The Karen Carpenter Story - TV Movie (1989)

Her uniquely beautiful voice won the hearts of millions. As part of the Carpenters along with brother Richard, Karen Carpenter seemed to have it all, success, fame, adulation and an inspirational talent.

But her dream life was to end in tragedy.

This powerful and moving Emmy Award nominated film tells the inside story of the Carpenters, the group that sold over 100 million albums and singles and enjoyed a record fifteen U.S. Number One hit songs.

Starring Cynthia Gibb as Karen Carpenter and Mitchell Anderson as Richard, it reveals how a shy, weight conscious Karen was forced out from behind the security of her drum kit and into the spotlight. As fame and pressure increased, her reaction was anorexia.

Karen Carpenter's story is revealed featuring an unrivalled film soundtrack that includes original Carpenters recordings of their finest songs, including Rainy Days and Mondays, Close to You, We’ve Only Just Begun, Top of the World, This Masquerade, Superstar, For All We Know and many more.

[variousJnames]

There will NEVER be another voice like Karen Carpenter's!

[BAFFLED-uo]

Her voice will always be a part of my childhood. So many memories.

[mattdeans]

I was a hippie in those days and we thought the Carpenters were 'square.' The lifestyle I followed led to drug addiction and alcoholism and a lost life's opportunities. Now 43 years clean and sober, I own my abject shame for my opinion of the Carpenters. Gosh, they were soooo damn good and Karen had the best female voice in her class. Watching this movie just breaks my heart for all she had to endure. If you're listening, Karen. Thank you so much. We love and we miss you.

[edgarsoriano]

Karen's voice is an angel's voice

[nickname]

One of the best voices of a generation. Messed up by a family that didn’t know better and would not change. All the adoring fans in the world telling her she was loved and buying her records, seeing her in concert made no difference. One of the saddest life lost. Rest in peace Karen, you are still loved today. 9/20/2023

[CandidLy]

Getting to hear Karen’s magnificently beautiful voice is worth the whole movie.

[milosterwheeler]

If only she could have seen how truly beautiful she was.

[FishFeelPain]

Just heartbreaking. Karen gave so much and got so little in return.

[geoleo]

She had one of the most beautiful voices ever recorded. No one would have ever known that behind that anglelic voice was a painful heart slowly killing herself.

R.I.P. Ms. Karen Carpenter

I didn't know Richard had a lude addiction. The Carpenters were such a clean picture of the music industry. No one is immune to the stresses of life.

Bulimia and anorexia were little known then. If she had proper psychological treatment she may still be here today

[anndaye]

Karen Carpenter had such a calming voice and soothing singing voice as well a musical genius rest in peace Karen

[gregman]

She Was Only With Us 32 Year's But What A Musical Legacy She Left Behind And 40 Year's Later Still Loving Her Today Rest In Peace Beautiful Angel ❤️💔

[pinklover]

I'm glad there wasn't any social media during her lifetime. RIP beautiful lady!

[AskieFox-ib]

Karens voice and her style of singing immitated many times but cannot be replaced

[chaz]

As soon as I heard her voice when this movie started...I felt myself tearing up. Her voice has always done that to me. There will never EVER be another like her. RIP Karen...you are missed...you were LOVED by so many...and you left us with the most precious gift...your music....your voice.

[unlistedandtwisted]

The Carpenters DEFINED the genre of Easy Listening. Karen - your musical gifts and talents are missed, not forgotten, and still heralded to this day.

[stephenrafter]

The world was a better place when Karen Carpenter was alive in it. She was a good person. Made millions of people happy. Her voice is stunning. I love that low note she sings. It's beautiful.

[brandyramos]

Applaud to the director. Since Karen had passed away, it's funny they have no shame or guilt to be truthful. I'm sure Karen would have been happy to admit the truth. Karen is a superstar who was not selfish to always include her big brother. Karen, bless your heart and soul. We love you. ❤️

[tomlovejoy]

Very sad her own mother preferred her son and couldn't even tell her daughter she loved her. Karen and her angelic voice are Heavens choir! 🙏

[dizzylizzy]

I was 22 when Karen Carpenter died. She was 32--the same age as my oldest sister. I remember crying and feeling so lost and forlorn when I heard she died. But most of all, more than anything else, I remember that voice--that one in a million voice--that colored my teenage years with magical charm. That's what her voice was--magical. Her voice and her songs always catapult me back some forty years to another place and time. There will never be another voice like hers. Never. Ever. Rest in peace my sad and lonely lady.

[MyHome_Carla]

I have been a Karen Carpenter fan since Close to You came out. Her life was a tragedy. My heart still breaks for her.
She is the most talented female singer and musician there ever was! Even today, there is no one that can replace her incredible talent and her voice. We miss you Karen!