Very insightful reaction, and I'm glad you did that bit of research online since the song makes a lot more sense when you understand the context. The movie (released in1967) is actually about three young women (not one) trying to break into the entertainment business, and their struggles which include dealing with drug addiction. I'll stop there because you won't want to know the plot details before you see it, but the fact that the song made you uncomfortable means it succeeded at what it was intended to accomplish.
i read the book when i was younger, it revolves around women and pills (called dolls) it's a sad song, but Dionne sings it so beautifully, Barbara Parkins, Patty Duke & Sharon Tate starred in the movie.
Right on target reaction... Great Performance , by her and lyrics & music that is the genius of Burt Bacharach.! Dionne & Burt probably the greatest collaborate of songstress and songwriter-musician ever!..So many iconic songs together..You could probably do a solid 2-3 weeks reactions videos to Bacharach's songwriter-musician alone , with the majority of them being with Dionne.
"Valley of the Dolls" (the movie) centers around three newcomer actresses who try to find their own ways into the entertainment business. Along the way, they become friends but they each become addicted to alcohol and barbiturates (colorful capsules they call "dolls.") Each of them has some measure of success before they succumb to circumstances around them, returning to their addictions, "the valley of the dolls." Dionne Warwick sings the theme song several times during the movie with different lyrics each time. If you get a chance to view the movie, I encourage it. It's a campy, fun soap-opera movie. Some people don't like it, others do. I watch it whenever I see it on tv or cable.
Great interpretation. The song has a haunting quality to it. Also I want to thank you for listening to songs most reactors on you tube dont . They dont venture too far back.
Actress Barbara Parkins, who starred in the motion picture, suggested that Warwick be considered to sing the film's theme song. The song was to be given to Judy Garland, who had been fired from the film. A recording by Warwick appeared on the B-side of her (original) single of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "I Say a Little Prayer", a big hit which peaked at no. 4 on Billboard's Hot 100 in the chart dated 9 December 1967[2] and which was RIAA-certified gold in February 1968. Warwick re-recorded a Pat Williams-arranged and Burt Bacharach-produced version of the theme at A&R Studios in New York because contractual restrictions from her home label, Scepter Records, would not allow her version from the film to be included on the 20th Century-Fox soundtrack album. In April 1968, the RIAA-certified gold Scepter LP that contained the hit version of the song, Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls, peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard album chart, and would remain on the chart for more than a year.
Wow, I had forgotten all about this song. Thanks for reacting to it, so I could hear it again. This is the first time ever that I've left the first comment.
Dionne Warwick is one of my all time favorite singers, a very unique but instantly recognizable singing voice. Her work with Burt Bacharach, the composer, alone, is miles above the norm. She was so good on this she fooled into thinking the song was about her?
I think the song describes how people innocently trying to find themselves by following their dreams can end up on a path of self destruction ...a dizzying merry-go -round they can't get off of.
Hmm, yes, good request, good reaction. I’d forgotten this song, too. Can’t avoid now remembering that the actress in this movie Sharon Tate was a victim of the horrible Charles Manson gang Hollywood murders. Maybe why that’s why I suppressed memory of this song, that movie, and that book. Real life became more tragic even than the story in the movie. But Dionne did a beautiful job once again with this song.
Valley of the Dolls is such a good movie! It has a good ending but you will shed tears nonetheless. BTW, The Dolls refers to prescription drugs that the three women get addicted to.
Remember, this was the theme song to a legendary over-the-top camp classic called "Valley of the Dolls". Once you see the movie, it'll make total sense.
Another song she sang was "The April Fools" The movie was of the same name starring Jack Lemmon and Catherine Deneuve. The movie came out in 1969. My future wife and I saw it when it came out. For some reason people remember the movie and the characters. It is a period piece worth your time.
The three female characters in "Valley of the Dolls" all seek careers in show business. They all succeed, but they each pay a personal price that leads to disillusionment and self-destruction. This song is used to great effect late in the movie. It captures the mood of the characters perfectly.
It's unfortunate that beautiful music like "Valley of the Dolls" by Dionne Warwick is no longer available for the people who go to the movies. It's not like there weren't more dominant genres in 1967. We had many different music artists and bands that had success that year.
