The Rose

Synopsis

Bette Midler plays The Rose, a female rock star strikingly similar to Janis Joplin. This movie follows Rose's career during her last tour, as she's determined to return to her Florida hometown. Although a success, she's exhausted and lonely, but is forced to continue working by her gruff and greedy manager. Though loud and brassy, Rose is an insecure alcoholic, and former drug user, who seems to crave approval in her life. She begins a romance with a limousine driver, who is actually an A.W.O.L. Sergeant from the US Army. Her musician lifestyle of "sex, drugs, and rock & roll", along with the constant touring, leads her to an inevitable breakdown. —R. John Berggren