Shelley Winters stars as New York’s infamous madam navigating the underworld of the Roaring 20s.
A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME
Story follows the life of Polly Adler, who grew to become one of New York’s most successful bordello madams of the 1920s.
They don't make madam biopics like they used to—especially not with Shelley Winters in the lead.
Shelley Winters brings grit and depth to the real-life story of Polly Adler, who built an empire in a time when police raids and mobsters were just part of doing business. If you have a soft spot for Roaring 20s corruption and a cast that includes Robert Taylor and Cesar Romero, this trip to the underbelly of New York is worth your dime.
— SassyFlix Programmer
A House Is Not a Home is a 1964 American crime drama directed by Russell Rouse about Polly Adler, a Polish immigrant who rises to prominence as one of New York’s most successful bordello madams in the 1920s.
- Director
- Russell Rouse
- Writers
- Clarence Greene, Russell Rouse, Polly Adler
- Release
- 1964
- Runtime
- 1h 38m
- Language
- English
- Also Known As
- Madame P. und ihre Mädchen, La casa de Madame, La 'maison' de Madame Adler, Uma Certa Casa Suspeita, Original title: A House Is Not a Home
Synopsis
While perhaps best remembered these days as the debut film for Raquel Welch (One Million Years BC, 1966), the rest of the film is worth a look.
Why Cult
The film dives into New York City's criminal scene during prohibition, with bootleggers, mobsters, and bribes aplenty.
Shelley Winters portrays the infamous Polly Adler, chronicling her rise from immigrant sweatshop worker to high-powered madam.
Alongside Winters, Robert Taylor and Cesar Romero round out a cast teeming with big personalities and underworld intrigue.
From police commissioners to aldermen, the film exposes how every rung of society was on the take during prohibition.
Cast & Crew
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Scene Gallery
Trailers & Clips
Questions from the Vault
What is A House Is Not a Home about? +
A House Is Not a Home tells the story of Polly Adler, focusing on her life as a prominent New York madam during the 1920s and her navigation of crime, corruption, and the city’s underworld.
When was A House Is Not a Home released? +
A House Is Not a Home was released in 1964.
Who directed A House Is Not a Home? +
Russell Rouse directed A House Is Not a Home.
How long is A House Is Not a Home? +
A House Is Not a Home has a runtime of 98 minutes.
What genre is A House Is Not a Home? +
The film is a crime, drama, and history piece.
Where can I watch A House Is Not a Home? +
A House Is Not a Home is available to stream on SassyFlix.