Sex, Drugs and Rock 'n' roll

Bette Midler's first main role, and a different one than what she later became known for in the 1980's, with her run of comedy's, The Rose (Mark Rydell, 1979), is a great showcase for Midler's talents as a singer and actress. Loosely based on Janis Joplins life of sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, Midler plays a successful rock star who has been driven to breakdown and pushes all that try to help her away until she has no one. Her performance is outstanding, keeping you holding on wanting to help but knowing she can't be helped. Her singing voice is amazing and with some great songs, including the hit "The Rose", an outstanding number being sung by Bette Midler rather than her character, Mary Rose Foster, who sings the other great rock songs. I can't help but see similarities between Midler and her performance and Barbara Streisand's A Star is Born role, both great singers and portraying the rough side of stardom.

The dark lit scenes directed by Mark Rydell (later did the classic On Golden Pond), reflects the character of Rose's pain and dark suffering. The film is carried by the star, Midler, a risky thing to put an unknown in the lead, however paid off more than well.

The film comments on issues still present in our society today, drugs, homosexuality, violence and profanity, which must have been quite controversial in it's day, as it still is today. These issues, however, didn't stop the film from becoming a hit with four Academy Award nominations including best actress for Midler. Some say The Rose is forgotten, all in all it is a cultural classic hit, rising a fantastic star with an excellent musical score.