Alright... so you wanna know about the films eh?
First off there's a chart for quick reference available, if you only want a quick answer to a nagging question as to what the characters name was in such and such a movie (go the the films Quick Ref page.)
On this page there are some writeups and synopsis' of the movies where available.
Don't forget that slowly but surely most of these films will end up having their OWN pages with background information etc. Until that time, this page will remain up. Be sure to check back though, and look on the menu bar for the DITD movie pages (already there are Gypsy, Beaches, and The Rose completed)
The comments italicized are those which I got either off the backs of the video cases or from an online store with writeups.
The second set are mine, my opinions, reviews, and comments. So grab your popcorn, we're going to the movies!
Guide to Divine Films

1966 Hawaii
"An epic film adapted from Michener's historical novel that depicts the tropical islands in the early part of the 19th century. A Protestant missionary from New England ministers to the native Hawaiians with the help of his devoted wife. He is tested through the years by natural disasters, the clash between European and native cultures, and the visits of a seafaring rival for his wife's affections."
Bette plays a bit part in this movie as a seasick passenger. Her first screen appearance.
1971 The Thorn
In her film debut, Bette Midler portrays the Virgin Mary in a biting satire of the commercialization of religion. Definately a low budget production. Originally titled "The Greatest Story Ever Told" this movie was retitled to "The Divine Mr. J." once she became "The Divine Miss M" and again to "The Thorn" once "the Rose" became a huge hit. This film is not mentioned in any of the official filmography lists, but was referred to in "View from A Broad" by Ms. M herself. It's kind of a low budget Saturday Night Live meets home movie. Very hard to find out there.
1976 The Bette Midler Show
An AMAZING concert video in true Divine fashion. Non stop from beginning to end, with all the outrageous costumes and staging we've come to know her for. This concert was filmed over 2 nights in Cleaveland and is the movie to which her double album "Live at Last" is the soundtrack.
However what is missing is a great scene with the Harlettes singing "Roll Me Through the Rushes", which was cut when it was released to VHS and probably there were more cuts as well. I've never seen the complete HBO special uncut.
1979 The Rose
"Taking a bleak look at the downside of the music industry, "The Rose" chronicles the precipitous fall of a fictional rock and roll diva. Pulled down by raging alcoholism and drug addiction, Rose's career deteriorates to the point of complete self destruction. Includes several raw, emotionally plangent song performances by Bette Midler, who does a real star turn here in her first leading role."
This is the film where most of the world saw Bette for the first time. Her performance is amazing, and captivating. It earned her a much deserved Oscar nomination. The music is so powerful, and the soundtrack is an asset to any Divine Collection.
1980 Bette Midler: Divine Madness
"Self-defined diva Bette Midler performs her take on comedy and perverse pop music in this concert performance at Pasadena's Civic Auditorium, with The Harlettes and Luther Vandross."
There are some slower places in this concert video.. but her energy is there and her jokes are hilarious. This is to a sold out crowd in Pasadena. Ms. Midler never stops moving. Check out the visitations of Delores and Soph. Only down part is that Ms. M has a severe case of bronchitis, so you have to feel for the Diva! It's evident in the music however I think it gives it a raw sound to the songs, and is a testament to the trooper she really is.
Scenes were also cut from this performance that were shown when it was aired on HBO. The scenes include "Rainbow Sleeve" and "Mothers Eyes".
1982 Jinxed
"A comedy about a casino gambler in the fictitious city of Loserville, USA, who becomes the victim of a ruthless gambler. Jinxed is a black comedy about a Las Vegas lounge singer, the lout she lives with, and a young blackjack dealer the lout has managed to jinx at his own table."
This movie, though it recieved alot of bad press has some great moments in it, and some really neat songs that were never put to record. I think the scenes near the end of the film are hilarious, showing Ms. M's ability for physical comedy.
Art or Bust
Bette Midler performs live at the University of Minnesota. Set against a renaissance art background, the program features "The Divine Miss M" in a variety of colorful costumes. Titles featured include "The Rose," as well as songs from her latest album, "No Frills."
