The Best Little Girl in the World

TV Movie
1981
1h 40m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

The Best Little Girl in the World (1981)

A young girl develops an eating disorder, alternately starving herself or throwing up food. Her parents, angry and desperate, send her to a hospital. Unfortunately, she befriends a patient w... Read allA young girl develops an eating disorder, alternately starving herself or throwing up food. Her parents, angry and desperate, send her to a hospital. Unfortunately, she befriends a patient who convinces her to hide her illness.A young girl develops an eating disorder, alternately starving herself or throwing up food. Her parents, angry and desperate, send her to a hospital. Unfortunately, she befriends a patient who convinces her to hide her illness.

Director
- Sam O'Steen
Writers
- David Moessinger
- Steven Levenkron
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.3/10

598

YOUR RATING

Director
- Sam O'Steen
Writers
- David Moessinger
- Steven Levenkron
Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy
- 1 nomination total

Photos11

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Under medical supervision, Jennifer Jason Leigh wasted down to 87 pounds for her role.

Quotes
Clay: How do you feel about all this, Casey?
Casey: I don't know... I don't want to know. I don't want it and I hate it.
Clay: What do you hate?
Casey: My family. I hate them... but I want them... and I hate wanting them.
Clay: Why do you hate it?
Casey: I hate wanting. Wanting something means that you'll never get it.
Joanne: Haven't we always given you what you wanted? You have everything you've asked for.
Casey: Tell me one damn thing that I ever asked for? What... what did I ever ask for? I asked for nothing... and that's what I got. Gail got attention for screwin' up... and I got nothing for being good. Nothing from you... and nothing from Daddy.
Joanne: That is not true. I love you. I wanted you to have everything.
Casey: Everything that you *wanted* me to have! You don't let me choose my own clothes. You never liked my friends so I don't have any friends... and I *can't* take this pressure.
Frank: Don't talk to your mother like that.
Casey: Daddy, for *once* in my life I am telling you how I feel! I... I just want you to love me... no matter what I do.

Connections
Referenced in Alice: The Best Little Waitress in the World (1982)

Soundtracks
Songs to Aging Children Come
Words and Music by Joni Mitchell

User reviews10

Featured review

Another true health class film

I saw this movie in health class as part of the eating disorders unit. I found it to be in the same category as "A Secret Between Friends": Better seen in class than at home. Everyone I know who saw this was disgusted by Casey's bulimic body. I know I was. The only major problem I see here was the anti-climactic ending. They could have definitely done more here.