Mimma starts working in Madame Colette’s brothel to help her boyfriend financially. There she is rechristened “Paprika,” and falls in love with her first client, naval officer Franco. Despite this attraction, she begins her climb through the sex trade, residing in Italy’s most illustrious brothels.

Inspired by his memories of visiting brothels, and adapted from John Cleland’s Fanny Hill, Tinto Brass’ Paprika is a joyous, lavishly erotic comedy chronicling a woman’s ascent in the sex trade. Set in 1950s Italy prior to a law forbiding sex work, the film went on to become a contentious success.