In an Oscar-nominated performance, Bette Midler portays a rock star whose success is laced with so much booze, drugs and hard-living, it eventually causes her downfall. Trapped in a self-created hell Rose begs her manager (Alan Bates) for time off from her concert tour. When he refuses, she seeks compfort and love in the arms of a handsome driffter (Frederic Forrest), but even he cannot handle her life of excess. Electrifying musical numbers, including the hit song "The Rose" make the film a pop culture classic.