In 1980, the head usher at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium gives his crew a pep talk: he wants tonight's "Betty Midler" show to go smoothly. He's a little worried about risque language, ...
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Title: Divine Madness (1980)
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Nominated for
1
Golden Globe.
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Edit
Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Bette Midler | ... | Herself / The Divine Miss M | |
 |
Jocelyn Brown | ... | The Harlettes |
|
|
Ula Hedwig | ... | The Harlettes |
|
|
Diva Gray | ... | The Harlettes |
|
|
Irving Sudrow | ... | Head Usher |
|
|
Tony Berg | ... | Band Vocals |
|
|
Jon Bonine | ... | Band Vocals |
|
|
Joey Carbone | ... | Band Vocals |
| Randy Kerber | ... | Band Vocals | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Storyline
In 1980, the head usher at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium gives his crew a pep talk: he wants tonight's "Betty Midler" show to go smoothly. He's a little worried about risque language, Liberace recently gave him a scare. Then, boom, there she is, with her backup trio, "The Harlettes," going from rock to ballad to medley, from "Big Noise From Winnetka" to "I Shall Be Released." It's a concentration of camp: she imitates Sophie Tucker, she's mermaid Dolores Delago, and between every song, it's non-stop movement and lots of raunchy patter. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Taglines:
A national treasure chest See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
26 September 1980 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Divina Loucura See more »Filming Locations:
Pasadena Civic Auditorium - 300 E. Green Street, Pasadena, California, USA See more »Edit
Box Office
Opening Weekend USA:
$769,787, 28 September 1980Gross USA:
$5,318,098Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$5,318,098Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The cover of the live recording soundtrack taken from this concert movie features Bette Midler pictured as part of the Mount Rushmore monument. Moreover, Midler is seen on one of the movie posters as a mermaid (Delores DeLago). See more »Alternate Versions
Home video version does not include two songs, "Rainbow Sleeve" and "Shiver Me Timbers", which were heard in the theatrical version. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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Right on the heels of the smash success of "The Rose," "Divine Madness" is Bette in concert - but not the usual Bette in concert up to that point. This is rock and roll, with even some punk rock thrown in ("Paradise") that couldn't have been better nailed if the Sex-Pistols themselves did it. Bette wails on Bob Seger's "Fire Down Below" and blows the roof off the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. Ironically, Bette had the flu when this was filmed, and doesn't like the sound quality of it. Still, "Stay With Me" rips your heart out. Her cover of the Stones' "You Can't Always Get What You Want" mixes with Dylan's "I Shall Be Released" perfectly. And of course, plenty of biting Midler language, vulgarities, and enough camp to keep everyone happy. Anyone questioning whether Midler should be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this concert alone answers a resounding YES.