I have read that one of the reasons Midler's Rose did not turn out as well as expected is because the director, Emile Ardolino, was incredibly ill during the time of filming [and died of AIDS before the show was broadcast]. Also, have read that set reports indicated Ardolino was not physically well enough to truly direct Midler (and help rein her in/guide her--Midler may have been left to largely direct herself as a result, and not given her best performance to match her talent and ability).
Here is Bette, live, a while later, knocking it out of the park!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OX597DwMJc&ab_channel=You%27reGonnaLoveTomorrow |
