

When nobody could help her, she helped herself
April 5, 1986
1h 40m
EN
Lee Grant
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
Marie Balter

Ray Baker
Joe Balter

Caroline Kava
Dr. Blackwell


Ara Watson, Mary Gallagher
4

Kathy Baker
Lucy Stavros

Campbell Lane
Mr. Edmond

Vanessa Santos
Little Marie

Donna Ford
Marie at 16

William Nunn
Pa

Stefania DeStefanis
Ma Bartello

Karen Elizabeth Austin
Natural Mother
Gaylord Productions
N/A