10 Melodramas About Kept Women You Must Watch

Description: Nickie Ferrante and Terry McKay, both engaged to other people, meet on a cruise and fall in love. They agree to meet six months later at the top of the Empire State Building if they still feel the same way. This classic explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the notion of being kept by one's own heart.

Fact: The film was a remake of the 1939 film "Love Affair," and its ending has been parodied and referenced in numerous other films.

Description: This iconic film tells the story of Vivian Ward, a prostitute who is hired by a wealthy businessman, Edward Lewis, to be his escort for several business functions. Their relationship evolves from a business transaction to something much more profound, highlighting themes of love, class differences, and personal transformation.

Fact: Julia Roberts was not the first choice for Vivian; several other actresses turned down the role. Also, the film was initially conceived as a darker, more adult-oriented drama.

Description: A couple, David and Diana, face financial ruin and are offered a million dollars by a billionaire, John Gage, to spend one night with Diana. This proposal tests their love and moral boundaries, exploring themes of temptation, fidelity, and the value of love over money.

Fact: The film was based on a novel by Jack Engelhard, and its premise sparked a lot of ethical debates at the time of its release.

Description: This epic tale includes a subplot where Hana, a nurse, cares for a badly burned man, whose past involves a passionate love affair with a married woman, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of being kept.

Fact: The film won nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

Description: Set in 19th-century France, this film explores the passionate and tumultuous relationship between a young aristocrat and his mistress, Vellini, who refuses to be just another kept woman, challenging societal norms and expectations.

Fact: The film was adapted from the novel by Jules Barbey d'Aurevilly and was noted for its bold depiction of sexuality.

Description: Kitty Fane, a socialite, marries a bacteriologist, Walter, for convenience, only to find herself in a remote Chinese village when he discovers her infidelity. The film delves into themes of love, duty, and the transformation of a kept woman into a compassionate individual.

Fact: The film was shot on location in China, adding authenticity to its setting.

Description: Based on the life of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, this film portrays her life as a kept woman in a loveless marriage, her political influence, and her scandalous affairs, highlighting the societal constraints on women of her time.

Fact: Keira Knightley was nominated for a Golden Globe for her role as Georgiana.

Description: Carly discovers that her boyfriend Mark is married, and she teams up with his wife, Kate, and another mistress, Amber, to seek revenge. While not directly about being kept, it touches on the dynamics of relationships where one partner is financially supported.

Fact: The film was originally titled "The Bitch Pack" during development, reflecting its more comedic tone.

Description: Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate, has an affair with Mrs. Robinson, an older woman, who is married to his father's business partner. This film, while not explicitly about being kept, deals with themes of seduction, manipulation, and the complexities of relationships.

Fact: Dustin Hoffman was not the first choice for Benjamin; the role was initially offered to Robert Redford.

Description: This film follows a high-end escort, Christine, who provides "the girlfriend experience" to her clients. It examines the transactional nature of relationships and the emotional toll of her profession, offering a modern take on the kept woman narrative.

Fact: The film was shot during the 2008 financial crisis, which adds a layer of economic commentary to the storyline.