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Romantic drama

Valley of the Dolls (1967): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Valley of the Dolls (1967) movie poster

Valley of the Dolls is a 1967 romantic drama directed by Mark Robson, starring Lee Grant, Patty Duke and Charles Drake. It is partly based on Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann. It runs 2 hours 3 minutes. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 49 on Metacritic.

award nomination
1
Metascore
49
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Valley of the Dolls (1967) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 3m (123 min)
Director
Mark Robson
Genres
Drama , Romance , Music
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Valley of the Dolls About?

The premise of Valley of the Dolls without spoilers, adapted from Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

In the dazzling but unforgiving landscape of New York City, a young woman named Anne Welles experiences the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. As she pursues her dreams, she finds herself entangled with two other women: Neely O’Hara, a fiercely ambitious aspiring actress, and Helen Lawson, a once-famous singer struggling with her fading career. The story explores their intertwined lives, revealing the pressures of fame, the complexities of love, and the devastating consequences of chasing ambition in a world of glamour and heartbreak.

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Cast & crew

Valley of the Dolls Cast

Lee Grant leads the cast, with Patty Duke and Charles Drake. Directed by Mark Robson; 10 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Mark Robson

More films directed by Mark Robson, best-rated first: Peyton Place, Earthquake, Avalanche Express and Lost Command.

Full filmography
Ratings

Valley of the Dolls Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Valley of the Dolls 49 on Metacritic.

Plot

Valley of the Dolls Plot Summary

What happens in Valley of the Dolls from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As Anne Welles, a recent Radcliffe graduate, steps into her role as a secretary at a theatrical agency, she becomes embroiled in the ruthless and competitive landscape of Broadway. Helen Lawson, a famed diva known for her unforgiving nature, eyes the talented newcomer Neely O’Hara with suspicion, worried that Anne’s rising star might overshadow her own. In an effort to eliminate her competition, Helen employs devious tactics, leading to Anne’s boss being pressured into having Neely withdraw from their upcoming production. This experience shatters Anne’s illusions about the industry’s darker side and highlights the harsh treatment received by aspiring talents.

Full summary

The whole story of Valley of the Dolls, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Awards

Valley of the Dolls Awards & Nominations

Valley of the Dolls was nominated for 1 Oscar.

1 nomination1 ceremony

  • Academy Awards (Oscars) logo
    Oscars 1968 1 nomination
    • Nominated Music (Scoring of Music—adaptation or treatment)
Videos

Valley of the Dolls Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 1 trailer and 2 featurettes.

"Valley of the Dolls" (1967) - 2 Trailers
  • Featurette Amy Fine Collins on fashion in VALLEY OF THE DOLLS
  • Featurette TCM Slumberground | Valley of the Dolls (1967) & The Legend of Lylah Clare (1968)
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Valley of the Dolls?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

Who is the legendary diva that feels threatened by Neely O'Hara?

Cars

Cars in Valley of the Dolls

22 cars on screen, including the 1959 Ford Country Squire and the 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood 75.

All 22 cars
  • 1959 Ford Country Squire in Valley of the Dolls 1959 Ford Country Squire Main role
  • 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 in Valley of the Dolls 1967 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Minor role
  • 1962 Checker Taxicab in Valley of the Dolls 1962 Checker Taxicab Minor role
  • 1965 Chevrolet Biscayne in Valley of the Dolls 1965 Chevrolet Biscayne Minor role
Details

Valley of the Dolls Also Known As

15 alternative titles, including “Das Tal der Puppen” and “La Vallée des poupées”.

Also known as
  • Das Tal der Puppen
  • La Vallée des poupées
  • La valle delle bambole
  • O Vale das Bonecas
  • עמק הבובות
  • El valle de las muñecas
  • Η Κοιλάδα με τις Κούκλες
  • Údolí panenek
  • Долина ляльок
  • Долината на куклите
  • Долина кукол
  • 娃娃谷
+3 more
  • 인형의 계곡
  • La vall de les nines
  • Dockornas dal

Seen Valley of the Dolls?

FAQ

Valley of the Dolls FAQ: Cast, Awards & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, the book behind it, awards and post-credit scenes of Valley of the Dolls, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Valley of the Dolls?

Valley of the Dolls runs 2 hours 3 minutes (123 minutes).

When was Valley of the Dolls released?

Valley of the Dolls was released on December 15, 1967.

Who directed Valley of the Dolls?

Valley of the Dolls was directed by Mark Robson.

More films by Mark Robson

Who is in the cast of Valley of the Dolls?

Valley of the Dolls stars Lee Grant, Patty Duke and Charles Drake, among 10 credited actors.

How is Valley of the Dolls rated?

Valley of the Dolls has 49 on Metacritic and 60% on TMDB.

Is Valley of the Dolls based on a book?

Yes. Valley of the Dolls is partly adapted from Valley of the Dolls by Jacqueline Susann.

Was Valley of the Dolls nominated for any awards?

Valley of the Dolls received 1 nomination across 1 ceremony.

Does Valley of the Dolls have a post-credit scene?

No. Valley of the Dolls has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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