How a fictionalized rock tragedy became Bette Midler's breakout performance in 1979

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Rose is a haunting musical drama that mirrors the life of Janis Joplin, though it began as a different project entirely. Starring Bette Midler in her screen debut, the film captures the brutal, self-destructive reality of fame, ultimately earning four Academy Award nominations and a lasting cultural legacy.

Originally titled Pearl—a nod to Janis Joplin’s nickname and final album—the film underwent significant changes after the Joplin family denied the producers rights to her life story. This forced a pivot, resulting in a fictionalized narrative about Mary Rose Foster, a rock diva struggling with the crushing weight of stardom in the late 1960s. The production faced its own behind-the-scenes drama; directors Ken Russell and Michael Cimino were both attached at various stages before Mark Rydell took the helm. Russell later famously called his decision to pass on the project the biggest mistake of his career.

Bette Midler’s casting was serendipitous, suggested by Suzy Williams after she turned down the role for personal reasons. Midler’s portrayal of the brassy, insecure, and substance-dependent Rose earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role. The film’s technical prowess was also recognized, with nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Frederic Forrest, as well as nods for film editing and sound. The soundtrack, performed by Midler, produced a title track that became one of her most iconic hit singles.

The film’s release was delayed from its original April 1979 slot because 20th Century-Fox believed the public preferred lighter fare during the Easter season. When it finally premiered in November 1979, it performed impressively, grossing nearly $800,000 on its opening weekend across 44 screens. While it received a mixed to positive critical reception, its legacy has proven durable. In 2015, the Criterion Collection gave the film a dedicated release, cementing its status as a quintessential portrait of the high-stakes, often tragic, nature of musical celebrity.

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