Set in a high class Paris brothel at the end of the Belle Epoque in 1900, House of Tolerance is a fascinating insight into the opium and champagne-blurred life of twelve sex workers. Painfully bored and under constant threat of syphilis, pregnancy and violence the women nonetheless enjoy a sisterly camaraderie despite the risks of the job: one has had her mouth viciously slashed by a customer. Awash with perfume and fancy clothes (the costumes are exquisite), they are kept in permanent debt to their formidable Madam - virtual prisoners in the three storey brothel - and with rent rising, their tight community may be soon forced to walk the streets. See the world's oldest profession in the most gorgeous, opulent period detail.