Valley of the Dolls is a soap opera kind of movie Depressing. It starred Patty Duke, Barbara Perkins and most notibly Sharon Tate. I believe it was her last movie She was tragically killed by the Manson family less than two years later.
She was in three other movies after "Valley of the Dolls," and won a Golden Globe Award as "Most Promising Newcomer" in 1968. She was "a party guest" in "Rosemary's Baby" which was releases about two months before her death. The final two movies, "The Wrecking Crew" and "Thirteen Chairs" were released after her death.
Just to add a bit to MongooseTales comment. The film starred Patty Duke (academy award winner for The Miracle Worker), Sharon Tate (tragically killed by follows of Charles Manson) and Barbara Parkins.
And a maybe the most beautiful song about taking pills or drugs--ever! But kudos to Dionne for turning this tune into a classic (I believe Bacharach/David song). Someone correct me if I am wrong. Are you ready for (What's It All About) Alfie, another Bacharach/David classic song from about this time....
This is a movie about many people. It is like they are intertwined in this thing called the entertainment industry. Sharon Tate was in this movie. Patty Duke-Astin was, too.
Hi, If you watch the film make sure you watch the original from 1967 This song sums the life each women in the film all of them seem to lose their way at some point. Barbara Parkins character was my favorite
Valley of the Dolls, the movie is about cutthroat careerism, wild sex, and fierce female protagonists are all on offer in this adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s sensational and wildly popular novel. Patty Duke, Barbara Parkins, and Sharon Tate star as three friends attempting to navigate the glamorous, pressurized world of big-time show business-the “valley” is not a place but a narcotized state of mind, and the “dolls” are the pills that rouse them in the morning and knock them out at night. Blending old-fashioned gloss with Madison Avenue grooviness, director Mark Robson’s slick look at the early days of sexual liberation and an entertainment industry coming apart was a giant box-office hit, and has become an unforgettably campy time capsule of the 1960s.
The movie got terrible reviews, but beyond being a bit over the top, was actually pretty good. It was Patty Duke's intro as an adult actress. This theme song fit the movie beautifully. It was a sad movie, basically about the perils of Hollywood stardom. Dolls were a slang word for pills--generally barbiturates.
You should see the movie and then this song will make more sense to you. There is a part of the Valley of the Dolls movie, that was made into a video with this song and it is lovely and actually quite moving; I've added it here: th-cam.com/video/ChZeewZJii0/w-d-xo.html Great actresses in this movie. Burt Bacharach always wrote gr8 songs. Sad true story about actress Sharon Tate, who played Jennifer in VOTDs; she was killed by the Manson family when she was 26 and pregnant. RIP Sharon Tate, Patty Duke & Susan Hayward. xxx
Just as a historical insight, the actress Sharon Tate, who was later killed by the Manson family starred in the movie of the same name. The book is better then the movie
You need to see the film "Valley of the Dolls." You will get a better idea of what the song is about. The movie is quite over the top. The movie is about Broadway stars and Hollywood movie stars who struggle under the pressures of the business. The movie is unintentionally funny with its exaggerated dialogue but is quite enjoyable as camp. The movie got the worst reviews ever and many of the stars in it disavowed any connection to the film until it became a cult favorite. But the movie was a huge hit in the movie theatres in 1967 when it was first released. Check out Valley of the Dolls parties where people come as the characters in the movie.
Helter Skelter would soon come get Sharon Tate, who was in this movie (with several other gr8 actors)! Kinda dark subject but identifyable dilemmas when you combine success with fragile egos. Judy Garland got fired off the set, ironically, because of her druggy tardiness & unprofessionalism, Susan Hayward stepped up and did a fantastic job! Ironic considering the movie😮 Burt Bacharach wrote some amazing tunes/lyrics. Great reqction, girl❤
Looking through the comments, why in the world would some of you give away the entire movie? You've just robbed Angela the experience of discovering it all for herself.
100% accurate. Watched it for the 1st time back in the late 90’s at a revival theatre (notice I didn’t say arthouse?) and the audience of baby boomers, Gen X and older millennials were LOL at how low brow (like a Lifetime movie) it was . 😂
Angela, the movie is NOT profound. It will actually remind you of reality TV (Real Housewives, first and foremost). You’ll be LOL @ how campy it is. The song’s actually too good for this film.
Absolutely gorgeous voice. One of my all time favorites.
