Review of Valley of the Dolls (1967) by Erik W — 27 Apr 2013

Regardless of all the negativity this film recieved, I found it quite enjoyable. Sure it's no classic like director Mark Robson's "Peyton Place" but it's very entertaining because of it's characters. It's probably not much different from regular people looking for fame but find out it's not all what it seems and end up falling addicted to drugs, alcohol and other nasty habits. All three leading ladies did a magnificent job in their roles but I have to say the real show-stealer for me was Patty Duke as Neely O'Hara. Duke did an excellent job at performing a girl who finds a rocky start in show business and eventually makes it to the top only to fall back down due to addiction to "Dolls" or pills and alcohol and relationship troubles. Barbara Parkins was great as well as Sharon Tate before her tragic death in 1969.

The film is well shot by Mark Robson's regular cinematographer William H. Daniels. The great music was composed by Andre and Dory Previn and adapted and conducted by now film score veteran John Williams who recieved the film's sole Oscar Nomination.

Don't pay attention to the reviews whether they be good or bad, see it for yourself.