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Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

Country: USA, 43 mins

  • Director: Todd Haynes
  • Writer: Cynthia Schneider; Todd Haynes
  • Producer: Todd Haynes; Cynthia Schneider

CGiii Comment

Basically, this is where it all started for Mr Haynes...and it proves - without any doubt whatsoever - there's hope for us all.

Absolute tripe.


No trailer...

The(ir) Blurb...

Karen and Richard Carpenter are young musicians living with their parents in Downey, California. Richard shows great promise as a songwriter and Karen, who plays drums, begins to sing vocals, thrusting the duo into stardom. They become wildly successful, Karen's striking voice and Richard's soft melodies capturing the essence of the nation's yearning for calm after the turbulent Sixties. But Karen strives for perfection and becomes increasingly fearful of her weight, despite being a slender woman. Eventually she is diagnosed with anorexia nervosa, a mental disease relating to stress, lack of control, and low self-esteem. A fight for Karen's life ensues.

Cast & Characters

Merrill Gruver as Karen;
Michael Edwards as Richard;
Melissa Brown as Mother;
Rob LaBelle as Dad / Mr. A&M;
Nannie Doyle as Cherry Boone;
Cynthia Schneider as Dionne Warwick;
Larry Kole as Announcer;
Joanne Barrett;
Todd Haynes;
Gwen Kraus as Narrator