Bootleg Betty
The Rose — 47th Anniversary of Bette Midler’s Film
By Mister D
November 7, 2026
The Rose (1979): Bette Midler’s Explosive Film Debut
The Rose is a 1979 musical drama directed by Mark Rydell and starring Bette Midler in her first feature-film role. Moreover, Midler plays Mary Rose Foster, a wildly successful but deeply troubled rock star battling fatigue, addiction, loneliness, and the pressures of fame. The character was loosely inspired by Janis Joplin, although the film ultimately became a fictional story after Joplin’s family declined to authorize a true biographical film.
The Rose was both a critical and commercial success, earning approximately $29.2 million domestically.
Additionally, it faced a reported budget of about $9.3 million.
For many fans, The Rose remains one of Midler’s greatest performances because it captures both her powerhouse singing and her dramatic acting abilities in the same role. The title song, “The Rose,” became one of her signature recordings.
Awards and Nominations
Academy Awards (1980)
The Rose received 4 Oscar nominations:
Best Actress – Bette Midler (Nomination)
Best Supporting Actor – Frederic Forrest (Nomination)
Best Film Editing (Nomination)
Best Sound (Nomination)
Notably, Midler earned an Oscar nomination for her very first film performance.
Golden Globe Awards (1980)
The film earned 5 Golden Globe nominations and won 3 awards.
Wins
Best Actress in a Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy) – Bette Midler
New Star of the Year (Actress) – Bette Midler
Best Original Song – “The Rose” (Amanda McBroom)
Nominations
Best Motion Picture (Musical or Comedy)
Best Supporting Actor – Frederic Forrest
BAFTA Awards
Best Actress – Bette Midler (Nomination)
Best Sound (Nomination)
Other Honors
Frederic Forrest won the National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Midler placed third in National Society of Film Critics voting for Best Actress and was runner-up for Best Actress with the New York Film Critics Circle.
Fascinating Trivia
Originally called Pearl
The project began as a Janis Joplin biopic titled Pearl, named after Joplin’s nickname and final album. After the rights issue, the script was revised into a fictional story.
Bette’s Screen Debut
This was Midler’s first feature film. Remarkably, she landed an Oscar nomination on her very first try.
Months of Physical Preparation
Midler trained extensively before filming, including gymnastics and movement work, to develop the physicality of a rock star. She later recalled practicing for months to achieve Rose’s dynamic stage presence.
Janis Joplin Connection
Producer Paul A. Rothchild, who had produced Joplin’s final album Pearl, also produced the soundtrack for The Rose.
One of Midler’s Signature Songs
Although written by Amanda McBroom, “The Rose” became one of Midler’s most enduring hits and won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song.
A Career-Defining Performance
The film established Midler as much more than a recording artist and launched her decades-long film career, which would later include Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Beaches, The First Wives Club, and Hocus Pocus. Her performance in The Rose is still widely regarded as one of the strongest acting debuts by a singer-turned-actress.
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