Get away from me......or I'll cut you!!,

This is my first film by this director. I'm hesitant to guess what ignited my interest in the films of renowned sleaze master and independent film guru Russ Meyer. The film opens with a title card explaining that it is not, in any way, related to the work of Jacqueline Susann, the literary trashmeistress who wrote the novel upon which the 1967 Mark Robson film "Valley of the Dolls" was based.

Meet 'The Kelly Affair' - three rock rockin' song birds led by Kelly on vocals, (Dolly Reed) with Casey on rhythm guitar, (Cynthia Myers) and Pet (Marcia McBroom) on drums. Reduced to playing Senior Proms, the three girls and their Manager/Kelly's lover, Harris, (David Gurlan) decide to leave for Hollywood in search of fame. Once in town, Kelly contacts her estranged Aunt Suzan (Phyllis Davis) who works as fashion magazine editor for a place to crash with she and her band-mates. Then, after diner with Kelly, Suzan decides to give her a portion of the inheritance that Suzan received from their family. Not bad for a first day in Tinsletown. Soon, Kelly and crew are swinging at the pad of legendary Hollywood record producer Ronnie "Z-Man" Barzel (played by John LaZar - in one of the best roles in the film). Ronnie hears Kelly's music and turns them into an overnight sensation, recording their songs and renaming them "The Carrie Nations." Their albums skyrocket to the top of the charts, but not without the viscous cost of fame. Loves are lost and hearts are broken. The pure-at-heart turns to hedonistic compulsions, while money and drugs consume their very beings. Throw in some kinky sex, nice' rock numbers, garish melodrama, rapid-fire dialog, Meyer's signature camera and editing style and you've got one of the most daring movies ever produced by Hollywood.

A film so far ahead of it's time, no wonder it bewildered the very studio that produced it. It's always great to stick this movie on people who don't know what to expect: "Do I laugh at what I think is supposed to be funny?" "Is this funny?" "Is this serious?" "No way could they have thought this was supposed to be serious." "Is it?" "I'm confused." "I'm entertained - but am I supposed to be?" "Did Roger Ebert really write this?" The answer is `yes' to most of these questions. But no, this film was never meant to be serious. It was a parody before parodies were sheik. A comedy so far removed from what people were used to, even the actors didn't know it.

As screenwriter Roger Ebert can confirm, every single frame in this film is exactly the way the director wanted it. Every joke, edit, camera angle and music cue was meticulously placed by the filmmaker - and in spite of the film's age - it still remains a fresh feast for the ears and eyes. Particularly the eyes. The films of Russ Meyer certainly isn't for everyone, but if you appreciate the kind of cinema that is so bad it's great then his entire catalogue of trash is undoubtedly for you.

Valley of the Dolls, 1967 version--2006 Special Edition

The 1967 film version of Jacqueline Susann's searing novel & comment on Hollywood and the entertainment industry, "Valley of the Dolls," is without peers. There is really no other film quite like it--nor shall there ever be, no doubt. Nothing to measure the film against, it stands alone.

When "Dolls" was initially released, it was met with limited enthusiasm by critics and movie goers alike. But, standing the test of time, it has risen to the status of cult-classic, if not "classic." Reading critics' columns of the day, I skipped the film its first time around, only to discover it years later on late night TCM. What a little treasure of bitchiness, booze, and fashion! My "Dolls" DVD shares shelf-space with the likes of "Vertigo," "Casablanca," and "Doctor Zhivago." Who'd of thought, and why?

Overdone costumes, outrageous campy hair, make-up, and certainly the acted-to-the-hilt performances of Patty Duke, Sharon Tate, Susan Hayward (Judy Garland turned down the part),Barbara Parkins....and of course, the "dolls." It's better than chocolate; certainly one of my top 10. But were we (my generation) really that way? And the answer is...

"Perhaps so." But it wasn't our fault!!! There WERE pills for everything in 1967. We really believed that, too. Better living through chemistry. And if it feels good, then do it. And "Valley of the Dolls" has it all in a neat little pill. Wash it down with a tall glass of gin.

Valley Of The Adult Soap Operas-Mee yow!

I love this campy cult film for many reasons, Patty Duke, for one, second, the late Sharon Tate and her beautiful face, fine acting and incredible body--wow! 3rd Barbara Parkins, who at the time this film was made was one of the stars of a real TV soap Opera, Peyton Place--she is just plain great. This is such a schmaltz-fest at times, but it's fun to watch Susan Hayward play the grand dame diva bitch of all time, Helen Lawson. Oh, the melodrama!

One of the best features on this 2 DVD set is the running commentary on a second audio track by Ms. Parkins and the E! Channel's Ted Casablanca, who took his 'stage name' from a character in this movie. The DVD of the movie even offers the use 'pop up trivia' as an option as the movie is running, sort of like VH1's 'pop up video'--What a cool idea for this film. I love trivia about how movies were made! Did you know that the author of the Valley Of The Dolls, Jaqueline Susann wanted Elvis Presley to play the 'Tony Polar' role in the movie? Sorry Jackie...it wasn't meant to be. Jackie herself does have a cameo role as a reporter in the movie, though.

If you are a fan of catty, campy, cheesy, bitchy, drugged out, alcoholic, melodramatic, 'drag-queen inspiring' movies like I am--(though I'm not a drag queen-- you will like this film. It's a MUST HAVE for any fan of this genre of film.

excellent top notch brilliant

I saw this movie when it first came out in theaters. This film from beginning to end is worth watching, patty duke played a great part and made it believeable. I loved and hated patty dukes charactor she had talent and you wanted her to make it, yet fame and wealth only brought misery. Between the drugs and alcohol it not only destroyed her life but every one she came into contact with. By the end of the movie i had wished the young publisher and his young secretry had gotten married. The movie makes you realize that no matter how far from home you search for happiness, wealth, fame or a better life or love sometimes all you need to do is look at where you are and have to be happy.

Memorable classic

Very enjoyable to re-visit the Valley of the Dolls genre. A genuine icon of the 60's. Each leading actress had unforgettable parts and the story-line was so true to the times. A must have for those enjoying a premium Classic Library of movies.