Adua e le compagne

This is an impressive portrait of a female friendship tested by society’s hypocrisy and moral constraints. In 1958, the Italian government bans brothels, which were temporarily legalized after World War II. As a result, four Roman prostitutes, Adua (Simone Signoret), Marilina (Emmanuelle Riva), Lolita (Sandra Milo) and Milly (Gina Rovere), decide to open a trattoria on the outskirts of the city and to offer sexual services on the upper floor. When they are refused permission to open because of their professional past, they are forced to make an agreement with a shady businessman who will act as the official owner. (hjf)