I saw Tracy as this tough aging barfly.
You've seen Guy Standeven in something because the man was in everything.

good question…and isn't marvelous to watch old movies like this that show LA when there WAS a seedy section of town

Good question, OP! I've always been curious about Tracy, wondering what her story is. Dewhurst was fabulous in this role (as always!)

I think she was just a tough old broad living in DTLA. I don't think that the movie ever clarified what the character did but she was probably on welfare or something. Any woman who was able to go to a bar in downtown Los Angeles back in the late 70s by herself was from the other side of the tracks. And Dewhurst was cast perfectly in that role, I enjoyed her performance thoroughly.
But'Cha Are, Blanche! Ya'Are In That Chair!

I cannot remember if it's ever talked about as to what her day job is. I do not think she was a prostitute in the least! She was in a clean, conservative outfit in every scene. I assumed she was a secretary or someone on that level who was single and couldn't afford a better part of town.
And no offense to the beautiful (in her own way) Colleen Dewhurst.but even back then I believe she was a little too old to be a prostitute! I'm not sure what would've ever given anyone that idea! I think she was lonely, maybe an alcoholic, but tough and obviously kind.