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Post by cam83 on Sept 21, 2003 15:04:01 GMT -5
Hi All, I still remember where I was, and everything about my life when this movie came on tv. My parents were seperated during this time(due to abuse allegations and investigation into our family...), and it was a painful time. I was 16 and in Grade 10, and we travelled to Swift Current, Saskatchewan for the Christmas holidays. Me and my 2 sisters, and 1 brother were at our Auntie and Uncle's, visiting one day. Well my sister, Debbie, who is 3 years younger than me, looks at the newspaper, and says, "Cameron! Look at this picture of the Carpenters!" She knew what a fan I was(I had been a fan for about 7-8 months)....Well I jumped up in my excitement and grabbed the paper from her and looked at it..."It's not the Carpenters!" I said in disappointment. I didn't bother to read the caption. I just thought they looked a bit like them, I guessed. I was very peeved at my sister though. She knew I liked the Carpenters and she was teasing me! Well a few days later, I was at a different Uncle's home, and he asked me if I was going to watch that documentary on the Carpenters, and I was like, "What do you mean? He said, that he saw it in the newspaper and I looked all over it, and came to the picture which said, Cynthia Gibb and Mitchell Anderson star as Pop Singers The Carpenters in the CBS movie, The Karen Carpenter Story on Sunday night. So, that picture that Debbie, my sister had teased me about was really the actors for the Carpenters. She didn't know it either, so I was thrilled. Well the next few days, I lived on pins and needles, in excitement. I hardly could eat(I was anorexic at this time anyhow) or sleep. Well on Sunday we headed to my Auntie Erla's place, and the whole family of cousins, Aunties, Uncle and our family, sat down to watch... "America loved her music...a story of success and tragedy...She was the girl next door...with a voice one in a million...caught in an obsession to be loved..." And the movie began to play. I was so enraptured with it. Finally a movie to tell Karen's story. I loved every bit of it. I really liked the actress of Cynthia Gibb, and thought at times she reminded me of Karen. She was tiny and cute, and did a good job at drumming and lip synching. Also, she wore Karen's clothes which was neat. When the ending came, and they played A SONG FOR YOU-reprise, and the words came up about her dying of a heart attack...I was again saddened. What a tragedy. To die so young! I could critic the movie...as a Carpenters fan...so devoted and such...but I won't. Because of this movie, many girls and boys were able to have a focus to getting better from eating disorders. To not want to die. We lost one of the best singers of all time! And as it turned out, the movie hit the top of the Neilson Ratings...and there was a lot of interest still in the Carpenters music. Afterwards, their music sales jumped after the movie. And her story has grown with time.
My jumbled thoughts, Cameron Longo clongo83@hotmail.com
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Post by Rick Henry on Sept 22, 2003 0:01:04 GMT -5
I knew about the movie for about a month before it was aired. I believe I first read about it in the Los Angeles times. I was 29 when the movie aired. I lived about 3 or 4 miles from my parents house. At that time I didn't have a VCR so I went to mom and dad's to watch it on their TV so I could also record it. I am so happy I did that, because to this day I still have that recording. I take especially good care of that video, because it may never be released to the public. I remember by the time the movie ended I felt so saddened and this sadness stuck with me throughout the nexty day. Karen was such a beautiful singer and had such a beautiful soul and I believe towards the end she really did have a will to want to live, but it was just too late.
