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Pretty Baby (1978)

 -  Drama  -  5 April 1978 (USA)
6.6
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Ratings: 6.6/10 from 5,112 users  
Reviews: 65 user | 24 critic

A teenage girl lives as a prostitute in the early decades of America, only to know her body is for bounty.

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Writers:

(story), (screenplay), 1 more credit »
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Title: Pretty Baby (1978)

Pretty Baby (1978) on IMDb 6.6/10

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 1 nomination. See more awards »

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A movie about the corruption in all levels of society. A baby is born from a supposed-to-be virgin woman, so a chain of hysteria about divine intervention in the birth takes place.

Director: Peter Greenaway
Stars: Julia Ormond, Ralph Fiennes, Philip Stone
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
...
Nell
...
Professor
Matthew Anton ...
Red Top
...
Frieda
...
Josephine
Seret Scott ...
Flora
Cheryl Markowitz ...
Gussie
Susan Manskey ...
Fanny
Laura Zimmerman ...
Agnes
Miz Mary ...
Odette
...
Highpockets
Mae Mercer ...
Mama Mosebery
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Storyline

In 1917, in the red light district Storyville, New Orleans, the prostitute Hattie lives with her twelve year-old daughter Violet in the fancy brothel of Madame Nell, where she works. Photographer Ernest J. Bellocq has an attraction to Hallie and Violet and he is an habitué of the whorehouse. One day, Madame Nell auctions Violet's virginity and the winner pays the fortune of US$ 400 to spend the night with the girl. Then Hattie marries a wealthy client and moves to Saint Louis, leaving Violet in the brothel alone. Violet decides to marry Bellocq and she moves to his house. Until the day that Hattie, who has overcome her past, comes to Bellocq's house with the intention to take Violet with her. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

In 1917, in the red-light district of New Orleans, they called her "Pretty Baby" See more »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

5 April 1978 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Niña bonita  »

Filming Locations:

 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Color:

(Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Future stars Diane Lane, Michelle Pfeiffer, Meg Tilly, Ally Sheedy, Madonna, Kathleen Turner, Ellen Barkin and Geena Davis auditioned for the role of Violet. See more »

Goofs

Violet, distraught and crying, approaches a door and repeatedly bangs on it. No sound other than Violet weeping (itself obviously dubbed) can be heard. See more »

Quotes

[said to Bellocq twice]
Violet: I love you once. I love you twice. I love you more than beans and rice!
See more »

Crazy Credits

The closing credits include a card that states, "With our gratitude for the priceless music of FERDINAND "JELLY ROLL" MORTON." See more »

Connections

Referenced in Video Nasties: Moral Panic, Censorship & Videotape (2010) See more »

Soundtracks

"Creole Belles"
(uncredited)
Music by J. Bodewalt Lampe
Played when Frieda is talking to Violet about the old man
See more »

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User Reviews

 
Bravo Louis Malle
4 January 2001 | by See all my reviews

Very disturbing reality break. Child prostitution was prevalent in North America well into the early 20th century. This gives a good insight into demise of many children during this period. We were totally devoid of child protection agencies. Although many narrow minded artistically challenged people will label this movie as child pornography it is not. There is no suggestion of condoning or promoting of such. Louis Malle used a combination of shock and graphically disturbing scenes to get his message across. To have censored this movie would have been a throw back to the dark ages for artistic freedom. Although the acting leaves something to be desired it is a must watch for those wanting to see a dramatization of the hopelessness of the lives of children in the early Southern States.


14 of 22 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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