David hamilton directed this sensual study of the awakening sexuality of a young schoolgirl. Vintage french erotic cinema at its finest. Based on the novel by pierre louys. The film takes place during a young schoolgirl's summer vacation at the home of a family friend, melissa. The young girl, bilitis patti d'arbanville, is shocked when she witnesses her friend and her husband making love, however melissa encourages bilitis to discover the aspect of love by seeing a young photographer, lucas. When lucas tries to make love to bilitis, she rebuffs him and runs to melissa, who in comforting bilitis finds herself responding to her kisses and embraces.