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Post by centurycity on Oct 26, 2005 16:36:16 GMT -5
Well where it all began for me. A friend had taped the film, and had given it to me to watch, well lets say I watched it at least 20 times I was hooked from that moment on. I remember thinking when I was growin up that 'For All We Know' was one I listened to from my parents music collection, but never knew who it was. What a powerful begining, to then discover what I discovered, and the great pleasure that it has given me. I hit 30 this year, and it made me think of lots of things in my life past and present. Back in those days I sang every night to karens and Richards songs. Me and my best friend were hooked. I sang and sang till I learnt every phrase and pitch. I have tapes and tapes of us practicing, to this day whenever I pick up a mic and the music starts the hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I still love it just as much as I did then. 'from the heart comes the soul from the love there comes a child'
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Post by Carps1000 on Oct 28, 2005 14:21:32 GMT -5
In my house the phone off the hook and a dreadful curse threatened any one that dared call while it was on. A vat of hot oil was poised above the front door should any one dare knock. Video was set & I bombarded my gob with malteasers throughout the film. It was slated by some critics here in the Uk but I only saw a great movie which althugh whitewashed over a lot of things was near to the knuckle as could be. Its still one of my all time faves. All the actors/tresses did a good job in all accounts of the portrayals & I still cant look at C Gibb without think god she looked sooooo the part. Ken carps1000
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Oct 29, 2005 1:01:57 GMT -5
My wife, and my son and daughter were all very interested to see how/if this movie would be a vehicle to help us understand what had happened to Karen and to Richard. And of course, even though Richard has stated in every way possible that the account portrayed in the movie isn't the real story, due to time restraints, etc., that it is somewhat close, though a bit jaded here and there. It was an eye-opener. I, too, recorded it that evening, and have watched it many times. I've also happened to catch it rerun on television a time or two. As KC begins as a chubby little girl skating through the corridors of the hospital while they are wheeling the gurney with the dying KC in - well, I started the movie with goose bumps that just wouldn't subside during the entire viewing of the movie. I was glued to the TV, as I am each time I watch the tape. There were many bits and pieces of seemingly true details - the taste of rejection after rejection - the thrill of Billboard's chart numbers - and watching from the beginning the slide downhill personally as the climb uphill professionally was happening. On that night, as I find anytime I view it, I'm filled with emotion from start to finish, and the characters portray Karen, Richard, Agnes, Harold, etc., all so convincingly that I'm just enthralled and generally full to the brim with both happiness and pain. The film, and the story never fails to bring me to tears. Watching the developing relationship between KC and her mother (especially the komono scene is just horrible), yet watching the evolving friendship with Lucy is delightful. The family and personal dynamics are so close to the surface throughout the entire film....it just does not disappoint. Of course, it ends with Karen's sudden death after such a valiant effort to snap out of her revere regarding anorexia, and to try and overcome this lot in her life - and it's just so bittersweet. She and Richard both worked so tirelessly to reach the stars they longed for more than anything else, yet to watch their very lives crumble beneath them was and is difficult to witness. I first heard "You're The One" in this movie, and immediately fell in love with the song. Between the song itself, and the way it was worked into the movie - and the same can be said for "Where do I go from Here", well - it was just magical, tragic, and lovely all rolled into one. And of course, we see an exuberent KC return from her time away where she'd worked with Dr. Levenkron - and the movie culminates with Karen in the studio singing Now....and knowing that this was the very last song Karen recorded, and that she did a flawless first take - even though she didn't seem quite satisfied by it - well, it almost makes me literally hurt all over, as I simply find it painful to watch. Gibb does such a convincing job of "recording" this tune as Karen, and the Mitchell does an equally convincing job as an emotionally drained Richard that I just feel as though I'm right there in the studio with them at that moment, watching this session in person. I say it's painful because I literally come away from this movie so moved and to me it is literally gut=wrentching and emotionally draining to watch this played out, knowing that something along these lines really did happen, and that shortly after the song was recorded, our Karen was gone from us all. I'm grateful to have this movie, and when I know I'm strong enough to handle it, I put it on. It's not just a light, fun "watch" for me - I find it intense and highly emotional, but oh so wonderful, overall. Take care everyone... Tim
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Post by cam83 on Oct 29, 2005 16:56:54 GMT -5
Yeah, it WAS a great movie. I always felt so sad for Karen, that in the movie, she tried so hard to win her mother's favor, attention and such...and the Kimono scene truly illustrates that...how Karen thought of her mother and how her mother basically is controlling of Karen and her gift....but at the end, when Agnes does give Karen a touching sentiment, warmth, for Karen, that is so beautiful that I get tears in my eyes watching it. And Karen turns to the camera, in disbelief but utter happiness, and is so excited for future....I really loved that ending. Cynthia Gibb, when recording NOW...it almost looks like Karen especially the Norman Seef pic of 1980-1981...where K is wearing blue knitted sweater, and what became the Lovelines album cover...her hair, her clothes, her figure...and Cynthia Gibb is so slim, at that time, and when you get an idea of her at Karen's weight of 108 and take away 31 pounds...to what Karen really looked like at her lowest weight of 77 pounds...is kinda frightening. Cynthia did a great job as Karen.
My thoughts, Cam PS. Also her lypsynching and drumming simultaneously is awesome!!
