Summary

The programme profiles singer Lena Zavaroni, who became famous overnight after appearing on Opportunity Knocks in 1974 at age ten. Under the management of her agent, she left her home on the Isle of Bute and quickly entered an intense international schedule, including tours in Japan and the United States, performing for President Ford, meeting Frank Sinatra, and living in London’s Park Lane.

The documentary highlights how early separation from her family and the pressures of fame contributed to the development of anorexia, tracing her decline from major success to unemployment and ultimately her death. It includes interviews with relatives and friends, along with performance clips.

The List (magazine) – 17 February 2000 – Kelly Apter

Cast

  • Narrator: Jenny Agutter
  • On screen participant: Victor Zavaroni
  • On screen participant: Carla Zavaroni
  • On screen participant: Dorothy Solomon
  • On screen participant: Margaret Zavaroni
  • On screen participant: Karen Halliday
  • On screen participant: Jean Ritchie
  • On screen participant: Peggy Claude-Pierre

Crew

  • Production executive: Christine Mathisen
  • Production secretary: Kate Finn
  • Head of production: Anita Walsh
  • Production manager: Colette Ward
  • Researcher: Daniel Gooding
  • Film editor: Julie Buckland
  • Executive producer: Paula Trafford
  • Producer & Director: John Alexander
  • Production company: Planet Wild for Channel 4 Television