This film draws inspiration from an interview with a real child prostitute who worked in New Orleans during the early 20th century, as documented in Al Rose's book "Storyville, New Orleans: Being an Authentic, Illustrated Account of the Notorious Red-Light District."
The story commences with Violet, portrayed by Brooke Shields, an eleven-year-old girl witnessing the birth of her baby brother. This moment reflects her own origins as the daughter of Hattie, who is played by Susan Sarandon, a prostitute with an unknown client. In 1917, Violet resides among several children at Madam Nell's brothel, owned by Frances Faye.
One day, a photographer named Bellocq, enacted by Keith Carradine, visits looking for a model. While Hattie poses for him, Violet's curiosity becomes a point of interest, albeit initially a nuisance for Bellocq. Over time, he becomes charmed by her, fascinated by the fact that he prefers to photograph women rather than engage in the expected sexual activities.
Despite her tender age, Violet has already become entangled in the brothel's operations. One day as she plays in an upstairs bedroom, Hattie brings in a client, insinuating that Violet is a virgin who is "only for French." Violet is then expected to follow her mother and the client into the bedroom, indicating a grim acceptance of her reality. As the scene unfolds, it becomes apparent that Violet is to engage in a sexual act, and with the resigned demeanor of someone all too familiar with this life, she enters the room, shutting the door behind her.
As Violet approaches her twelfth birthday, preparations are made to auction her virginity. Madam Nell hosts a dinner for her elite clients during which Violet, adorned in a sheer gown, is paraded like a prize. Afterward, dressed in a white party dress, she stands as men bid for her. The highest bidder, Don Lutenbacher, takes her to a bedroom, and a brief scream signals her initiation into womanhood—though she reveals herself to be joking when her friends later check on her.
Violet quickly becomes a staple of the brothel, often at her own peril, such as being interrupted during her bath for a customer. Meanwhile, Hattie's boyfriend, Alfred Fuller, played by Don Hood, plans to take Hattie and her infant son to St. Louis, leaving Violet behind under the guise of being her sister. As tensions rise, Violet misbehaves and is subjected to a harsh punishment from the bartender, resulting in a scene that both chills and showcases her defiance.
Opting to leave the brothel, Violet attempts to move in with Bellocq. Initially opposed, he finds it hard to resist her charms, but Violet soon grows restless with being just a photography muse. After a heated argument following a public nude photography session—a controversial moment in the film—Violet retaliates by damaging Bellocq's precious negatives, leading to her expulsion from his life.
Returning to the brothel, she is met with a declining atmosphere as the city pressures Madam Nell to close her business. When things seem bleak, Bellocq arrives to profess his love and propose marriage, a rare allowance given Violet's abandonment by her mother. They celebrate this newfound happiness with a picnic along the river.
However, the reality of marriage soon settles in. After two weeks, it's evident that Violet still struggles with her role as a wife, as she primarily engages in intimate relations and sleeps. The couple's moment is interrupted by Hattie, who now demands that Violet join her family in St. Louis. Torn between her mother and Bellocq, Violet lacks the authority to refuse, leading to a poignant moment at the train station where her new stepfather attempts a family portrait. In that moment, Violet's expression hints at her deep internal conflict, prompting her to question whether she can ever revert to the innocence of childhood after her tumultuous experiences.
