a turkey

U.S. slang.  An inferior or unsuccessful cinematographic or theatrical production, a flop; hence, anything disappointing or of little value. 1927 Vanity Fair (N.Y.) XXIX. 132/3 ‘A turkey’ is a third rate production. 1939 G. MARX Let. 27 Oct. (1967) 21 The boys at the studio have lined up another turkey for us... I saw the present one the other day and didn't care much for it. 1941 J. M. CAIN Mildred Pierce 176 The beach..was studded with rocks and was therefore unsuitable to swimming. For all ordinary purposes it was simply a turkey. 1962 Movie June 18/1 With The Four Horsemen, Minnelli was once more landed with a turkey, an old one, too. 1977 H. FAST Immigrants III. 201 ‘Have you ever thought of selling the place?’ Jake asked... ‘Oh? And who the hell would buy this turkey?’