13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective

13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective

      While the recent Best Picture winner "Anora" provides a straightforward and nonjudgmental perspective on sex work, films have often been criticized for softening the realities of the oldest profession in the world.

      Here are 12 examples.

      Did we overlook any? Share your thoughts in the comments.

      **Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)**

      Credit: Paramount Pictures

      Yes, we're talking about "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

      Although the film downplays the harsher aspects of Truman Capote's novella, it clearly indicates that Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn), a timeless icon of style and sophistication, engages in some questionable activities.

      Capote described Holly Golightly as not exactly a sex worker, rather more of an “American geisha”: “She had no job but accompanied expense-account men to the finest restaurants and nightclubs, understanding that her escort was expected to offer her some form of gift, maybe jewelry or a check … if she felt inclined, she might take her escort home for the night.”

      At one point, she states that “any gentleman with a touch of class will give a girl a $50 bill for the powder room.”

      **Never on Sunday (1960)**

      Credit: MGM

      This Greek film features Melina Mercouri as Ilya, a free-spirited woman of the night, whose way of life is challenged by the classical scholar Homer (Jules Dassin, who wrote and directed the film). He tries to impose his moral views on her while she attempts to loosen up his rigid outlook.

      And that thing she avoids on Sundays?

      You guessed it.

      **Irma la Douce (1963)**

      Credit: United Artists

      The team behind "The Apartment," including Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine, returns for this comedic romance where Lemmon portrays a cop who falls for the charming streetwalker Irma (MacLaine) and devises a convoluted plan to rescue her.

      This film focuses more on humor compared to "The Apartment," which tackled similar themes.

      **Belle de Jour (1967)**

      Credit: Euro International Film

      In this French romantic drama, the stunning Catherine Deneuve stars as Séverine, a married woman who starts working at a high-end brothel to explore her curiosity.

      Initially hesitant, she begins to discover excitement and thrills in her new lifestyle, even improving her relationship with her husband.

      Being a film from 1967, unfortunate events do occur — but not necessarily due to her new profession. Trouble arises when Marcel (Pierre Clémenti), with whom she has a thrilling affair, turns jealous and aggressive.

      **The Happy Hooker (1975)**

      Credit: Cannon Film Distributors

      The title is quite revealing. Based on Xaviera Hollander’s bestselling memoir, this comedy stars Lynn Redgrave as a worker in the Dutch consulate who leaves her job for a more lucrative route.

      New York Times critic Vincent Canby referred to it as “a cheerfully amoral New York comedy about greed and lust in the land of opportunity,” praising it as “a witty work.” While the protagonist faces various challenges, she manages to charm her way through. The film led to two sequels.

      **Night Shift (1982)**

      Credit: Warner Bros

      "Night Shift" also uses prostitution as a metaphor for capitalism; this Ron Howard comedy features Henry Winkler and Michael Keaton as Chuck and Bill, friendly morgue workers in New York City. They are soon exposed to exciting new ventures by Belinda (Shelly Long), who lives next door and works as a prostitute. Before long, they've transformed the morgue into a party hub/brothel.

      The film portrays sex work as a beneficial arrangement for everyone—until law enforcement and rival pimps take issue. Shelly doesn’t want to abandon her job and reminds Chuck that being a pimp isn’t superior to being a sex worker.

      It also argues that there is nothing inherently wrong with sex work—it's the policing and violence that pose the real issues. That brings us to the convenient solution in the next film on our list.

      **The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (1982)**

      Credit: Universal Pictures

      This Burt Reynolds and Dolly Parton film presents an optimistic view of the dynamic between a madame (Parton) and a sheriff (Reynolds).

      He supports her business, perceiving her style of sex work as a victimless crime. Matters only become complicated when some local do-gooders begin protesting.

      The film envisions a scenario where law enforcement protects rather than persecutes sex workers, allowing them autonomy over their lives—a progressive take for 1982.

      **Trading Places (1983)**

      Credit: Paramount Pictures

      In "Trading Places," Jamie Lee Curtis’ sex worker character, Ophelia, stands out as one of the most endearing characters in this comedic rags-to-riches tale inspired by Mozart’s "The Marriage of Fig

13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective 13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective

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13 Films About the World's Oldest Profession That Present a More Sugary Perspective

The oldest profession in the world is often depicted in films, yet these movies frequently gloss over the more sinister aspects and present a softened version of reality.