to offer. I love movies about one of my favorite states in the country, as well as musicals, so this was a double plus. And everyone played their roles with such charm, Dolly was so lovable, Reynolds, the tough sheriff yet so decent at heart and Charles Durning as mentioned by nearly EVERYBODY was amazing.

This ranks up there as one of my all time top musicals, it's got so much gaiety and is so infectiously warm, inviting and a celebration of fun! A must see. 8 of 10.

Surprisingly good musical about the infamous "Chicken Ranch". The women are pretty, the songs are good, the dancing is OK. I wasn't expecting much, but I found the movie enjoyable, even fun to watch. Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton both give good performances. Great songs by Parton. She sings "I Will Always Love You" even better than Whitney. Another good song: "Sneaking Around with You" by both Parton and Reynolds. He sings!

Get over the title and rent this one. I actually got the movie from my local public library. The movie does make some kind of statement on the issue of prostitution, but also on the power of the media. But don't expect lengthy analysis!

Seen at home, in Toronto, on April 20th, 2005. I first saw this movie in the early eighties.

79/100 (***)