YOU DON'T WANNA MISS the number "Pretty Legs and Great Big Knockers"
If you are looking to buy this item, it was released first in 82 min. format and then cut and re released as a 60 minute tape. If you can find the 82 minute one, it's very rare!
1986 Ruthless People
"Two kidnappers discover, to their shock, that the husband of the wealthy woman they've snatched won't pay the ransom; in fact, he's thrilled they've taken her away! And before too long the abductors understand why: their captive, who harangues them with a never-ending stream of abuse, is more trouble than she's worth. But as they get to know her, and learn more about her husband, it dawns on the kidnappers that he's no treasure either -- and that getting abducted may be the best thing that's happened to their victim in a long time. "
The "DREAM" team, Ms. M and Danny Devito, in their first of many projects together. The two of them are absolutely perfect playing husband and wife, lovers, or enemies. "I've been kidnapped by K-MART!" Don't miss this film, where it all began.
1986 Down and Out In Beverly Hills
"A successful hanger manufacturer fishes a homeless man out of his swimming pool. In a fit of uncommmon generousity, Dave Whiteman invites the man into his home. With a frustrated wife, an unhappy mistress/maid, a sickly daughter, an effeminate son and a depressed dog, the Whiteman household is fair from functional family. The bum injects a jolt of energy into the sterile Beverly Hills family, thrilling them, disappointing them and ultimately showing what it means to be a family."
This was my the first Bette movie I ever saw. I remember renting it one night with a bunch of friends. We were about 12 at the time it came out. I remember the laughter. Been hooked on Bette ever since and will never cease to smile when I hear. "CALL 911, CALL 911"
1987 Outrageous Fortune
"Two would-be actresses, one serious about her craft but unable to get a job, the other brash and perfectly willing to act in porno films to make the rent, join an acting class given by a world-renowned Russian. They discover, to their outrage, that they are sleeping with the same man and, because of his him, become embroiled in an international spy caper."
This film teams up hilarious Shelley Long with Bette. And is one laugh after another, filled with some great physical comedy and one liners.
1988 Big Business
"Two pairs of identical twins are accidentally switched at birth and end up living very different lives. One pair grows up in bucolic Jupiter Hollow, while the other two are raised in New York City and become powerful business women. The four eventually reunite in the monumental Plaza Hotel when they take opposite sides in a battle to control the future of the Moramax Corporation and tiny Jupiter Hollow. The rest of the film is fueled by the comedy generated by an extended series of misunderstandings based on two cases of mistaken identity. Double your pleasure; double your fun."
If you are in need of some laughter, this is a must see. Bette AND Lily Tomlin together. What genius in casting. Great performances by both of them. Complete with yoddling, pigs, mini-golf, and F.A.O Schwartz. "It's ME with a bad hair cut!" Definately a must see.
1988 Bette Midler's Mondo Beyondo
"In this spoof of a television talk show, Midler portrays the Italian bombshell hostess, Mondo Beyondo. Her guests include monologuist David Cale; Bill Irwin, mime, comedian and clown; and the bizarre Kipper Kids."
This one hour HBO special, I admit was not what I expected. Miss M is hilarious as Mondo, however, the segments featured in here were bizarre. This film was meant to showcase some artists work, not the conventional painting or music, but modern performance art. A pet project of both her and Martin. Check out the Kipper Kids closely. Her hubby Martin is one of them!!
1988 Beaches
The story of a deep friendship, lasting from childhood to beyond death, between two very different women -- one a poor but ambitious Jewish girl from the Bronx who goes on to become a famous Broadway star, and the other an attractive WASP from a wealthy San Francisco family who starts out with all the advantages in life yet manages to find nothing but disappointment."
This movie is about the kind of long and lasting friendships that we all hope to find at least once in our lives. This movie made me more aware of the friends I did have, and how lucky I was to have them. Of course, the song Wind Beneath My Wings came out of this film. One of my favorite films.
