The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is a 1982 American musical comedy film directed by Colin Higgins, based on the 1978 stage musical, and starring Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds. The story follows Miss Mona (Parton), the kind-hearted proprietress of the "Chicken Ranch" brothel, and Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd (Reynolds), her secret lover, as they fight to keep the establishment open against a self-righteous television crusader (Dom DeLuise). Released by Universal Pictures on July 23, 1982, the film earned mixed reviews but was a commercial success, setting a record for the biggest opening weekend for a musical at the time. The film received two Golden Globe nominations, including Best Actress for Parton, while Charles Durning earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of the poll-obsessed Texas governor. It also stands out as the final theatrical film directed by Higgins before his death in 1988.