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On This Day in 1982, Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds Starred in a Controversial Musical Adaptation the Country Icon Later Regretted
In 1982, Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds starred in *The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas*, a film adaptation of the successful Broadway musical. Although the film performed strongly, its provocative title and subject matter made distribution difficult in some American markets, while Parton later described the making of it as a deeply unpleasant experience.
The story centres on a long-running Texas brothel threatened by a television evangelist, with Parton playing its madam and Reynolds portraying her love interest. Production was marked by widespread dismissals of people connected to the original stage show, and Parton felt guilty over the replacement of music supervisor Richard Baskin by her bandleader. She was also dealing with health problems, while Reynolds faced career pressures, and said the experience contrasted sharply with her happier work on *Nine to Five*.
In short
- Parton regretted making the commercially successful 1982 musical film.
- The film faced controversy over its title and subject matter.
- Production was disrupted by firings and personal pressures.
Explained simply
"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" was a successful Broadway musical that was adapted into a 1982 film starring country music icon Dolly Parton and actor Burt Reynolds. The story follows an established Texas brothel threatened with closure by a television evangelist who opposes its operation.
Parton played the madam of the establishment, while Reynolds portrayed a man with a romantic connection to her character. The film adaptation involved significant departures from the original Broadway production, including the replacement of several crew members who had worked on the stage version.
The film generated controversy due to its provocative subject matter, creating distribution challenges in some American markets. Parton later expressed regret about making the film, citing health difficulties during production and an unpleasant experience on set that contrasted with her more positive time working on "Nine to Five".
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