Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back 1977
"Bette's first major network special."
Step back to the disco-infused late 1970s with Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back (1977), the legendary comedienne and singer's trailblazing first network television special.
Director: Dwight Hemion
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back (1977) about?
This 1977 TV special marks Bette Midler's first major network appearance, blending music, comedy, and guest appearances in a polished format for TV audiences. It features her signature cabaret style, adapted for primetime with a mix of live performances and playful sketches.
Who directed Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back?
The special was directed by Dwight Hemion, a veteran of television variety shows known for his work on award-winning programs.
Who stars in Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back?
The special stars Bette Midler alongside Dustin Hoffman, Emmett Kelly, Sharon Redd, and Donald York.
Is Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back (1977) worth watching?
With its Emmy win and star-studded lineup, the special offers a nostalgic glimpse into Midler's early television career and her iconic performance style. Fans of classic variety shows and 1970s entertainment will find it particularly rewarding.
How long is Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back?
The special runs for 60 minutes.
About Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back (1977) — The Emmy-Winning TV Special That Started It All
Step back to the disco-infused late 1970s with Bette Midler: Ol' Red Hair Is Back (1977), the legendary comedienne and singer's trailblazing first network television special. Directed by Dwight Hemion, this Emmy-winning blend of music, comedy, and variety captures Midler at the peak of her cabaret-era charisma, offering sanitized yet sparkle-rich versions of her on-stage anthems for America's living rooms. Guest stars Dustin Hoffman and circus icon Emmett Kelly add star power to a show that balances playful irreverence with heartfelt performance, all tied together by Midler's signature mix of sass and soul. The title itself winks at Frank Sinatra's comeback album, signaling a new era for Midler and her devoted 'Red Shoes' fanbase.
Warm, witty, and brimming with the energy of a live revue, Ol' Red Hair Is Back is a time capsule of Midler's breakout television moment. It's a celebration of showmanship, where comedy sketches meet show-stopping vocals in a format crafted for mass appeal. The special's polished charm masks its origins in edgy, avant-garde nightclub routines, making it a fascinating snapshot of how Midler adapted her audacious stage persona for primetime audiences. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to Midler's world, this 60-minute gem offers a front-row seat to the birth of a television icon.