very disturbing reality break . child prostitution be prevalent in north america well into the early 20th century . this give a good insight into demise of many child during this period . we be totally devoid of child protection agency . although many narrow mind artistically challenge people will label this movie a child pornography it be not . there be no suggestion of condone or promote of such . louis malle use a combination of shock and graphically disturb scene to get his message across . to have censor this movie would have be a throw back to the dark age for artistic freedom . although the act leaf something to be desire it be a must watch for those want to see a dramatization of the hopelessness of the life of child in the early southern state .