Product Description

Do you REALLY want to know your parents?

Documentary filmmaker Doug Block always thought his parents' 54-year marriage was a good one. But when his mother dies unexpectedly and his father swiftly marries a former secretary, he discovers a family history far more complex and troubled than he ever imagined. 51 Birch Street is a riveting personal documentary that explores a universal human question - how much about your parents do you really want to know?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #35267 in DVD
• Brand: IMAGE ENT.
• Released on: 2007-08-14
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Formats: Color, Dolby, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 88 minutes

Features

• Do you REALLY want to know your parents? Documentary filmmaker Doug Block always thought his parents' 54-year marriage was a good one. But when his mother dies unexpectedly and his father swiftly marries a former secretary, he discovers a family history far more complex and troubled than he ever imagined. 51 Birch Street is a riveting personal documentary that explores a universal human que

Customer Reviews

I CAN'T BELIEVE A MAN MADE THIS MOVIE!!
Don't let my subject title fool you, 51 BIRCH STREET, is not the Ani DiFranco or Sarah McLachlan of personal documentaries- meaning this is a film that men and women of all ages will enjoy (assuming that they like emotionally stirring portraits of American families!) Its just that I always find myself pleasantly surprised when I see a unflinching, emotionally accurate, and unwaveringly honest portrayal of a woman by a man. 51 BIRCH STREET is all that and more. The filmmaker Doug Block is clearly admiring of his mother, Mina, yet unafraid to show her character warts and all, in the ultimate testimony to the belief that love is being able to see someone's full character, but still really love them just as they are. Three months after her sudden death his father reconnected with a secretary from 40 years ago, Kitty (what names, Mina and Kitty!), within the year they've married and are moving to Florida! This was obviously was a bit of a shock to him and his sisters, and after decades of his mothers diaries were discovered during the move, Doug was inspired to make the film. Ultimately it is a loving portrait of the challenges of family. It's gripping and moving, a must see!

Family Affair
A documentary that seems more like a reinactment, '51 Birch Street' presents an excellent family affair. Being able to draw from a large stash of photos, a few home movies and videos, as well as his deceased mother's daily diary, filmmaker Doug Block discovers a lot about his family--mostly his parents--that he hardly knew possible. Ambivalence creeps into play, for his discoveries are bittersweet. Sometimes he finds out things he'd rather not know. Generosity is also present, however, for the film wouldn't be interesting if we didn't care about the participants. Some of the discoveries have to do with social changes occurring between the fifties and sixties. Block narrates the family story with both emotion and detachment, but mainly approaches the film like he were a reporter. (We find out early in the film that after his mother dies, his father is quickly on the mend, marrying his long-time secretary.) With editing that uses good judgment and family discussions that yield interest, '51 Birch Street' is a real find.

Smart, Engaging, and Touching
It is rare that you see a documentary that has such universal themes - family secrets, marriage, fidelity - and this film does. But, more than that, it's Doug Block's personal touches that make this film so special and emotionally powerful. Prepare yourself to be surprised by this film because it sneaks up on you - it's hard not to see traces of your own family in this. When it's over, you'll find yourself thinking it over for days.