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IMDb > Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996) (TV)

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996) (TV) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
5.0/10   121 votes
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Up 2% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer (WGA):
Susan Arnout Smith (written by)
Contact:
View company contact information for Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
24 November 1996 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
Story about a runner whose bulimia and anorexia threatens both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor. | add synopsis
User Reviews:
very good true story of Ellen Hart-Pena's battle with bulimia more (1 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Crystal Bernard ... Ellen Hart Pena

Esai Morales ... Federico Pena
Casey Sander ... Dave Shattuck
Tom Atkins ... Henry Hart
L. Scott Caldwell
Amy Beth Reece ... Chris Hart
Shirley Knight ... Joan Hart
Sheila Ivy Traister ... Terry
Leigh Reyburn ... Gayle
Lois Hicks ... Jude
Richard Jury ... Doctor
Jerry Wayne ... Professor
Paul McLean ... Coach
John Scott Clough ... John
Vincent C. Robinson ... Professor
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Additional Details

Runtime:
87 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.33 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

FAQ

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7 out of 9 people found the following review useful.
very good true story of Ellen Hart-Pena's battle with bulimia, 5 July 2005
6/10
Author: blanche-2 from United States

I found this an involving woman's picture about Ellen Hart-Pena, whose husband, Federico Pena went on to become the Secretary of Energy. Ellen Hart-Pena was an world-class distance runner with Olympic aspirations spoiled by her eating disorders. She keeps her problems a secret from her family and husband. When she finally seeks help, she does confess to her husband, making light of her problem and acting as if she no longer has one. Eventually, her life careens totally out of control.

This is a story of Pena's addiction but also of her slow recovery, her anger, and her resistance. It's also a story of a strong marriage that survived many problems. Crystal Bernard is effective and sympathetic in the lead role.

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