Gigolo


A gigolo is a male escort, call boy or social companion who is supported by a person in a continuing relationship.
The term gigolo usually implies a man who adopts a lifestyle consisting of a number of such relationships serially rather than having other means of support.
The gigolo is expected to provide companionship, to serve as a consistent escort with good manners and social skills, and often to serve as a dancing partner as required by the woman in exchange for the support. Many gifts, such as expensive clothing and an automobile to drive, may be lavished upon him. The relationship may include sexual services as well, and he also can be referred to as a "kept man."
The word gigolo may be traced to a first usage in English as a neologism during the 1920s as a back-formation from gigolette, a French word for a woman hired as a dancing partner. Both gigolo and gigolette were first recorded in French in the middle part of the 19th century, referring to dance club denizens in Montmartre paid to dance with, and sometimes have sex with, unaccompanied male visitors. In the latter part of the 19th century, particularly after the scandalous murder case known in Paris as the, the term gigolo took on connotations of the exotic, foreign male whose company and affections could be purchased by well-to-do French women.

In popular culture

Films

Gigolo – American silent romance drama film produced by Cecil B. DeMilleJust a Gigolo – American romantic comedy directed by Jack Conway, starring William Haines, Irene Purcell, C. Aubrey Smith and Ray MillandEvenings for Sale – American romantic comedy, starring Herbert Marshall, Sari Maritza, Charlie Ruggles and Mary BolandSunset Boulevard – American film noir co-written and directed by Billy Wilder, starring William Holden and Gloria SwansonFemale on the Beach – American crime-drama film directed by Joseph Pevney, starring Joan Crawford and Jeff ChandlerThe Gigolo – French romantic drama film written and directed by Jacques Deray. It is loosely based on the novel Le Gigolo written by Jacques Robert.Breakfast at Tiffany's – American romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and George PeppardJust a Gigolo – West German film directed by David Hemmings and starring David BowieAmerican Gigolo – American romantic crime film written and directed by Paul Schrader, and starring Richard Gere, Lauren Hutton & Hector ElizondoGalactic Gigolo – American science-fiction comedy film directed by Gorman BechardDeuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo – American sex comedy film starring Rob Schneider, followed by the 2005 sequel Deuce Bigalow: European GigoloThe Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone – American television film remake of the 1961 film of the same name. Directed by Robert Allan Ackerman, it stars Helen Mirren and Brian DennehyThe Gigolos – British comedy film directed by Richard Bracewell, starring Sacha Tarter, Ben Willbond, and Susannah YorkA French Gigolo – French drama film directed by Josiane Balasko and starring Nathalie Baye. It was based on the novel "Cliente" by Josiane BalaskoSpread – American sex comedy film directed by David Mackenzie, starring Ashton Kutcher and Anne Heche. It was also released as L.A. GigoloFading Gigolo – American comedy film directed, written by, and starring John Turturro, co-starring Woody Allen, Sharon Stone & Sofia VergaraThe Gigolo – Hong Kong erotic drama film directed and written by Au Cheuk-man and starring Dominic Ho and Candy Yuen, followed by the 2016 sequel The Gigolo 2 Good Luck to You, Leo Grande – Directed by Sophie Hyde and written by Katy Brand. Stars Emma Thompson and Daryl McCormack.

Music

TV series

Just a Gigolo – British sitcom starring Tony SlatteryAbsolutely Fabulous, TV episode "Sex", – British sitcom starring Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley

Novels

Hold Back the Dawn by Ketti FringsThe Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone by Tennessee WilliamsBreakfast at Tiffany's by Truman CapoteLe Gigolo by Jacques RobertCliente by Josiane Balasko