Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Fantastic!

An absolute waste of money

The movie really just wants to entertain people.

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.

Movie-version of the popular stage success (which derived from a factual article in Playboy magazine) about how a Texas bordello was brought down by a crusading TV newsman (in reality, a journalist fighting organized crime, in the film a hypocritical advocate for decency). With Burt Reynolds cast as the local sheriff and madam Dolly Parton as his unspoken lady-love, this seemed to have the right ingredients for a big, raucous musical hit. Alas, there's not an assured, well-directed sequence in the entire picture. Worse, Reynolds is on auto-pilot throughout, easily allowing supporting character players Dom DeLuise, Charles Durning, and even Jim Nabors to show him up something fierce. What's good about this "Whorehouse" is Dolly Parton who, despite not having the training or experience of a skilled comedic actress, brings to the project her sassy personality (which nearly makes the film worth-watching); her honeyed charms, white wigs and frilly outfits not only accentuate her famous curves, they give her (and the film) a welcoming spirit. The script is curiously heavy with dialogue, and one scene outdoors--wherein Burt and Dolly discuss aliens, the Bible, and Dolly's girlhood dreams--seems to ramble on forever. This wouldn't be so noticeable if the musical sequences brought life back into the piece, but each number is rendered flat by the editing, which doesn't allow the film any visual pizazz. Parton is bouncy all on her own, though none of the working girls have the personality Dolly does (the script doesn't give them a chance to be anything but proud prosties, eager to do their thing). The naughty humor is nudging and winking rather than smirking (which is good), and there are some big laughs: DeLuise doing some fancy footwork while on the air, Durning (as the Governor) dancing the "Sidestep", and Jim Nabors saying "sh*t" and "son of a b*tch". The leads don't really get their share of the jokes, and Parton always seems to be playing ringleader (with too many big entrances coming down the stairs). The sentiment at the ending turns the film into a love story (the stage show was a fired-up satire) and Parton's "I Will Always Love You" comes out of nowhere (she sings it to Reynolds, who doesn't hear a word she says!). The movie is a messy jumble of half-assed attempts at comedy, drama, heartbreak, old-fashioned musical (with garters), but hardly any commentary on the situation. Yes, the bordello was a civic-minded, conscientious, tax-paying establishment which did an awful lot for the community, but if prostitution is illegal than they are also law-breakers. There are no songs about that. ** from ****

OK, so I just watched this movie in its entirety for the first time. I watched bits and pieces of it growing up when I could while Mom was not at home. Because of course, I wasn't allowed to watch it.Seeing bits and pieces of it growing up, I thought it was a great movie. To actually sit and watch the entire movie was awesome. It was a great, light-hearted comedy. I have always loved Dolly Parton, since I was a little girl, and playing Ms. Mona just made me love her that much more. Her voice is one of the most memorable ever. I also love Burt Reynolds, and he played the sheriff to a tee.I know this is not a great comment on my part. I just want everyone to know that I LOVE this movie and I think if you have never seen it and love comedies/musicals, you will adore this movie as much as I did.

Is this supposed to be a musical about straight men? I couldn't see any. Maybe Charles Durning. The 'chorus boys' were every bit the quintessential gay mustache guy look of the 80s and with Dom de Luise being Mr Sissy-prissy yet again in another romp with Burt, well, I just laughed and laughed and laughed. This even features a soapy shower scene in the locker room a-la CAN'T STOP THE MUSIC.... in fact this film looks like that film saddled up to be a hilarious 'whip crack-away' buckskin romp really titled SEVEN DUDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS... ...... WHOREHOUSE has Dolly Parton's breasts wobbling around Burt and his chum Gomer Pyle as they try to solve what to do with this chicken-house full of frilly fillies. Well everyone leaps a lot with precision booties and tight pants while the older generation (Burt Dom Dolly Charles and Gomer) all try to stay out of their leapin grinnin way. I guess it looked great on a drive in screen in 1982 .... but now in 2008 we all know better. Ye Gods!