Watch Beyond the Valley of the Dolls

In 1970, the cult classic film "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" was released, directed by the legendary Russ Meyer and co-written by film critic Roger Ebert. This film is a wild, psychedelic trip through 1960s Hollywood, following the lives of three young women who form a band called The Carrie Nations and navigate their way through sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.

The three women at the center of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" are Kelly McNamara (Dolly Read), Casey Anderson (Cynthia Myers), and Petronella Danforth (Marcia McBroom), who leave their small hometown and arrive in Los Angeles with dreams of making it big in the music industry. They meet an eccentric record producer named Ronnie 'Z-Man' Barzell (John LaZar) who takes a liking to them and sets them on the path to stardom.

But it isn't all sunshine and roses for the women of The Carrie Nations. As they become more successful, they are drawn into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood, where sex, drugs, and corruption run rampant. Each of the women must come to terms with what they're willing to do in order to achieve success, and their relationships with one another are tested as they navigate this dangerous landscape.

The cinematography and visual style of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" are a hallmark of Russ Meyer's work, with plenty of bright colors, fast camera movements, and frenetic editing. The film also features a memorable soundtrack full of upbeat rock songs, as well as a number of original tunes performed by The Carrie Nations.

While "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" may have been labeled as exploitative and morally questionable upon its initial release, the film has since gained a following and is now regarded as a classic of its era. It is a fascinating time capsule of the late 1960s and early 1970s, capturing the energy and excess of that time in history.

The performances from the three lead actresses are all standout, with Dolly Read bringing a sweet innocence to Kelly, Cynthia Myers embodying Casey's rebellious spirit, and Marcia McBroom adding a soulful sensitivity to Petronella. John LaZar is also a standout as the flamboyant and enigmatic Z-Man, stealing every scene he's in.

While the overall tone of "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" may be campy and over-the-top, there are also some deeper themes at play. The film explores the idea of selling out one's artistic vision in order to achieve fame and success, as well as the consequences of indulging in excess and unethical behavior.

In conclusion, "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls" is a must-see for fans of cult cinema, Russ Meyer, and the counterculture of the late 1960s. Its combination of outrageous visuals, catchy music, and over-the-top performances make it a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that is sure to stick with you long after the credits roll.

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is a 1970 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 60.