Helen Mirren's Overnight Stay In Brothel.

Helen Mirren's Overnight Stay In Brothel....

Dame Helen Mirren spent a night with prostitutes to research her role in forthcoming film Love Ranch.

The actress directs and stars in the movie as the madame of Nevada's first legalised brothel.

And she prepared for the part by staying over at the state's infamous Mustang Ranch in order to learn more about the vice trade.

She says, "I researched the whole notion of a brothel and went to a legal brothel in Nevada.

"I loved the girls and the madame was wonderful - she became our advisor. She was invaluable - a wonderful woman."

And Mirren has reasserted her belief that prostitution should be legalised across the U.S. and the U.K.

She adds: "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.

"I don't think you are ever going to get rid of prostitution so you might as well make it as safe as possible."

Helen Mirren's Rape Ordeals.

Helen Mirren's Rape Ordeals.... Dame Helen Mirren was the victim of sex crimes in her youth - because she didn't have the courage to stand up to men who wanted to have sex with her.

The veteran British actress has admitted she was date-raped on several occasions, but never reported the incidents to the police because the men involved weren't violent.

In a candid interview with Britain's GQ magazine, the actress says, "It's such a tricky area (rape), isn't it? Especially if there is no violence. I mean, look at Mike Tyson. I don't think he was a rapist.

"I was (date-raped), yes. A couple of times. Not with excessive violence, or being hit, but rather being locked in a room and made to have sex against my will."

And the star believes that, although women have every right to say no to men in the bedroom, they shouldn't press charges against someone they were planning on being sexually active with.

She adds, "I don't think she can have that man into court under those circumstances."