

100 minutes
4/5/1986
Fact-based drama about the life of Marie Balter, who spent most of her young life in mental institutions. At age 16, she first attempted suicide and the next 20 years she spent in and out of the institutions. At last, a caring doctor started treating her for extreme depression and panic disorder. Weened from strong medications she had taken all her life, at age 36, she emerged for the last time and started a rehabilitation program in the home of a volunteer married couple. There she met a fellow patient with whom she developed a romantic relationship. She also started a college degree. This followed with a long-term professional success in the field of mental health.

Marlo Thomas
as Marie Balter

Ray Baker
as Joe Balter

Caroline Kava
as Dr. Blackwell

Kathy Baker
as Lucy Stavros

Campbell Lane
as Mr. Edmond
Vanessa Santos
as Little Marie
Donna Ford
as Marie at 16
William Nunn
as Pa
Stefania DeStefanis
as Ma Bartello

Karen Elizabeth Austin
as Natural Mother

Garwin Sanford
as Dr. Pitteo
Joseph Golland
as Dr. Potts

Sheila Moore
as Dr. Sara Steppe

Antony Holland
as Dr. Burt
Don MacKay
as Dr. Baldanza

Nancy Beatty
as Lee

Sandra Seacat
as Barbara

Todd Duckworth
as Alan

Tom Heaton
as Jim

Betty Phillips
as Mother Superior