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The Bette Midler Show--1977--Three Stars out of Four
Bette's first HBO special, this covers most of the stuff on her double live disk, 'Live at Last', although this one was not re-dubbed vocally as the CD was. The result is a less-impressive sounding Bette. She maintains such high energy, throughout the entire evening, however, that it's hard to notice a borderline note when you're mesmorized. She is sassy, smart and unrefined in this hour special. Some of the better bits are her hillarious opening song and remarks, the Vicki Edye show, a soulfoul 'Delta Dawn', and a high energy three song closer, a dazzling 'Up The Ladder to The Roof', 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' and 'Friends'. Not all the stuff from the album made it to the special, most notably the 'Nannette' bar barroom segment. This special is very hard to come by, but it is occasionally available to buy at www.ebay.com along with many of Bette's rare videos.
Ol' Red Hair Is Back--1977--Three and a Half Stars out of Four
Bette's first, and to this point only, network television special. She cleaned up most of her touring show and brought new Nixon jokes and a beautiful new song written by her and Dustin Hoffman, who appears in the special. Also included is a poignant version of her trademark 'Hello in There' with added sentimentality by clown Ehmet Kelly's drooping lonliness met by Bette's open arms. The best segment is with Dustin Hoffman, however, who first chats with Bette about a song they'd written, called 'Shoot The Breeze', which they then perform, Dustin on piano. Then as Bette intends to sing 'La Vie En Rose' as they dance into the silhouetted sunset, Dustin exclaims his understanding that he would be allowed to play a classical solo,a Rachmanninov Prelude in C Minor. Bette protests, and a mock fight ensues, and a defiant Dustin sits down and begins to play as Bette begins ripping his clothes off, and puts him in a tuxedo, while he still plays. After he is finished, they open arms and dance as Bette sings 'La Vie En Rose'. The special was a smash for NBC, which leaves us wondering why it was never followed with another.
Art or Bust--1984--Three and a half Stars out of Four
Bette's new wave, sophisticated 1983-1984 De Tour was finally captured on film in an interesting way. It was something, and she displayed more talent than most entertainers could do in 12 specials. Bawdy and free, she let it all hang loose. A lot of the material was new, and a lot was from the album 'No Frills'. Beautiful versions of 'Stay With Me' and 'The Rose' over the end credits, and her never-ending energy make this a winner. Hard to find now, it's sometimes up for auction on e-bay.
More to come soon!
© 1997 ilovetopanga@excite.com
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