Ed Earl Dodd is a character featured in the 1982 American musical comedy film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, based on the 1978 Broadway musical of the same name. He is portrayed by Burt Reynolds in the film.
Background[]
Earl Ed Dodd is the sheriff of Lanville County, Texas, who has been in a 12-year relationship with Miss Mona Stangley, the owner of the Chicken Ranch, a brothel outside the town of Gilbert. He does not interfere with her business, which has been a fixture of the town since 1910, regardless of legality. He is a loyal and protective lover, who often defends Miss Mona from the criticism and harassment of the townspeople. He is also a good friend to Deputy Fred Wilkins, who works with him at the sheriff's office.
Earl Ed Dodd's life is turned upside down when Melvin P. Thorpe, a consumer advocate and television personality, decides to expose the Chicken Ranch on his show, The Watchdog Report. Thorpe accuses Dodd of taking bribes and payoffs to protect Miss Mona's business and launches a crusade to shut down the brothel. Dodd tries to reason with Thorpe and the governor of Texas, but his efforts are in vain. He also clashes with Miss Mona over how to handle the situation, as she refuses to close down the Chicken Ranch temporarily or permanently. Their relationship becomes strained, and they eventually break up.
Personality[]
Earl Ed Dodd is a complex and conflicted character, who struggles to balance his personal and professional life. He is torn between his love for Miss Mona and his duty as a lawman. He is also frustrated by the hypocrisy and corruption of the political system, which allows Thorpe to manipulate public opinion and pressure the governor to act against the Chicken Ranch. He is ultimately forced to accept the closure of the brothel and the end of his relationship with Miss Mona, but he remains hopeful that they will reunite someday.
Trivia[]
- Ed Earl is the sheriff of Lanville County, Texas, who has a secret 12-year relationship with Miss Mona Stangley, the owner of the Chicken Ranch, a brothel outside the town of Gilbert.
- He is played by Burt Reynolds, who was one of the most popular actors of the 1970s and 1980s. He was known for his roles in films such as Smokey and the Bandit, Deliverance, The Longest Yard, and Boogie Nights.
- His character is based on a composite of several sheriffs who protected the Chicken Ranch over the years. The Chicken Ranch was a real brothel that operated in La Grange, Texas, from 1905 to 1973. It was shut down by Governor Dolph Briscoe after an investigation by reporter Marvin Zindler.
- Ed Earl is a man who loves Miss Mona but has trouble expressing his feelings and committing to her. He is also loyal to his friends and his town, but faces pressure from the media and the politicians to close down the Chicken Ranch. He is described as “an overgrown kid playin' at being a man” by Miss Mona.
- The sheriff sings two songs in the film: "Sneakin' Around" with Miss Mona and a solo number called "Where Stallions Run" which was cut from some film versions. Both songs were written by Dolly Parton, who plays Miss Mona in the film. Parton also wrote the hit "I Will Always Love You", which was featured in the film.
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