Mona Stangley 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. She is portrayed by singer and actress Dolly Parton.
Background[]
Mona Stangley is the owner and madam of the Chicken Ranch, a brothel that has been operating outside of Gilbert, Texas, since 1910. She inherited the business from the original owner, Miss Wulla Jean, who taught her the values of cleanliness, honesty, and charity. Mona is a respected and well-liked member of the community, who regularly donates to local causes and provides a safe and discreet service to her clients. She is also in a secret romantic relationship with Ed Earl Dodd (Burt Reynolds), who protects her from legal troubles.
Mona's life and business are threatened when Melvin P. Thorpe (Dom DeLuise), a self-righteous television personality, exposes the existence of the brothel on his show and accuses Ed Earl of corruption. Thorpe's crusade sparks a public outcry and puts pressure on the governor (Charles Durning) to shut down the Chicken Ranch. Mona tries to defend her reputation and fight for her rights, but she faces opposition from politicians, religious groups, and the media. She also has to deal with the emotional consequences of her relationship with Ed Earl, who struggles to balance his duty and his love for her.
Personality[]
Mona Stangley is a strong, independent, and compassionate woman, who cares deeply for her employees and her customers. She has a sense of humor and a positive outlook on life, despite the challenges she faces. She is also a talented singer and songwriter, who expresses her feelings through music. Some of the songs she performs in the film are "A Lil' Ole Bitty Pissant Country Place", "Sneakin' Around", "I Will Always Love You", and "Hard Candy Christmas".
Trivia[]
- Mona Stangley is the owner and madam of the Chicken Ranch, a brothel that has been operating in Texas since 1910.
- She is played by Dolly Parton, who also wrote and performed two original songs for the film: "I Will Always Love You" and "Sneakin’ Around".
- Miss Mona has a romantic relationship with Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd, played by Burt Reynolds, who tries to protect her and the Chicken Ranch from being exposed by a TV reporter named Melvin P. Thorpe, played by Dom DeLuise.
- She is based on a real-life person named Edna Milton Chadwell, who was the last madam of the Chicken Ranch before it was closed down in 1973 by the Texas Rangers following an investigation by Marvin Zindler, a TV journalist who inspired the character of Melvin P. Thorpe.
- Miss Mona is a kind-hearted and generous woman who donates to charity, helps her girls find new careers, and treats her customers with respect and dignity.
- She is also a witty and sassy woman who has a sharp tongue and a sense of humor. She often exchanges banter and insults with Ed Earl Dodd, Melvin P. Thorpe, and other characters in the film.
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