Dionne is a treasure. A 1960s trailblazer. One of my favorite vocalists. Her catalog is a deep rabbit hole to dive into. Fun all the way.
Beautiful song from the film " Valley Of The Dolls" Thank you, Dionne Warwick is a wonderful iconic singer.
I just have always thought this is the most beautiful song❤❤❤❤❤
Very insightful reaction, and I'm glad you did that bit of research online since the song makes a lot more sense when you understand the context. The movie (released in1967) is actually about three young women (not one) trying to break into the entertainment business, and their struggles which include dealing with drug addiction. I'll stop there because you won't want to know the plot details before you see it, but the fact that the song made you uncomfortable means it succeeded at what it was intended to accomplish.
Dionne is one of my favorite singers. Gorgeous lady and beautiful voice. 😊
i read the book when i was younger, it revolves around women and pills (called dolls) it's a sad song, but Dionne sings it so beautifully, Barbara Parkins, Patty Duke & Sharon Tate starred in the movie.
2 years later Sharon Tate was murdered by the Charles Mansion clan of idiots
Right on target reaction...
Great Performance , by her and lyrics & music that is the genius of Burt Bacharach.! Dionne & Burt probably the greatest collaborate of songstress and songwriter-musician ever!..So many iconic songs together..You could probably do a solid 2-3 weeks reactions videos to Bacharach's songwriter-musician alone , with the majority of them being with Dionne.
I always found this song haunting.
Same. Haunting, sad and beautiful.
Very emotional
Dionne Warwick singing Bacharach/David was a match made in Heaven!
"Valley of the Dolls" (the movie) centers around three newcomer actresses who try to find their own ways into the entertainment business. Along the way, they become friends but they each become addicted to alcohol and barbiturates (colorful capsules they call "dolls.") Each of them has some measure of success before they succumb to circumstances around them, returning to their addictions, "the valley of the dolls." Dionne Warwick sings the theme song several times during the movie with different lyrics each time. If you get a chance to view the movie, I encourage it. It's a campy, fun soap-opera movie. Some people don't like it, others do. I watch it whenever I see it on tv or cable.
Great interpretation. The song has a haunting quality to it. Also I want to thank you for listening to songs most reactors on you tube dont . They dont venture too far back.
Actress Barbara Parkins, who starred in the motion picture, suggested that Warwick be considered to sing the film's theme song. The song was to be given to Judy Garland, who had been fired from the film. A recording by Warwick appeared on the B-side of her (original) single of Burt Bacharach and Hal David's "I Say a Little Prayer", a big hit which peaked at no. 4 on Billboard's Hot 100 in the chart dated 9 December 1967[2] and which was RIAA-certified gold in February 1968. Warwick re-recorded a Pat Williams-arranged and Burt Bacharach-produced version of the theme at A&R Studios in New York because contractual restrictions from her home label, Scepter Records, would not allow her version from the film to be included on the 20th Century-Fox soundtrack album. In April 1968, the RIAA-certified gold Scepter LP that contained the hit version of the song, Dionne Warwick in Valley of the Dolls, peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard album chart, and would remain on the chart for more than a year.
A voice that can't be matched.
Crying crying here... Jesus people why cant the world be better. Very lil love, friendships...lost my family young.
Wow, I had forgotten all about this song. Thanks for reacting to it, so I could hear it again. This is the first time ever that I've left the first comment.
I loved her six decades ago. And always have.
Dionne also sang the theme of a Broadway show called “Promises, Promises.” I love that song. (And of course it was written by David/Bacharach 😅)
The song makes more sense when you see the movie of the same name.
Absolutely must watch the movie
The song was written by Two Frenchmen but was produced by Burt Bacharach and Hal David, of course. Who else!!
I forgot how much I loved this song
Dionne Warwick is one of my all time favorite singers, a very unique but instantly recognizable singing voice. Her work with Burt Bacharach, the composer, alone, is miles above the norm. She was so good on this she fooled into thinking the song was about her?
I think the song describes how people innocently trying to find themselves by following their dreams can end up on a path of self destruction ...a dizzying merry-go -round they can't get off of.
This song was used to stunning effect in the finale of the series "Nurse Jackie" as Jackie relapses back in to her drug addiction.
