The world’s oldest profession, makes its return to the silver screen in the new Warner Bros. movie, “Dangerous Beauty.”The movie, which is based on the biography “The Honest Courtesan” by Margaret Rosenthal, stars Catherine McCormack (“Braveheart”) and Rufus Sewell (“Dark City”) in the story of a 16th century Venetian woman who falls in love with a man of a much higher social class.The start of the movie explains that the culture of the time necessitated that a man and women get married to increase family fortunes and the power of Venice.When it becomes painfully obvious that McCormack’s character, Veronica, can never marry her love, Marco, her mother suggests she follow in her footsteps as a courtesan, which is nothing more than a prostitute.The writers tried to include other traits of a courtesan life which supposedly made it appealing, but the movie boils down to Veronica’s sexual encounters with a growing list of clients.Marco, played by Sewell, becomes jealous of the life Veronica chose. His logic is typical of a chauvinistic pig. Although Marco is married and sleeps with his wife every night, he tells Veronica that he can’t handle knowing she sleeps with other men.Several aspects make the film compelling. The historical treatment of women at the time is a good topic to explore. The references to the Black Plague, wars with the Turks and the role of the Catholic Church save the movie from becoming a 16th century “Pretty Women.”The actors did an excellent job with the script they were given. McCormack, in particular, distinguished herself. Although her beauty stole the scenes as Mel Gibson’s wife in “Braveheart,” this movie proved she is not just another pretty face. She had a great film presence and displayed a wonderful charm and sense of humor throughout the movie.The set and costumes were standouts in the movie. The canals running through the city and the high society dress illustrate why Venice is still thought of as a romantic hot spot. The desperation and fear when the plague hit also was conveyed well in the filthy city with disheveled citizens.”Dangerous Beauty” is not a complete waste of time for movie goers. Anyone who liked the prostitute-in-love storyline of “Pretty Women” might enjoy the movie, although it is not nearly as charming. Also, those who like time-piece movies that explore the history of the human condition could also find value in the film. It is just a shame they did not put more emphasis on the historical topics.