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 legalized 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 legalized 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."

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)