Hmm, yes, good request, good reaction. I’d forgotten this song, too. Can’t avoid now remembering that the actress in this movie Sharon Tate was a victim of the horrible Charles Manson gang Hollywood murders. Maybe why that’s why I suppressed memory of this song, that movie, and that book. Real life became more tragic even than the story in the movie. But Dionne did a beautiful job once again with this song.
I think she has a great voice and has been performing over many decades.
Dionne did several movie theme songs. Her voice is devine.
Loved the movie... love the song... love the voice!
Dionne was claimed by more genres of music than any other artists
To me this song speaks for anyone who has or wants to extricate themself from a difficult situation.
Beautifully sung.
I was a kid then, but this song and movie became tragically iconic because of Sharon Tate and the Manson Family 🥺
Absolutely beautiful, And the movie is classic.
Loved your reaction!
Great job Angela I felt sad but your adjective “ uncomfortable “ is most appropriate. Thanks 🙏
Valley of the Dolls is such a good movie! It has a good ending but you will shed tears nonetheless.
BTW, The Dolls refers to prescription drugs that the three women get addicted to.
I just got through watching "Nurse Jackie" and they featured this song.😮
Great song!
Remember, this was the theme song to a legendary over-the-top camp classic called "Valley of the Dolls". Once you see the movie, it'll make total sense.
My girl and and saw this at the theatre when it came out, one saddest songs and movies ever
Another song she sang was "The April Fools" The movie was of the same name starring Jack Lemmon and Catherine Deneuve. The movie came out in 1969. My future wife and I saw it when it came out. For some reason people remember the movie and the characters. It is a period piece worth your time.
Beautiful reaction
The three female characters in "Valley of the Dolls" all seek careers in show business. They all succeed, but they each pay a personal price that leads to disillusionment and self-destruction. This song is used to great effect late in the movie. It captures the mood of the characters perfectly.
When you listen to this song again, listen to the musical arrangement by Burt Bachrach. Genius.
It's a movie theme
Seeing the photos of young Dionne, you can certainly see the resemblance to her niece Whitney Houston.
Valley of the Dolls was first a book by jackie Susann and then a movie -- when you watch the movie this is sung for a particular scenes.
Iconic
You need watch the movie, Valley of the doll, which this song is the theme. It's an overly melodramatic movie, borders on camp, but a must see
i like this underated song !
I haven't been move past my horrible childhood and life...i wamt too so bad.
It's unfortunate that beautiful music like "Valley of the Dolls" by Dionne Warwick is no longer available for the people who go to the movies.
It's not like there weren't more dominant genres in 1967. We had many different music artists and bands that had success that year.
timeless song...fits everyone
FANTASTIC!!!!
Now, watch the movie! It’s all ‘60’s and unintentionally camp but it’s still very stirring and will “affect” you!
Like her cousin Whitney, Ms Dionne was not a songwriter. They both excelled at singing other's songs. Very talented. Great Reaction!
It's the theme song to a heavy movie
Valley of the Dolls is a soap opera kind of movie Depressing. It starred Patty Duke, Barbara Perkins and most notibly Sharon Tate. I believe it was her last movie
She was tragically killed by the Manson family less than two years later.
She was in three other movies after "Valley of the Dolls," and won a Golden Globe Award as "Most Promising Newcomer" in 1968. She was "a party guest" in "Rosemary's Baby" which was releases about two months before her death. The final two movies, "The Wrecking Crew" and "Thirteen Chairs" were released after her death.
She's a lady of the night.
Sharon Tate was in the movie, also the movie gets a mention in the Quinton Tarantino film "Once Upon A Time In Hollywood".
u may wanna watch the film
She’s an icon
Dolls are uppers and downers and the addiction from them
Just to add a bit to MongooseTales comment.
The film starred Patty Duke (academy award winner for The Miracle Worker), Sharon Tate (tragically killed by follows of Charles Manson) and Barbara Parkins.
Cry with me Angela....please...hehe😢
Sharon Tate starred in the movie. She was one of people murdered by the Manson “family” in 1969. She was 8 1/2 months pregnant.
And a maybe the most beautiful song about taking pills or drugs--ever! But kudos to Dionne for turning this tune into a classic (I believe Bacharach/David song). Someone correct me if I am wrong. Are you ready for (What's It All About) Alfie, another Bacharach/David classic song from about this time....
