High-spirited souls in hardest warehouse

Press, 31 January 1983, Page 13

High-spirited souls in hardest warehouse

THE BEST LITTLE WHOREHOUSE IN TEXAS Directed by Colin Higgins Screenplay by Larry L. King. Peter Masterson and Colin Higgins It was with some trepidation that I approached a serious review of “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" (Cinerama) — starring Burt Reynolds and Dolly-Parton. My greatest fear was that it would turn into the hardest warehouse in Texas, with the major stars doing their usual thing. This they do. so that when the man “hurts." the lady says "parton." Just the idea of putting Reynolds and Parton together in a film can be considered as inspired casting — or a casastrophe. In this cat house, however, it works. Burt Reynolds is there with his cheesy, macho smile and gait; Dolly Parton comes across with her country and western numbers, plus the continuing fascination and anxiety about whether she is too top heavy and may bounce forwards.

With these two actors it is not quality that counts as much as character, which both display in quantity. Forget about those sparkling teeth, just count the biceps and mammary glands which should be enough entertainment for anyone, without the stars having to burst into song. Seriously though, Reynolds has developed as an actor who knows what he is doing, to the extent that he can even send up his own image.

He has become a competent film director (“Sharky’s Machine") .and usually manages to get better roles for himself in every film that he makes.

If you saw Mel Brooks' "Silent Movie." you will remember Reynolds smiling at himself in the mirror. He does that again this time, while Jim (Gomer Pyle) Nabors narrates that “everybody loves the sheriff — especially himself." One also gets that feeling of a personal admiration society about Dolly Parton, with her silicone version of Mae West.

Dolly has managed to insert several of her own songs in this film, and they certainly do not harm it. In fact, with Christchurch being so close to the country and western centre of New Zealand, these songs should keep this “Whorehouse” running for a long time. The film is based on- a Broadway musical which also did very well. That was based on the attempts by a moral crusader to close

down a brothel known as the Chicken Ranch, in a small Texas town He succeeded, but no-one was very happy about it.

Dorn DeLuise plays the singing TV reporter who sets out to clean up everything except his own act. DeLuise certainly is not one of unfavourite comedians but. this time, he plays the part so well that I quite enjoyed loathing him.

One man who does deserve a mention is Charles Durning. This rotund character actor is stepping out in greater style in every movie he makes. You may remember him as the seemingly sinister detective in “When a Stranger Calls." or the Irish mafia man in "True Confessions." In that last film, he danced a splendid Irish jig. and this time, as the Grovernor of Texas, he does a lively strut through the state Capitol in Austin.

I was surprised at the number of young teenagers at last Fridays matinee. Somehow, I do not consider this as a young people's film. No doubt, they were attracted by the names of Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton. Chances are that the youngsters did not get half of the ruder jokes, and if they did. they must have been old enough to understand them.

"The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas" is vulgar but, to me. less offensive than “Porky’s." Its high spirits and wide-open Southern Soul almost justify the making of the film.