Little Ladies of the Night

Little Ladies of the Night, which first premiered on ABC in 1977, is a heart-wrenching drama and a sobering deep-dive into reality. The Emmy-nominated made-for-television movie, directed by Marvin J. Chomsky, is an exploration of a grim societal blight from an era that shied away from the topic. The film’s cast is headlined by David Soul, best known for his role in Starsky & Hutch, Oscar-winning actor Louis Gossett Jr., and Linda Purl, who later featured in The Office.

The movie revolves around a facet of society that was not commonly portrayed on the screen in the 70s – underage prostitution. The central character is Hailey Atkins, played by Linda Purl, a teenage girl who finds herself led astray and becomes swept up into the dark and exploitative world of human trafficking and prostitution. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are introduced to Hailey's life and plight with nuanced subtlety, providing a shockingly reflective glimpse into the unfortunate reality faced by many teenagers.

David Soul convincingly embodies the character of the charismatic yet sinister pimp named Swan, who manipulates and controls young girls like Hailey. In a departure from his more amicable roles, Swan perniciously exploits these young girls--their innocence and their vulnerability--for his own financial gain.

Louis Gossett Jr. shines in his portrayal of a dedicated, empathetic social worker, named Carlin. Along with tracking down and bringing to justice child exploiters like Swan, Carlin's mission is also to bring lost girls like Hailey back into mainstream society. Gossett Jr. sensitively handles this dual role of protector and avenger with grace and dignity.

One hallmark of Little Ladies of the Night is its unflinching look at a troubling and often ignored social issue. The film doesn't shy away from providing a bleak vision of the grueling life faced by these underage girls, making for a gritty and raw experience. The volatile and dehumanizing conditions that the 'little ladies' are subjected to are unwrapped for the viewers, nudging us to ponder over the dark corners of our society.

In a departure from the fancifully romanticized image of Hollywood and Los Angeles, Little Ladies of the Night offers a gritty and unsanitized portrayal of the city. The cinematography capitalizes on this contrast, providing viewers with a distinctly different view of the 'City of Angels'. The backdrop sets a surreal yet chilling tone that works in consonance with the narrative, bringing a sense of unease and grimness that is essential to the film's message.

Despite its topical seriousness, the movie is infused with human elements that provide levity and depth to the characters. Relationships between the girls, their struggles with identity, trust, survival and glimmers of their lost childhood are interspersed amidst the bleakness. It’s in these moments that the film shines, reminding viewers of the humanity caught in the gears of a larger, exploitative system.

Little Ladies of the Night can come across as deeply melancholic, yet it is instilled with an underlying tone of strength and resilience. Linda Purl as Hailey delivers a stirring and moving performance, effectively communicating the inner turmoil, loss, and reluctant survival instinct of a girl thrust into this hideous adulthood.

The score of the film, helmed by Fred Karlin, assists in bringing authenticity and depth to the dark narrative. The music reverberates the echoing pain, the silent screams, and the fight of these young women, making it a vital element of the storytelling.

In conclusion, Little Ladies of the Night is a thought-provoking and poignant social drama that captures a heart-rendering plight of underage girls caught in the web of prostitution. The performances, led by David Soul, Louis Gossett Jr., and Linda Purl, are robust and deeply emotive, making it a compelling watch. The film is not just about salacity but offers a solemn look into the darker corners of society, nudging viewers to contemplate and question. With its gritty realism, poignant performances, and substantive narrative, Little Ladies of the Night stands as an impactful piece of 70s television cinema.