In 16th century Venice, courtesans enjoy unique privileges: dressed richly in red, they read, compose poetry and music, and discuss affairs of state with the men who govern the Republic. When Veronica Franco comes of age, she cannot marry Marco Venier, whom she loves, because she is well born but penniless. Her choice: cloister or courtesan. She steels her heart, and with beauty and intelligence becomes the best. She's a heroine when she helps convince France to aid Venice in war with Turkey, but when plague descends, the Church charges her with witchcraft. At her inquisition, she must match wits with an old rival, speak for all women, and call courage from Venier.

Bolognetti (David Gant) puts Veronica (Catherine McCormack) on trial in Dangerous Beauty (1998); he also plays a similar role in Braveheart (1995) where he puts William Wallace (Mel Gibson) on trial. The connection? Catherine McCormack played Wallace's wife in Braveheart.

Marco Venier:
I'm getting married Veronica. Congratulate me.


Veronica Franco:
Felicitations on your grand match.

Anachronisms: During the love scene with Marco, his smallpox vaccination scar is clearly visible on his left upper arm.

in "Artificio Scientia La Selena"
Composed by Giorgio Mainiero
Per S. Naria Della Pace