Pretty Baby is a period drama film released in 1978, directed by Louis Malle and written by Polly Platt. The story is set in New Orleans during the early 20th century, where prostitution is legal and practiced openly in the city’s red-light district. The film follows the coming-of-age of Violet, a young girl who lives with her mother Hattie in a brothel.
The movie begins with a photographer named Bellocq visiting the brothel where Hattie works. After photographing her, he becomes interested in Violet, Hattie's young daughter. Bellocq is fascinated by Violet and strikes up a friendship with her, offering her a glimpse of a world beyond the brothel.
As Violet grows increasingly curious about the world outside the brothel, Hattie decides to marry a wealthy customer and leave the profession. She leaves Violet in the care of the brothel’s madam, who puts the young girl to work as a prostitute.
While working in the brothel, Violet becomes more involved with Bellocq and begins to dream of a life with him. However, their relationship becomes complicated when Hattie returns to town and pressures her daughter to continue working in the brothel.
Pretty Baby features award-winning performances by Susan Sarandon, Keith Carradine, and Brooke Shields. Although the film caused controversy upon its release due to its depiction of child prostitution and nudity, it is considered a landmark in American cinema for its portrayal of life in New Orleans during the early 20th century.