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Post by smoothie2 on Oct 29, 2005 23:37:44 GMT -5
That's funny Ken..sure wouldn't want to get hit with that vat of hot oil!..ha... Ironically, by accident, K.C. story movie was shown tonight on Movieplex channel. Mom was surfing the channels and came upon the early part when Karen was singing at the first talent show...The End of the World. Mom's not too much into watching those kind of bio. films and so she found something else to watch. I went to my room and watched some of it, but it wasn't that long ago that I put my video of it on and watched it so, decided not to watch it again now. I don't recall seeing it when it first came on, but I'm sure I did. The 2nd time I saw it, was about 8 yrs. ago. I was really excited about seeing it then since I surely didn't remember seeing it the first time. Since, I probably have seen it close to 20 times. I recorded it a few yrs ago. Everyone does a superb job in it. But it is really sad, so I don't watch it much. ;D
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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 30, 2005 1:23:46 GMT -5
Of course I made sure to watch this one when it was intitally aired on ABC in January 1989. The movie was a ratings blockbuster ranking #1 in the Neilsen ratings for it's week. It was also the #2 television movie (I Know My Name Is Steven was 1989's #1 TV movie).
I even made special plans. I wanted to record the movie so I went to my parents house and watched it on their TV which had a VCR so I was able to record. I have a good clear first generation VHS copy of the movie.
I loved the movie and yes it was very sad. I remember leaving my parents house and I felt very sad. I don't know exactly where the sadness was directed. Part of it was because Karen died and that in itself is sad. But the big part was I kept thinking that we all need to be good to each other and listen to each other and love each before it is too late.
Cynthia Gibb did make a cute Karen. Mitchell Anderson had Richard's look down to a tee.
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Post by cam83 on Oct 30, 2005 14:26:40 GMT -5
Actually it was CBS.
Cam
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Post by Rick Henry on Oct 30, 2005 19:56:08 GMT -5
Thank you Cam. You are right it aired on CBS. It's ABC that aired the television specials.
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Post by smoothie2 on Oct 31, 2005 0:59:19 GMT -5
;DYes, the movie is bittersweet. The times that Karen and Richard are the happiest of course is when they're working together and singing together. But even though the C's reached their musical goals way above and beyond their expectations, it all was much too much for them...that type of life on the road, not really having a normal type of life. The movie really shows all their joys and heartaches. Mitchell Andersen is really cute there as well as Cynthia. Of course, Richard C. had his own problems with getting hooked on sleeping pills and faced the stress of that kind of life also, but Karen is the main focus of course. There are many stressors that are shown..family conflicts...R. and K. grow up and need their own homes...and want a normal life. Karen desperately wants the love of a husband and kids and all those things. Anyway, the C's did reach their goals, and enjoyed that level of success. It's wonderful to know that they did manage to do that and acquire stable financial goals too. The best part of course is :It is all about the Music!! It still is so popular and always will be. No one forgets THE CLASSICS!
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Post by smoothie2 on Oct 31, 2005 1:03:25 GMT -5
My wife, and my son and daughter were all very interested to see how/if this movie would be a vehicle to help us understand what had happened to Karen and to Richard. And of course, even though Richard has stated in every way possible that the account portrayed in the movie isn't the real story, due to time restraints, etc., that it is somewhat close, though a bit jaded here and there. It was an eye-opener. I, too, recorded it that evening, and have watched it many times. I've also happened to catch it rerun on television a time or two. As KC begins as a chubby little girl skating through the corridors of the hospital while they are wheeling the gurney with the dying KC in - well, I started the movie with goose bumps that just wouldn't subside during the entire viewing of the movie. I was glued to the TV, as I am each time I watch the tape. There were many bits and pieces of seemingly true details - the taste of rejection after rejection - the thrill of Billboard's chart numbers - and watching from the beginning the slide downhill personally as the climb uphill professionally was happening. On that night, as I find anytime I view it, I'm filled with emotion from start to finish, and the characters portray Karen, Richard, Agnes, Harold, etc., all so convincingly that I'm just enthralled and generally full to the brim with both happiness and pain. The film, and the story never fails to bring me to tears. Watching the developing relationship between KC and her mother (especially the komono scene is just horrible), yet watching the evolving friendship with Lucy is delightful. The family and personal dynamics are so close to the surface throughout the entire film....it just does not disappoint. Of course, it ends with Karen's sudden death after such a valiant effort to snap out of her revere regarding anorexia, and to try and overcome this lot in her life - and it's just so bittersweet. She and Richard both worked so tirelessly to reach the stars they longed for more than anything else, yet to watch their very lives crumble beneath them was and is difficult to witness. I first heard "You're The One" in this movie, and immediately fell in love with the song. Between the song itself, and the way it was worked into the movie - and the same can be said for "Where do I go from Here", well - it was just magical, tragic, and lovely all rolled into one. And of course, we see an exuberent KC return from her time away where she'd worked with Dr. Levenkron - and the movie culminates with Karen in the studio singing Now....and knowing that this was the very last song Karen recorded, and that she did a flawless first take - even though she didn't seem quite satisfied by it - well, it almost makes me literally hurt all over, as I simply find it painful to watch. Gibb does such a convincing job of "recording" this tune as Karen, and the Mitchell does an equally convincing job as an emotionally drained Richard that I just feel as though I'm right there in the studio with them at that moment, watching this session in person. I say it's painful because I literally come away from this movie so moved and to me it is literally gut=wrentching and emotionally draining to watch this played out, knowing that something along these lines really did happen, and that shortly after the song was recorded, our Karen was gone from us all. I'm grateful to have this movie, and when I know I'm strong enough to handle it, I put it on. It's not just a light, fun "watch" for me - I find it intense and highly emotional, but oh so wonderful, overall. Take care everyone... Tim :-*AMEN TiM!! Well expressed.
