Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

Year: 1987

Runtime: 43 mins

Language: English

DramaMusicPolitics and human rightsPowerful stories of heartbreak and sufferingEmotional life of renowned artists

The final 17 years of American singer and musician Karen Carpenter, performed almost entirely by modified Barbie dolls.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987)

Trace every key event in Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Opening discovery: Karen's death, 1983

The film opens with Agnes Carpenter discovering Karen's body in a closet at the family home in Downey, California, on February 4, 1983. It presents this moment through Karen's mother's perspective and frames the tragedy. The cause is described as cardiac arrest linked to anorexia nervosa, foreshadowed by the hints of her struggle throughout the story.

February 4, 1983 Downey, California
2

1966: Karen discovered; rise begins

Karen is discovered in 1966 and is propelled toward stardom as she forms a duo with her brother Richard. The film shows her early auditions, eager producers, and excitement around a fresh pop sound. This moment begins her decade-spanning ascent in the music world.

1966 Los Angeles, California
3

Signing with A&M and initial hits

Karen and Richard sign with A&M Records after catching the attention of label owner Herb Alpert, depicted as Mr. A&M in the film. Their early releases yield immediate chart success and a signature, wholesome image. The duo's rapid rise establishes Karen as a pop icon and sets expectations for ongoing triumph.

Late 1960s Los Angeles, California
4

Rise, then decline of The Carpenters

The film shows the peak of their popularity followed by a gradual decline as health strains and internal tensions mount. Touring pressures, creative demands, and personal strains encroach on their ability to sustain momentum. The period marks a turning point that shadows Karen's later battles with anorexia.

1970s U.S. tour venues and recording studios
5

Karen develops anorexia nervosa

Karen's struggle with anorexia nervosa intensifies during the late 1970s and early 1980s. The illness disrupts performances, daily routines, and self-image, affecting both her work and relationships. The film uses the visual motif to illustrate the toll of the disease on her life.

Late 1970s – early 1980s Los Angeles, California
6

14-month marriage to Thomas Burris

Karen enters a marriage with Thomas Burris that lasts 14 months, a relationship set against the backdrop of fame and illness. It is portrayed as emotionally fraught, reflecting the costs of her health struggles. The marriage underscores the pressures she faced away from the stage.

Early 1980s Century City, California
7

On-stage collapse in Las Vegas

During a Las Vegas performance, Karen collapses on stage due to exhaustion and illness linked to anorexia. The incident triggers renewed concern from her team and family about her health and future. It becomes a focal point for discussions about treatment and recovery.

Early 1980s Las Vegas, Nevada
8

Search for treatment begins

Following the collapse, Karen and her family search for medical and therapeutic treatment for her anorexia. They explore clinics and approaches across the country, often meeting resistance and slow progress. The struggle illustrates both the seriousness of the illness and the emotional toll on those around her.

Early 1980s Los Angeles, California
9

Attempt to restart her career

After treatment efforts, there is an attempt to restart Karen's music career, with rehearsal and recording efforts resumed in the hope of returning to performance. The work is fraught with health setbacks, fear of relapse, and the difficulty of balancing ambition with recovery. The scene conveys a fragile sense of possibility amid ongoing struggle.

Early 1980s Los Angeles area
10

Reliance on syrup of ipecac

The narrative notes that Karen gradually relies on syrup of ipecac, a dangerous practice she uses to control weight and illness without fully understanding the danger. This pattern contributes to deterioration of her heart and ultimately to her cardiac arrest. The detail underscores the deadly risks of eating disorders and self-treatment.

Late 1970s – early 1980s Home in Los Angeles, California
11

Barbie dolls as cast; surreal visual world

Most roles are performed by modified Barbie dolls, with sets scaled to their forms to recreate familiar locations. The film interjects with surreal visuals to create mood and commentary. A recurring black-and-white overhead spanking motif is used as a visual symbol, left open to interpretation.

Throughout the film Film world
12

Documentary segments and era context

Interspersed throughout are documentary-style segments offering background on anorexia and the era in which Karen lived. These inserts provide factual context and historical flavor alongside the fictionalized events. They contribute to the film's critical tone and thematic framing.

Throughout the film Various locations; film's context

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:37

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Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story Summary

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Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story

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