How a 1982 musical comedy became a box-office hit despite a chaotic production
In short: The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was a commercial triumph, setting records for a musical opening weekend. Yet, behind the scenes, the production was a nightmare for its stars, marked by fired directors, emotional turmoil, and widespread censorship of its title in television advertisements across the United States.
Released by Universal Pictures in 1982, the film adaptation of the stage musical starred Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. While the Broadway play featured a one-night stand between the leads, the film restructured their relationship into an ongoing affair. The production was fraught with instability; original directors Peter Masterson and Tommy Tune were replaced by Colin Higgins, and Parton later described the experience as a spirit-numbing ordeal, noting that cast and crew were being fired frequently enough to inspire a Hollywood bumper sticker.
The film faced significant marketing hurdles due to its title. In 1982, the word 'whorehouse' was considered obscene in many regions, leading to creative censorship. Some television stations replaced the word with clicks or bleeps, while print advertisements in certain areas rebranded the film as The Best Little Cathouse in Texas. Despite these challenges and mixed critical reception, the film grossed nearly $70 million domestically and became the 10th highest-grossing film of 1982.
The musical score saw major changes from the stage version, with eight songs cut and new compositions added, including a re-recorded version of Parton's 'I Will Always Love You.' The film was notable for being the first feature to shoot inside the Texas State Capitol. Although critics like Roger Ebert found the final product dull, the film's financial performance was undeniable, dethroning E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial at the box office with an opening weekend of over $11.8 million.
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