The Rose

The Rose is a 1979 American film directed by Mark Rydell and starring Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest, Harry Dean Stanton, Barry Primus, and David Keith. It is loosely based on the life of Janis Joplin. The film was nominated for four Oscars, for Best Leading Actress (Bette Midler), Best Supporting Actor (Frederick Forrest), Best Sound, and Best Editing.

Plot

Mary Rose (Bette Midler) is a rock singer who goes from concert to concert. Her success skyrockets and she falls into alcohol and drug use. Her health suffers in such a way that in one of her performances the inevitable happens.

Cast

• Bette Midler: Mary Rose Foster (The Rose).
• Alan Bates: Rudge Campbell.
• Frederic Forrest: Houston Dyer.
• Harry Dean Stanton: Billy Ray.
• Barry Primus: Dennis.
• David Keith: Pfc. Evil
• Sandra McCabe like Sarah Willingham.
• Will Hare: Mr. Leonard
• James Keane: Sam.
• Doris Roberts: Mrs. Foster
• Danny Weis: Danny, The Rose Band Guitar.

Production

The film was originally offered to Ken Russell. Russell has described this decision as the biggest mistake of his career, as he opted to direct another film. At one point, Michael Cimino was also slated to direct, but chose to direct Heaven's Gate instead. However, Cimino made uncredited contributions to the script.

Casting

Suzy Williams was originally offered the lead role, but turned it down for personal reasons and suggested it to Bette Midler who eventually convinced the cast to be the one to win the role.

Filming

The Rose was completed in time for a scheduled April 1979 release; however, 20th Century-Fox decided to postpone the release until the fall of 1979: (Mark Rydell quote:) "[at] Easter time... the public seems to like frothy movies".

Reception

Criticism

The Rose has a rating of 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 21 reviews.

The film opened in New York City on Wednesday, November 7, 1979, and grossed $793,063 in its opening weekend on 44 screens, the second-highest-grossing opening weekend on less than 50 screens behind from Star Wars (1977). The film grossed $29.2 million in the United States and Canada.

Awards and nominations