Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970) is a satirical musical melodrama directed by renowned filmmaker Russ Meyer and co-written by film critic Roger Ebert. The film features an all-female band called The Carrie Nations, consisting of lead singer Kelly MacNamara (Dolly Read), guitarist Casey Anderson (Cynthia Myers), and drummer Petronella Danforth (Marcia McBroom), who leave their hometown for Los Angeles to seek fortune and fame. Along the way, they encounter various eccentric characters including music producer Ronnie "Z-Man" Barzell (John LaZar) and pornographic filmmaker Emerson Thorne (Harrison Page).
The film parodies the exploitative and seedy side of the entertainment industry in the late 1960s, with the characters navigating various temptations such as drug addiction, promiscuity, and exploitation. Kelly's wealthy aunt Susan (Phyllis Davis) befriends the band and encourages them to pursue their dreams, but her manipulative boyfriend Porter Hall (Duncan McLeod) tries to sabotage their success.
As The Carrie Nations' fame grows, so do their egos and drug use. Kelly becomes involved with both Z-Man and Harris (David Gurian), a law student who is secretly gay. Casey has a romantic fling with Lance Rocke (Michael Blodgett), a misogynistic singer who belittles her talent. Meanwhile, Petronella falls for a sweet-natured law student named Emerson (Emerson Thorne).
The film climaxes with a wild party at Z-Man's mansion, where the characters' various conflicts and secrets are revealed in a chaotic and violent finale. The film's tongue-in-cheek dialogue, stylized visuals, and psychedelic soundtrack are all hallmarks of Meyer's unique filmmaking style.
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls was initially criticized for its sexual content and graphic violence, but it has since gained a cult following and is considered a cult classic. It was also controversial for being rated X by the Motion Picture Association of America, despite its humorous tone and relatively tame sexual content compared to other 70's films.