Bootleg Betty
Video: BTQ7 Brisbane The Bette Midler Special! Promo & Overview
By Mister D
Sept. 23, 2026
![Female dancer in a beaded bikini and pearl strands performs on a colorful stage with floral decorations, arms raised.] ,](https://bootlegbetty.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MV5BMTQxMjExNDY0MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMjE5OTU2_V1_QL75_UX288_-1.jpg "Mv5bmtqxmjexndy0mv5bml5banbnxkftztywmje5otu2_v1_ql75_ux288_ 1 - bootleg betty")
Bette Midler’s Ol’ Red Hair Is Back is her first-ever major network TV special, aired in 1977 — a campy, cleaned?up, Emmy?winning snapshot of the Divine Miss M at the height of her mid?’70s powers.
What Ol’ Red Hair Is Back Is
A 60?minute CBS variety special blending comedy, music, character bits, and theatrical spectacle. It’s essentially a toned?down TV version of Bette & The Harlettes’ mid?’70s stage act, adapted for primetime sensibilities.
The title riffs on Frank Sinatra’s album Ol’ Blue Eyes Is Back — a wink at Bette’s own return to television.
Premiere & Format
Premiere: December 7, 1977 (U.S.)
Runtime: 60 minutes
Network: CBS
Director: Dwight Hemion
Writers: Jerry Blatt, Tom Eyen, Buz Kohan, Bruce Vilanch, Pat McCormick, Rod Warren, and Bette herself.
Performances & Musical Highlights
The special features “cleaned?up” versions of songs from her early career through Broken Blossom.
Key numbers include:
“Oklahoma!” — her iconic giant clam?shell entrance.
“Do You Want to Dance?” ? “Higher and Higher” — a breathless transition fans still rave about.
“Hello in There” — one of the most praised performances.
“Shiver Me Timbers”
“Friends”
Guest Stars
Dustin Hoffman — performs “Shooting the Breeze,” with music by Hoffman and lyrics by Midler.
Emmett Kelly — the legendary sad clown.
The Harlettes: Sharon Redd, Merle Miller, Robin Green.
Awards
The special won two Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Special — Comedy, Variety or Music, marking Bette’s first Emmy win.
Why It Matters
It’s the first time mainstream America saw Bette’s stage persona translated for network TV.
It captures the classic Harlettes lineup before later changes.
It shows Bette balancing camp, comedy, and powerhouse vocals in a format that cemented her national stardom.
It’s a key artifact in her artistic evolution — bridging her bawdy club roots with her emerging mainstream fame.
Choice Trivia (verified)
The special was significantly toned down compared to her live act — but still pushed boundaries with jokes about American morality.
The giant clam shell entrance became one of her most iconic TV moments.
The broadcast included a promo for her album Broken Blossom — a fun collector’s detail.
The title’s Sinatra parody signaled Bette’s cheeky, self?aware branding.