1988 Oliver & Company
This animated Disney film, loosely based on Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist," revolves around a cute orphaned kitten named Oliver, who is given shelter by a streetwise gang of dogs. A human beggar named Fagin does his best to provide for these homeless (and tuneful) animals. But Fagin has a problem: he owes the wicked loan shark Sykes a lot of dough, and has only three days in which to cough it up. Oliver and the pooches take it upon themselves to help Fagin out of the doghouse. Meanwhile, Oliver is adopted by a lonely (and rich) girl named Jenny -- who Sykes later kidnaps. Can Oliver and his canine cohorts find a way to save both Fagin and Jenny?
With every child I've shown this to over the years the reaction is the same. The music is GREAT and the story is wonderful. Young and older will definately find this great!
1989 Stella
Bette Midler stars in the title role of "Stella," a 1990's update of two previous tearjerkers. Brassy barmaid Stella Claire charms the pants off blueblood Stephen Dallas, and eventually they have a child. Because of their different values and personalities, Stella and Stephen do not marry. She, however, decides to raise their daughter, Jenny, by herself. Although the feisty mother and Jenny have a warm, if sometimes tense, relationship, Stella realizes she must give away her girl to a wealthy man if Jenny is to enjoy all that life has to offer. This, however, would mean parting company with her lovely daughter. Can Stella go through will her plan?
A mother's love can sometimes be tough on both mother and daughter. This is a great a single mother, trying to give her daughter all that she didn't have herself, no matter what the cost to her own happiness.
1991 Scenes From A Mall
Deborah, the author of a self-help book about marriage, has been wed to successful lawyer Nick for 16 years. To celebrate their anniversary, they decide to embark on a spending spree at the Beverly Center mall. But while there, each makes a startling revelation that rocks their marriage. Nick, following advice from his wife's book, kicks things off by announcing he's been having an affair. Deborah, staggered by the news, rebounds by requesting a divorce. The spoiled couple reconciles -- until the author admits that she's been unfaithful herself. Can this marriage be saved?
Okay... out of all of these films, I have to say this is the one that is my least favorite. It didn't seem to go anywhere, and even Bette couldn't save the film. It seemed to drag on, and on. The synopsis above is pretty much the entire movie, no real surprises. Woody Allen makes some attempts at humor which fall short of the mark. Perhaps I just don't "get" Allen's sense of funny....
1991 For The Boys
A lavish musical melodrama chronicling the career of a popular USO singer and her partner, a seductive comedian as notorious for his roving eye as he is for his jokes. The pair team up for a USO revue in London 1942, and though they quarrel offstage, onstage they're the perfect couple. They remain together fifty years, weathering two more wars, broken marriages, and personal tragedies
 This is one of my favorites. The music is awesome. And Bette's transformations from young to old are amazing, and go much further then just the makeup! This movie has every emotion in it, and it able to pull them out of you. The Academy screwed up when they missed giving her the Academy Award she was nominated for!!
1992 Shelley Duvall's Bedtime Stories - V. 1
Delightfully animated versions of the following two popular children's books: "Elbert's Bad Word" narrated by Ringo Starr, written by Audrey Wood and illustrated by Audrey and Don Wood. "Weird Parents" narrated by Bette Midler, based upon the book written by Audrey Wood.
1993 Hocus Pocus
In 1693, the citizens of Salem, Massachusetts go into a frenzy when they discover that 3 among them -- Winifred, Sarah and Mary Sanderson -- are witches. Fearing their pagan villainy, the community agrees to hang the old hags. But head sorceress Winifred vows they'll come back to life one day and seek vengeance. 300 years later, Max, a cynical teenager stuck chaperoning his kid sister as she goes trick-or-treating, is spotted by classmate-dream girl Allison. In order to impress her, Max lures them into the Sanderson sisters' house where they accidentally bring the wretched shrews back to life. The witches now have one night to renew their life force -- or they'll disappear forever. Can the kids stop them from achieving their nasty purposes?
 Okay.. I thought I'd seen everything, but Bette, this one takes the cake! I have never laughed so hard. It's aimed at a younger audience obviously, however, the humor is great. The trio of Bette, Kathy Najimy and Sarah Jessica Parker are perfectly matched. As well the makeup seems to transform these three ladies completely into character. They make a great movie and make it look FUN. Great lines that stay with you ... "Amok! Amok! Amok!" and Bette as Winnifred "I've always wanted children..and tonight I'm going to have some----ON TOAST!"
