Pretty Baby

Pretty Baby

Year: 1978

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Louis Malle

Drama

In 1917 New Orleans, the lives of a prostitute named Hattie and photographer E.J. Bellocq intertwine in a poignant story. Their complicated relationship deepens when Hattie's twelve-year-old daughter, Violet, becomes involved in the city’s dangerous and shadowy world. Hattie must confront difficult choices as she tries to protect her daughter while navigating her own challenging circumstances.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Pretty Baby yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Pretty Baby (1978)

Trace every key event in Pretty Baby (1978) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Violet's Birth

The story begins with Violet witnessing the birth of her baby brother, highlighting her own beginnings. This poignant moment reflects the harsh realities of her family life, as her mother, Hattie, is a working prostitute.

Early 20th century
2

Life in Madam Nell's Brothel

Violet lives among other children in Madam Nell's brothel, where life is marked by the presence of adult clients and complicated dynamics. This environment shapes Violet's understanding of her world as she navigates the affiliations and exchanges within the brothel.

1917 Madam Nell's Brothel, New Orleans
3

Bellocq's Visit

A photographer named Bellocq visits the brothel to find a model, initially focusing on Hattie. However, Violet quickly captures his attention, revealing the growing bond between the two characters amid the sordid backdrop of the brothel.

Madam Nell's Brothel, New Orleans
4

First Client Encounter

One day, while playing in an upstairs bedroom, Violet's life takes a drastic turn when Hattie brings in a client. Violet is deceived into following her mother into the bedroom, indicating her grim acceptance of the life around her.

Madam Nell's Brothel, New Orleans
5

Auction of Violet's Virginity

As Violet approaches her twelfth birthday, Madam Nell arranges a dinner event to auction her virginity. Dressed in a sheer gown, Violet is paraded before the elite, culminating in her highest bidder taking her to a bedroom, marking a pivotal and disturbing initiation.

Madam Nell's Brothel, New Orleans
6

Violet's Rising Popularity

Violet quickly becomes a significant presence at the brothel, often at great risk. Her life takes a tumultuous turn when she is interrupted during a bath for a new client, showcasing her perilous existence and defiance.

Madam Nell's Brothel, New Orleans
7

Hattie's Departure Plan

Hattie's boyfriend, Alfred Fuller, plans to move her and her infant son to St. Louis, leaving Violet behind. This creates tension as Violet is made to feel like a sibling rather than a daughter, deepening her feelings of abandonment.

8

Conflict with Bellocq

After leaving the brothel to live with Bellocq, Violet finds herself frustrated with her role as merely a muse. A public nude photography session leads to an explosive argument, and in anger, she destroys Bellocq's negatives, resulting in her expulsion from his life.

9

Return to the Brothel

Violet returns to Madam Nell's brothel, only to find the atmosphere increasingly somber as external pressures mount. This return signifies a downward spiral as Violet grapples with her place in the world.

Madam Nell's Brothel, New Orleans
10

Bellocq's Proposal

Despite the brothel's decline, Bellocq professes his love for Violet and proposes marriage, marking a turning point in her life. They share a moment of joy with a picnic along the river, offering a brief respite from their troubled past.

Along the river, New Orleans
11

Challenges of Married Life

After a brief honeymoon, Violet realizes the challenges of her new life as a wife. Struggling to find her identity beyond intimacy, she faces an unexpected visit from her mother, Hattie.

12

Family Portrait at the Train Station

At the train station, Hattie insists that Violet join her family in St. Louis. This moment culminates in an emotionally charged family portrait that encapsulates Violet's inner turmoil and longing for the innocence of childhood.

Train Station, New Orleans
13

Violet's Internal Conflict

As the demands of adulthood press upon her, Violet faces a deep internal conflict between her mother and her husband. This struggle leaves her questioning her past experiences, and whether she can ever reclaim her lost innocence.

Last Updated: October 28, 2024 at 17:46

Unlock the Full Story of Pretty Baby

Don't stop at just watching — explore Pretty Baby in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Pretty Baby is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Pretty Baby Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Pretty Baby, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Pretty Baby Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Pretty Baby

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Pretty Baby. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Pretty Baby

More About Pretty Baby

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Pretty Baby: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Pretty Baby

Similar Movies to Pretty Baby

Discover movies like Pretty Baby that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.