The book was really popular when it came out. Every other woman I saw had a copy. I saw the movie on tv, it's kitsch but watchable.
This is about girls on pills, if you watch the movie you will see.
This is a movie about many people. It is like they are intertwined in this thing called the entertainment industry. Sharon Tate was in this movie. Patty Duke-Astin was, too.
Just makes you think of Sharon Tate. Lovely song, reached # 2 on US charts.
Hi, If you watch the film make sure you watch the original from 1967 This song sums the life each women in the film all of them seem to lose their way at some point. Barbara Parkins character was my favorite
Valley of the Dolls, the movie is about cutthroat careerism, wild sex, and fierce female protagonists are all on offer in this adaptation of Jacqueline Susann’s sensational and wildly popular novel. Patty Duke, Barbara Parkins, and Sharon Tate star as three friends attempting to navigate the glamorous, pressurized world of big-time show business-the “valley” is not a place but a narcotized state of mind, and the “dolls” are the pills that rouse them in the morning and knock them out at night. Blending old-fashioned gloss with Madison Avenue grooviness, director Mark Robson’s slick look at the early days of sexual liberation and an entertainment industry coming apart was a giant box-office hit, and has become an unforgettably campy time capsule of the 1960s.
The movie got terrible reviews, but beyond being a bit over the top, was actually pretty good. It was Patty Duke's intro as an adult actress. This theme song fit the movie beautifully. It was a sad movie, basically about the perils of Hollywood stardom. Dolls were a slang word for pills--generally barbiturates.
Such a good movie...Drugs!! she's trying to get out of the hell she is in.....
The movie is good too
Dolls, slang for pills (Uppers?)
The movie Valley 8f the Dolls was Sharon Tate's lst movie before her death by the Manson Family. RIP
built on a book populer read it.... Valley Of The Dolls the Book a
classic...
You should see the movie and then this song will make more sense to you. There is a part of the Valley of the Dolls movie, that was made into a video with this song and it is lovely and actually quite moving; I've added it here: th-cam.com/video/ChZeewZJii0/w-d-xo.html
Great actresses in this movie. Burt Bacharach always wrote gr8 songs. Sad true story about actress Sharon Tate, who played Jennifer in VOTDs; she was killed by the Manson family when she was 26 and pregnant. RIP Sharon Tate, Patty Duke & Susan Hayward. xxx
Just as a historical insight, the actress Sharon Tate, who was later killed by the Manson family starred in the movie of the same name. The book is better then the movie
maternal aunt of Whitney Houston
You gotta watch the movie
You need to see the film "Valley of the Dolls." You will get a better idea of what the song is about. The movie is quite over the top. The movie is about Broadway stars and Hollywood movie stars who struggle under the pressures of the business. The movie is unintentionally funny with its exaggerated dialogue but is quite enjoyable as camp. The movie got the worst reviews ever and many of the stars in it disavowed any connection to the film until it became a cult favorite. But the movie was a huge hit in the movie theatres in 1967 when it was first released. Check out Valley of the Dolls parties where people come as the characters in the movie.
Check out KD Lang's version
React to "(What's It All About) Alfie"
Yes - wonderful song and beautifully sung by DW.
womw
ens anxiety I the 60s
Helter Skelter would soon come get Sharon Tate, who was in this movie (with several other gr8 actors)! Kinda dark subject but identifyable dilemmas when you combine success with fragile egos. Judy Garland got fired off the set, ironically, because of her druggy tardiness & unprofessionalism, Susan Hayward stepped up and did a fantastic job! Ironic considering the movie😮
Burt Bacharach wrote some amazing tunes/lyrics.
Great reqction, girl❤
Looking through the comments, why in the world would some of you give away the entire movie? You've just robbed Angela the experience of discovering it all for herself.
It's a notoriously bad, campy movie. Bad, overwrought lines often quoted.
100% accurate. Watched it for the 1st time back in the late 90’s at a revival theatre (notice I didn’t say arthouse?) and the audience of baby boomers, Gen X and older millennials were LOL at how low brow (like a Lifetime movie) it was . 😂
Angela, the movie is NOT profound. It will actually remind you of reality TV (Real Housewives, first and foremost). You’ll be LOL @ how campy it is. The song’s actually too good for this film.