Mirren researched film role in a brothel

Helen Mirren has revealed that she researched her role in upcoming movie Love Ranch by spending time in a brothel.

The 62-year-old Oscar winner admitted that visiting Nevada's Mustang Ranch was vital in helping her prepare for the film role, in which she portrays Grace Botempo, the madam of the state's first legal brothel.

The Sunday Mail quotes her as saying: "I loved the girls and the madam was wonderful - she became our advisor. She was invaluable - a wonderful woman."

Mirren added that she is in favour of legalised prostitution: "I am a complete believer in legal brothels. The girls are protected and free and it takes out that horrible situation of pimps and drugs.

"Also the men who go there know the girls are medically checked and it is very carefully controlled - everyone is in a safe environment."

Mirren's husband Taylor Hackford directed Love Ranch, which also stars Joe Pesci, Gina Gershon and Bai Ling.