| Title: The Rose Artist: Bette Midler Movie: The Rose | |||
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The Rose (film)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Rose is a 1979 musical-drama film which tells the story of a self-destructive 1960s rock star who struggles to cope with the constant pressures of her career and the demands of her ruthless business manager. The film stars Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest, Harry Dean Stanton, Barry Primus, and David Keith.
The story is loosely based on the life of Janis Joplin. It was written by Michael Cimino and Bo Goldman from a story by Bill Kerby, and directed by Mark Rydell.
The Rose was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Frederic Forrest), Best Actress in a Leading Role (Bette Midler, in her screen debut), Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
Tagline: She gave and gave, until she had nothing left to give
Plot
In 1969, Mary Rose Foster is a famous rock 'n' roll diva known as The Rose. Although a success, she is burnt out and lonely but is kept working by her gruff, greedy manager and promoter Rudge Campbell. Though loud and brassy, Rose is an insecure alcoholic and former drug user who seems to crave approval in her life. As such, she is determined to return to her hometown, now as a superstar. After being humiliated by a country singing star named Billy Ray whose songs she performs in her show, Rose takes off with a limousine driver named Houston Dyer and begins a romance with him. They hang out at a nightclub, where Rose used to perform, only for her to sing with a bunch of female impersonators.
Rudge thinks Houston is just another hanger on, but Rose thinks she has finally met her true love. Houston tells her that he is actually an AWOL sergeant from the Army, and she tells him of her past in Florida. They have a rocky relationship and her lifestyle of "Drugs, Sex, and Rock & Roll" and constant touring lead her to an inevitable breakdown. The final act that breaks them apart is him witnessing her passionately kissing her former lesbian lover Sarah Willingham. In the film's ending, Rose collapses on stage from a fatal drug overdose in the opening minutes of her long-awaited homecoming concert in Florida.
Cast
Bette Midler as Mary Rose Foster (The Rose)
Alan Bates as Rudge Campbell
Frederic Forrest as Huston Dyer
Harry Dean Stanton as Billy Ray
Barry Primus as Dennis
David Keith as Pfc. Mal
Will Hare as Mr. Leonard
James Keane as Sam
Doris Roberts as Mrs. Roberts
Alan Bates as Rudge Campbell
Frederic Forrest as Huston Dyer
Harry Dean Stanton as Billy Ray
Barry Primus as Dennis
David Keith as Pfc. Mal
Will Hare as Mr. Leonard
James Keane as Sam
Doris Roberts as Mrs. Roberts
Production
The film was originally offered to Ken Russell, who chose instead to direct Valentino. Russell has described this decision as the biggest mistake of his career.[1]
References
