Rhinestone: The Underrated Collaboration of Dolly Parton and Sylvester Stallone
Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton are an unexpected pairing in film history, much like peanut butter and chicken wings. While both are iconic in their own right, their collaboration in the eighties brought a unique flavor to cinema that was often experimental and bold.
When asked about the impact of Rhinestone on his career, Stallone would likely admit it was detrimental, yet he probably holds no regrets as it connected him with one of pop culture’s most beloved figures, Dolly Parton, whose legacy continues to resonate.
The question arises: how did a film like Rhinestone come to be?
How did Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton become two of the biggest stars of the eighties?
In the mid-eighties, Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton were among the most prominent stars, appealing to vastly different audiences. Stallone’s success peaked in 1982 with Rocky III and First Blood, while Parton’s The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas also topped the box office that year, solidifying her star power.
What was the origin of Rhinestone?
Rhinestone was conceived by Phil Alden Robinson as a showcase for Dolly Parton, featuring her as a country singer at a bar in New York. The premise reflects the urban cowboy trend of the time, highlighting a unique intersection of cultures.
Parton seeks to escape her contract with a sleazy promoter who refuses unless she sleeps with him. Instead, she bets she can transform anyone he chooses into a country singer within two weeks. He picks a fast-talking cab driver, leading to unexpected chemistry.
20th Century Fox invested heavily in the script due to Parton’s previous success with 9 to 5. They needed a male lead who could hold his own against Parton’s star power, leading to Stallone being cast as part of a package deal.
Initially slated for Beverly Hills Cop, Stallone opted for Rhinestone, even turning down another major role in Romancing the Stone. He aimed to direct and reshape the screenplay into an underdog story akin to Rocky.
This creative direction led to tensions with Robinson and director Don Zimmerman, resulting in Bob Clark taking over. Stallone envisioned a grittier film featuring songs from hair metal bands like Whitesnake, but Clark’s vision shifted it towards a lighter comedy.
Why is Rhinestone considered an odd fit for Stallone?
Rhinestone appears mismatched for most cast members except Dolly Parton. While Stallone attempts to adapt, his style clashes with the film’s comedic tone, resulting in scenes that have become infamous for their awkwardness.
The supporting cast includes Richard Farnsworth as Dolly’s father and Tim Thomerson as antagonists. However, it is evident that Stallone admires Parton, allowing her to shine during their shared scenes. Their chemistry stands out due to their equal star status.
The film showcases their genuine camaraderie; despite not being perfectly suited for his role, Stallone gives his all. In the finale, he transforms into a charismatic country star performing “Stay Out of My Bedroom,” which surprisingly resonates well.
The eighties were rife with vanity projects from actors; Stallone’s effort here is no worse than Bruce Willis’ The Return of Bruno. The film is enjoyable, especially when Dolly joins him on stage for comedic banter about his tight pants.
Over time, Stallone has expressed regret over Rhinestone, yet he praises working with Dolly as one of his career highlights. His heartfelt tribute following her passing reflects this sentiment.
Was Rhinestone truly a major flop?
Rhinestone was indeed a box office disappointment but not as catastrophic as perceived. It faced stiff competition from blockbusters like Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, which overshadowed its release.
The film grossed approximately $21 million and may have turned a profit through home video sales. Its soundtrack achieved success with “Tennessee Homesick Blues” topping country charts; Parton regarded it as some of her finest work.
The film received several Razzie nominations; however, Dolly’s performance was charming enough to spare her from being labeled Worst Actress. The Razzies have historically targeted Stallone without justification.
How did Rhinestone affect Dolly Parton’s acting career?
Rhinestone‘s outcome curtailed Dolly Parton’s trajectory as a leading lady in films; she shifted focus back to music and television roles. Although she enjoyed success in Straight Talk, it did not fare better than Rhinestone.
This film remains a minor chapter in her illustrious career but left an impression on Stallone. He later starred in comedies that nearly derailed his career during the early nineties.
In hindsight, Rhinestone‘s charm endures; fans should seek it out despite its scarcity on streaming platforms. A Blu-ray release featuring commentary from Stallone sharing stories about Dolly would be intriguing.
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