Inside the Heart of the Hollywood Hooker
Graduation Date
Spring 2000
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program Name
Humanities
First Reader
Jan Van Stavern, PhD
Second Reader
Christian Dean, PhD
Abstract
This thesis defines the stereotype of the “hooker with a heart of gold” and discusses its use in mainstream American film from the 1960’s to the 1990’s including such films as Butterfield 8, Pretty Woman, Leaving Las Vegas, Klute, and LA Confidential. This thesis also demonstrates how the relationship between the hooker character and the male protagonist is representative of unresolved issues in regard to male/female relationships and gender stereotypes in our culture, accounting for the character’s tenacious presence in American film.
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