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Post by YesterdayOnceMore on Oct 31, 2005 21:01:56 GMT -5
Thanks, Smoothie. Don't know if you all watch CNN, but on Wednesday of this week (November 2), Paula Zahn is doing an hour special about Anorexia and Bulimia, and those who have/are suffering from it. I don't have a clue if Karen's name and story will come up, but it's likely that it will. Paula interviewed Jane Fonda this evening, as Jane has suffered silently with both diseases for some 30 years now, and stated this evening during a teaser interview that it was behind her, and she credited it in large part to her third husband, Ted Turner. Fonda stated that the "only way she knew she would be loved and not rejected (by her father, mostly) was to be thin" as thin was acceptable, and one didn't disappoint Henry Fonda if they were thin. She fell into anorexia and bulimia in order to please her father, and felt a tremendous amount of "pressure" to be that "right" person - the person who would be accepted by her father. It was as if I was listening to our own Karen Carpenter explaining the same things - to be loved - to be accepted, not to mention, to be in control of the one thing that she could absolutely be in control of - how sad. It doesn't matter who it is, it's just a sad state of affairs knowing there are literally millions out there suffering just as Karen did. Tonight was the first time I actually heard both diseases compared to alcoholism and drug addiction. But Fonda clearly stated that eating disorders were an addiction of the same sort as alcohol and/or drugs, and that one did as much damage physically and emotionall as another. It was a powerful segment. I thought there might be some of you who would want to catch Paula Zahn Now, which airs at 6 Eastern, 7 Central time. This show is supposed to air on Wednesay and will take up the entire hour. Happy Holloween to everyone!!! Tim
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Post by Moe on Nov 1, 2005 2:19:18 GMT -5
I didn't know anything about the movie until I was flipping through the TV Guide at the check out line. I was so excited and only had a few days to wait for it to aire. I recorded it and watched it many times. I kept that favorite tape next to the VCR so I could watch it often. One day, I went to watch it and found it to be taped over. I about had a cow! Mom never paid any attention to anything and grabbed a tape and popped it in. I was so livid, but I survived. A few years later, it aired on Lifetime (I think) and I taped it again. After that, I let Mom back out of the closet and gave her some food! (Just kidding... )
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Post by Carps1000 on Nov 2, 2005 11:29:01 GMT -5
WHAT A MOOOOING STORY MOE , GEDDIT??? MOOOOING??? oh welll PLEASE YR SELVES. I HAVE JUST SOLD A VIDEO I DID MYSELF OF THE KC STORY ON EBAY AS IT WAS A DUPLICAT COPY RECORDED FROM TV....IT HAD 15 BIDS AND WENT FOR 18 QUID.IHOPE THE PERSON THAT BOUGHT IT WONT BE DISAPOINTED WITH THE QUALITY..PARDON ???WHATS QUID?? QUID IS POUNDS DARLINS. ANY WAY I ONLY PUT IT ON EBAY TO SE IF IT WOULD GENERATE ANY INTEREST AND BOY WAS I SURPRISED. HOPE ALL S OK WITH EVERY ONE & HAPPY BDAY TO ENIGMA. I WILL BE BACK SOON WITH MORE FROM THE UK WHEN I GET SOME TIME. TO MESELF. KEN CARPS10000000000000000
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