1993 Gypsy
A three-hour, made-for-TV version of the Jule Styne/Stephen Sondheim Broadway musical. Vaudeville stage mother Mama Rose fulfills her lust for stardom vicariously through her two daughters -- one an actress, the other notorious stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.
Sondheim's lyrics and the Divine Miss M, could mean a dou nothing short of fantastic. Bette steps into a role played by such broadway greats as Ethel Merman, Tyne Daly & Angela Lansbury and does an AMAZING job. Her voice, her presence is awesome on that stage.
1993 Earth and the American Dream
Everyone who has been in the movies or on a sitcom in the late 80's and early 90's appears in this video. Promoting the 3 R's, it stars Ms. M as Mother Earth, dying from pollution and abuse that we the people of the planet have inflicted. It is a great effort on behalf of the entertainment industry to get the audiences out there to LISTEN and to start taking care of our environment. While James Brolin plays doctor to Ms. M's Mother Earth, Barbra Streisand puts in an appearance singing the closing song.
1995 Get Shorty
Trash movie producer and 70's throwback Harry Zimm -- helmer of such flops as "Grotesque" and "Slime People" -- is in for $150,000 to loan shark Chili Palmer. But this is Harry's lucky day, because Chili is a film buff, and has his sights on producing movies. And as everyone knows, the best background for the motion picture industry is the criminal underworld. So now Harry and Chili have become partners, and with help from "scream queen" Karen Flores, the producers set out to shanghai superstar -- and Karen's ex-husband -- Martin Weir into their project. However, Chili's not the only mobster wanting to turn producer. It seems that a thug named Bo Catlett, another of Harry's lenders, also wants a piece of the action.
1996 First Wives Club
Three former college chums -- vain Elise, brassy Brenda and wimpy Annie -- reunite after the death of a friend. Soon, the ladies discover that they've all been recently dumped by their smarmy husbands for younger, nubile women. The neurotic trio decide to band together and seek vengeance, using such bureaucratic methods as the IRS and the legal system. But their dogged efforts lead the femmes to break laws themselves. Lots of them. So will revenge be sweet for these first wives? Or will they land in the slammer instead?
Bette Midler, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton, playing a trio of vengful ex- wives, nothing but PURE entertainment. Hilarious, and a great version of "You Don't Own Me" sung by the trio near the end of the film. Also includes Stockard Channing (Rizzo from "Grease") in the beginning playing another college chum.
A movie promoting female power!! Women can do anything when the neccessity arises, and will stop at nothing to get back what they want
1997 That Old Feeling
When an inimically divorced couple meets up again at the formal wedding of their somewhat humiliated daughter, their animosity is rekindled on sight. But that spark quickly snowballs into an old flame, as the energies they expend on insults and other inflammatory incivilities quickly translates into a burning passion.
 I loved this film! This is the closest I've seen short of a concert video, to the bubbly, funny, personality Bette brings forth on stage. Her smile in this movie is amazing (but then who wouldn't be smiling if they were her in this movie??) True love never really dies, even when everything that could go wrong with it does. Some people are just meant to be together. I left this film with a great feeling and a smile on my face. Definately worth seeing!
1997 Bette Midler: an Intimate Portrait
An intimate portrait of comedic genius and passionate songstress Bette Midler.
This biography is narrated by Barbara Hershey, and is an amazing look at the Divine Miss M. Along with input from Bette herself. It's a great look at life, and career. Best one I've seen to date.
1999 Get Bruce
This is a hilarious look at Bruce Vilanch and his talent at creating comedy. There are so many Celebs on here talking about Bruce. Of Course, the Divine Bette Midler, Billy Crystal, WHoopi Goldberg, Lily Tomlin to name a few. He's been writing material for Ms. Midler for years, but also writes for some of the biggest events in Hollywood, including Oscars, Grammys and the Emmys to name but a few! If you want to laugh, this is a great way to start!
