Marlo Thomas won an Emmy for her performance of a mentally ill woman in this fact-based made-for-TV movie. After trying to commit suicide at age 16, Marie Balter (Thomas) spends the next 20 years in and out of institutions. Marie's nightmare is eased by kindly doctor Blackwell (Caroline Kava), who eventually discovers the correct treatment for her patient. Finally able to live a normal life, Marie sets her sights on marriage and a career.