Irrepressible singer, actress, comedian, and all-around star Bette Midler has conquered the worlds of stage, screen, song, and television with her big, brassy voice and larger-than-life personality. Hailing from Honolulu, Hawaii, the diva got her start singing at a gay bathhouse in New York City, where she was accompanied on piano by nascent singer/songwriter Barry Manilow (who also produced her first album). Making her Broadway debut in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, Midler went on to wow audiences with her dramatic starring turn as a drug-addicted singer in the widely acclaimed feature film THE ROSE, which launched a successful acting career that included roles in DOWN AND OUT IN BEVERLY HILLS, RUTHLESS PEOPLE, and, of course, BEACHES, as well as a television production of GYPSY and her own sitcom BETTE. This documentary presents an intimate portrait of Bette Midler's long and varied showbiz career through a collection of film clips; television appearances; live performances (including footage from her KISS MY BRASS tour); reminiscences from friends and colleagues Manilow, Danny DeVito, and Bruce Villanch; and an exclusive interview with the Divine Miss M herself.

release year: 2005

star(s): Bette Midler