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In the early 70s - the time of drugs, the Vietnam War and the Charles Manson murders - a brother and sister team embodied the other, clean America like something out of a picture book: the Carpenters.
Their sound is miles away from contemporary rock: easy listening, harmonious, sophisticated arrangements by Richard Carpenter, the enraptured vocals of his sister Karen.
When the two signed a record deal with A&M Records, the best label in the USA at the time, Karen was just 19 years old.
One year later, they were already at number one in the charts.
13 years later, at the age of just 32, Karen Carpenter dies as a result of her anorexia.
She is pop's first anorexia fatality.
The documentary "TOO young TO DIE: Karen Carpenter - Longing for Life" looks at the success of the Carpenters and looks into the abyss behind the superstars' clean-cut facade.
The story of Karen Carpenter, who would much rather play the drums because she is as talented a drummer as her brother is on the piano, is the story of her constant battle against everything and everyone.
Against her overbearing mother Agnes, with whom Karen lives until she is 24 and who prefers her brother to her all her life.
Against her brother, who finds it difficult to accept that Karen's exceptionally beautiful voice is the main reason for the band's great success.
And against the public, which has driven her into an eating disorder.
In addition to Karen's companions, who remember her and talk about their time together, the film also features contemporary artists and authors who are still fascinated and inspired by her today.
First broadcast: Friday, 08.03.19, 21:45 - 22:40 on arte
