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IMDbPro

Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story

  • TV Movie
  • 1996
  • TV-PG
  • 1h 27m
IMDb RATING
5.5/10
267
YOUR RATING
Crystal Bernard and Esai Morales in Dying to Be Perfect: The Ellen Hart Pena Story (1996)
Drama

A runner's bulimia and anorexia threaten both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor.A runner's bulimia and anorexia threaten both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor.A runner's bulimia and anorexia threaten both her dream of competing in the Olympics and her marriage to Denver's mayor.

  • Director
    • Jan Egleson
  • Writer
    • Susan Arnout Smith
  • Stars
    • Crystal Bernard
    • Esai Morales
    • Casey Sander
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    5.5/10
    267
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Jan Egleson
    • Writer
      • Susan Arnout Smith
    • Stars
      • Crystal Bernard
      • Esai Morales
      • Casey Sander
    • 1User review
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos

    Top cast36

    Edit
    Crystal Bernard
    Crystal Bernard
    • Ellen Hart Pena
    Esai Morales
    Esai Morales
    • Federico Pena
    Casey Sander
    Casey Sander
    • Dave Shattuck
    Tom Atkins
    Tom Atkins
    • Henry Hart
    L. Scott Caldwell
    L. Scott Caldwell
    Amy Beth Reece
    Amy Beth Reece
    • Chris Hart
    Shirley Knight
    Shirley Knight
    • Joan Hart
    Sheila Ivy Traister
    • Terry
    Leigh Reyburn
    • Gayle
    Lois Hicks
    • Jude
    Richard Jury
    • Doctor
    Jerry Wayne
    • Professor
    Paul Anthony McLean
    Paul Anthony McLean
    • Coach
    • (as Paul McLean)
    John Scott Clough
    John Scott Clough
    • John
    Vincent C. Robinson
    • Professor
    Lori Creevay
    • Nurse
    • (as Allorah Creevay)
    Tupper Cullum
    • Er Doctor
    Alexandra Sennet
    • Halloween Kid
    • (as Lexi Sennett)
    • Director
      • Jan Egleson
    • Writer
      • Susan Arnout Smith
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews1

    5.5267
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    Featured reviews

    6blanche-2

    very good true story of Ellen Hart-Pena's battle with bulimia

    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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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      Michelle Kova's debut.

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    Details

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    • Release date
      • November 24, 1996 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Al límite
    • Filming locations
      • Denver, Colorado, USA
    • Production companies
      • Mark Sennet Productions
      • Citadel Entertainment
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 27 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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