When Hattie marries and leaves the brothel, Violet—innocent yet aware of her surroundings—is auctioned off to a wealthy client for her “virginity.” She then becomes a prostitute herself. Bellocq, fascinated by her youth and spirit, buys a contract to keep her for himself, leading to a complicated relationship that blurs the line between guardian, lover, and artist.
As of 2025, Pretty Baby is intermittently available for digital purchase on and Vudu (Fandango at Home) . If you see it, buy it immediately. These purchases are linked to your account and can be downloaded to your phone or tablet for offline, portable viewing. pretty baby 1978 starring brooke shields portable
The story revolves around Al Pereira (played by Keith Carradine), a photographer who takes pictures of children for a modeling agency in New Orleans in the 1910s. Al's life changes when he meets Violet (played by Susan Sarandon), a young woman who introduces him to her 12-year-old daughter, Violet "Vi" Belloc (played by Brooke Shields). If you see it, buy it immediately
The narrative follows (Brooke Shields), a preteen girl raised inside a lavish brothel run by a madam named Nell (Frances Faye). Violet's mother, Hattie (Susan Sarandon), is one of the working women in the house. Al's life changes when he meets Violet (played
Because of the highly sensitive nature of the film's content involving a minor, mainstream digital retailers and streaming networks are incredibly hesitant to host the movie. It has rarely been broadcast on television, and digital distribution rights are tightly restricted. This scarcity has driven film enthusiasts to seek alternative methods to own the movie and make it portable for personal viewing. How to Watch "Pretty Baby" on Portable Devices
Pretty Baby remains a challenging, polarizing piece of art. Whether viewed as an exploitative product of 1970s Hollywood boundary-pushing or a beautifully shot, tragic historical drama, its place in film history is undeniable. The persistent search for "portable" versions proves that even decades later, audiences remain captivated by its dark story and historical significance.
Set in 1917 New Orleans, Pretty Baby tells the story of (Brooke Shields), a 12-year-old girl living in a high-class brothel run by the elegant Madame Nell (Frances Faye). Violet’s mother, Hattie (Susan Sarandon), is a prostitute who is courted by a photographer, Bellocq (Keith Carradine).