The Rose (1979): cast, story & where to watch

1979 · Film · ★ 6.7

The Rose poster

Released in 1979, The Rose is a drama, romance and music film directed by Mark Rydell, running about 125 minutes. “She gave and gave, until she had nothing left to give” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Rock-and-roll singer Mary Rose Foster's romantic relationships and mental health are continuously imperilled by the demands of life on the road.

Who’s in it. The Rose stars Bette Midler as Mary Rose Foster, Alan Bates as Rudge Campbell, Frederic Forrest as Huston Dyer and Harry Dean Stanton as Billy Ray, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, The Rose has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $29.2M at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Rose page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Rose tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Rose (1979)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Rose change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Rose worth watching?
The Rose holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, romance and music. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Rose?
The Rose stars Bette Midler, Alan Bates, Frederic Forrest, Harry Dean Stanton and Barry Primus.
When was The Rose released?
The Rose was released in 1979, with a runtime of about 125 minutes.