Bette Midler On Seeing The “Theater Of The Ridiculousness”: “I remember one girl came out as Waterfront Woman – you know, from the Josef von Sternberg movies, all in shadows except the face? His women were so mysterious, always getting on boats or disappearing on docks into the fog…

Bette Midler On Seeing The “Theater Of The Ridiculousness”: “I remember one girl came out as Waterfront Woman ”“ you know, from the Josef von Sternberg movies, all in shadows except the face? His women were so mysterious, always getting on boats or disappearing on docks into the fog. Oh I just fell in love with those images. I saw that show and I just went out shopping the next day. At the end of two weeks I was Waterfront Woman. I remember the first dress I bought ”“ it was red velvet floor length, cost me $5. But it didn’t fit so I had to hike it up in back with a brooch. Oh I just climbed into it right away.” (The Toronto Star, February 24, 1973)