Mister D: Maybe we should check this ole Frank Sinatra movie out! Sadly I remember when it hit the theaters! So old am I!
Brandon Sun Paper
Midler’s first movie
August 5, 1988
Q: Am I going bananas, or did I spy Bette Midler as a lowly extra in the Frank Sinatra movie, The Detective? I always assumed The Rose was her first movie. – B. McP.
A: Bette has understandably tried to foster that . impression. Fact is, the star got her Hollywood feet wet in The Detective.
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Frank Sinatra’s 1968 film The Detective was a serious attempt at a social statement sandwiched between the chairman’s two lighthearted detective films Tony Rome and Lady in Cement. Directed by Gordon Douglas (who also directed the Tony Rome films), the plot centers around Detective Joe Leland (Sinatra) and his investigation of the murder of a prominent businessman’s gay son. The film was notable at the time for openly depicting the gay community; however, it still falls back on the same tired stereotypes. Rounding out the cast is Lee Remick as Sinatra’s nympho-wife, Robert Duvall as a violent homophobic cop, and Jack “the Klugster” Klugman as Sinatra’s only honest ally on the force. Off screen, the film was notable for causing the irreparable rift between Sinatra and then-bride Mia Farrow, when she opted to star in Rosemary’s Baby instead of this film. Obviously a wise choice, but The Detective is still a solid effort, with a great Jerry Goldsmith score and solid performances from all involved. Interestingly, this film could be considered the unofficial prequel to Die Hard. Both films were based on the same series of detective novels by Roderick Thorpe. —
Kristian St. Clair
Wait a minute….that is one of my favorite movies. I know every line front back inside and out. Ive seen it, well, ive gone threw 4 dvds, so alot. I have not seen Bette in it at all! Where? Who? I am so confused now.
I was going to ask if anybody had ever seen it, but still, even if she were in it…..Hawaii is still the first, but i’d love to check the detective out now that Wendy says she loves it
I’d love to check this movie out. I’m a fan of the entire cast, especially ,Sinatra. It’s available for rent on Netflix. (hate to quibble with the person asking/answering the question, but “Hawaii” preceded it by 2 years–nonetheless, I agree she was still getting her feet wet as an actress).
Bette is uncredited and reportedly plays a girl at a party. I’m going to have to check out the party scene(s).
Netlfix’s description: Tough detective Joe Leland (Frank Sinatra) gets the call to investigate the murder of Teddy Leikman, the homosexual son of a department store mogul. Leland scores a confession from Teddy’s roommate, and the case is open-and-shut … or is it? Later, Leland uncovers other evidence implicating a corrupt New York City political machine. Lee Remick, Jack Klugman and Lloyd Bochner co-star. Gordon Douglas directs.
Also, Mister D, thank you for posting tidbits from Bette’s previous movies! I just had to see Stella, Outrageous Fortune and Big Business over the weekend. I forgot (a young) Ben Stiller was in Stella (and hottie William McNamara), and the movie was deeply underappreciated, as was Big Business–what terrific acting from Bette and Lily–and so sharply written!! These movies were gems. Disney should have really renewed Bette’s contract with them big time. These films are classics!!
I want to check out that movie now….and probably will. I’m glad you like the history stuff….it’s what I have to do when Bette’s not doing anything…..but it always makes me appreciate her more!
At what time in the timeline of the movie is she cause i’m goin nuts trying to find her in the crowds and party scenes
Don’t go too crazy looking for her Kat cause her scene could have been cut or she’s just too embedded in the scene. I don’t think all those reporters are right, but someone said it was a party scene, One Bettehead said this was one of her favorite movies and she has never seen Bette in it.Guess maybe I’ll try and see if i can find her….I just have my doubts. She’s also listed as being in Goodbye, Colubus but her scene was cut….it was at a bridal party….
I’ve gone through pausing constantly in party scenes and crowds but a lot of the background becomes blurry. Anyway never mind if anyone ever does discover if she is actually in the final cut and where she is i hope they let us know, it wasn’t a bad movie quite racey for it’s time. How’s your health?
Yeah if I or anybody else sees her I’ll definitely post about it….my health is getting better…thanks so much for asking! xx D