The Rose (film)


The Rose is a 1979 American 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 singer Janis Joplin. Originally titled Pearl, after Joplin's nickname which was also the title of her last album, the film was fictionalized after her family declined to allow the producers the rights to her story. It was written by Bill Kerby and Bo Goldman from a story by Kerby. It was directed by Mark Rydell.
The Rose was nominated for four Academy Awards including Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Film Editing and Best Sound.
Midler performed the soundtrack album for the film, and its title track became one of her biggest hit singles.

Plot

In late 1969, Mary Rose Foster is a famous rock and roll diva known as The Rose. In spite of her success, her personal life is lonely and exhausting. She is exploited and overworked 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 Huston Dyer and begins a romance with him. Rudge thinks Huston is just another hanger on, but Rose thinks she has finally met her true love. Huston 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 "Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll", constant touring, and Huston's jealousy over Rose's lesbian lover Sarah lead her to an inevitable breakdown at a tour stop in Memphis. Huston and Rose break up and she returns to her hometown of Jacksonville, Florida, with PFC Mal, whom she met in Texas, as a security escort, telling him about her past.
Arriving at the stadium for afternoon rehearsals for her concert, Rose repeats her intention to take a one-year break from performing, leading Rudge to tell her she will be in breach of contract and tells her she's fired. Dyer reappears and they realize that they can now leave and be together. She takes him on a tour of bars and music joints in her town. Their reunion ends when Rudge reaches her on their car phone and convinces her to return for the concert, causing Dyer to give up on her and leave town. Finally, Rose collapses on stage and dies in the opening minutes of her long-awaited homecoming concert.

Cast

Suzy Williams was originally offered the title role, but turned it down for personal reasons, instead suggesting it to Bette Midler.

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. At one point, Michael Cimino was also slated to direct, but he chose to direct Heaven's Gate instead. Cimino did, however, make uncredited contributions to the script.
The Rose was completed in time for a scheduled release in April 1979; however, 20th Century-Fox elected to postpone release til autumn 1979:" Easter time...the public seems to like frothy films."

Reception

The Rose has a 78% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 18 reviews.
The film opened in New York City on Wednesday, November 7, 1979 and grossed $793,063 in its opening weekend from 44 screens, the second highest-grossing opening weekend on under 50 screens behind Star Wars. The film went on to gross $29.2 million in the United States and Canada.

Awards and nominations

Others

The film is recognized by American Film Institute in these lists:
released the film on Blu-ray and DVD on May 19, 2015.