Heidi Fleiss: The Would-Be Madam of Crystal (DVD)

Ten years ago, Heidi Fleiss -- the infamous "Hollywood Madam" - had a dream to make millions by running a high-price escort service -- a goal that ultimately sent her to prison. Now, she has another dream: to open the first legal brothel for female clients in the tiny desert town of Crystal, Nevada. As a convicted felon with a headline-grabbing past, Fleiss inspires both fascination and opposition from local residents and authorities. Then, in an unexpected twist, she finds herself drawn into an eccentric world, caring for a dazzling collection of exotic birds as she battles her past demons, including drug abuse, and tries to keep her dreams in sight. An official selection at the 2008 Los Angeles Film Festival, Heidi Fleiss: The Would-Be Madam of Crystal is a fascinating chronicle of one woman's struggle to keep her dreams alive through a combination of grit, humor and sheer perseverance.

• documentary
• drama