1999 Fantasia 2000
This film is a new film to accompany it's predecessor from 1940. Animation set to some classic and beautiful music. It comes no where near as good at the original, (but who can match the Magician's Apprentice?) however it does have it's moments. The music is performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and is interspersed with intros by celebs, including Bette Midler, Steve Martin, Itzhak Perlman, and James Earl Jones.
2000 Isn't She Great
An unsuccessful over-the-top actress becomes a successful over-the-top authoress in this biography of Jacqueline Susann, the famed writer of "The Valley Of The Dolls" and other trashy novels. The story shows the hidden behind the scenes story of Susan's life, including her autistic son and her continuing bout with cancer that she hid up to her death.
This film wasn't one of my favorites, Ms. M did a great job with what she had to work with. I just couldn't buy Nathan Lane in this film or get into it. Having read biographies of Ms Susann and her books, I just felt there could have been alot more meat to the movie, it barely skimmed the surface and couldn't decide whether it was a comedy or a drama. It was dissappointing considering the talent, they just couldn't overcome the script. Cast includes: Bette Midler, Nathan Lane, David Hyde Pierce and Stockard Channing.
2000 Drowning Mona
After years of driving the town crazy mona dearly drove herself into a river. Now the chief of police finds himself drowning in suspects. The big mystery isnt who would want to see mona dead but who wouldnt.
This flick reminds me so much of comedy of the 80's. It's got such a cast. It's good for a laugh or two. But Ms. M isn't in it much at all. Cast includes; Danny Devito, Neve Campbell, Jamie Lee Curtis to name a few.
2000 What Women Want
After an accident a chauvenistic executive gains the ability to hear what women are really thinking
MS. M plays a small role as Dr. JM Perkins, that is good for a laugh.
The Stepford Wives
Walter (Broderick) and Joanna (Kidman) Eberhart are the newest residents in a suburban neighborhood in Stepford. Seeing that the women she surrounds herself with all seem to be cut from the same mold, and are seemingly incapable of thinking for themselves, Joanna begins to think something suspicious is going on in Stepford. Upon realizing that her friends have been replaced by robots and that she's next on the list, Joanna and Walter decide to turn the tables and expose the truth about what's really been going on in Stepford.
This flick is much lighter than the original, and it's alright. I have to say Ms. M adds some great one liners to the show. Perfect form for her.
2004 The Divine Bette Midler
Full of revealing interviews with Bette Midler and her closest friends and associates, The Divine Bette Midler offers an extraordinary and intimate look at Bette's amazing creative and personal journey, from being the only Jewish kid in her neighborhood in Hawaii to reaching superstar status in almost all areas of show business. This revealing account of her life, which premiered as an A&E Biography in 2004, is a must for the Divine Miss M's many fans.
This is a great biography. If you are a fan, you MUST get this one! It's a full length journey into the life of the Divine Miss M.
2008 Then She Found Me
An all-star cast with memorable performances by Helen Hunt, Matthew Broderick, Bette Midler and Colin Firth powers this smart, funny drama about love and destiny. Desperate to start a family, schoolteacher April Epner (Hunt) is thrown into confusion when she is unexpectedly abandoned by her husband (Broderick). She gets another shock when she meets her unusual birth mother (Midler), a self-centered talk show host who's not exactly the ideal mom. At first she rejects her, along with the attentions of a divorced dad (Firth), but then she begins to find her life opening up in ways she had never imagined.
When I read the book, I knew the part was perfect for Ms. M to play. The book could not have been easy to translate into a screenplay, and so I thought the job that was done was good. I just wish that they had taken some of the scenes a few steps further. I felt there should have been some of those heartwrenching moments that leave you as the viewer blinking back tears, but they didn't quite get there.
2008 The Women
A wealthy New Yorker leaves her cheating husband and bonds with other society women at a resort
So many amazing women in this cast. Cast includes; Bette Midler, Annette Bening, Meg Ryan, Eva Mendes, Debra Messing, Jada Pinkett Smith, Candice Bergen, Carrie Fisher, and Cloris Leachman. Even Joanna Gleason has a role (she played Connie on "BETTE"). MS M's part is far too small. This is a remake of a classic film made in 1939 that stared the likes of ROsalind Russell, Joan Crawford, Mary Boloand, Norma Shearer to name a few.