51 Birch Street

A Family Mystery

Documentary filmmaker Doug Block had every reason to believe his parent's 54-year marriage was a good one. So he isn't prepared when, just a few months after his mothers' unexpected death, his 83-year old father, Mike, phones to announce that he's moving to Florida to live with "Kitty", his secretary from 40 years ago. Always close to his mother and equally distant from his father, he's stunned and suspicious.

When Mike and Kitty marry and sell the longtime family home, Doug returns to suburban Long Island with camera in hand for one last visit. And there, among the lifetime of memories being packed away forever, he discovers 3 large boxes filled with his moms' daily diaries going back 35 years. Investigating his family history, Doug finally comes to peace with two parents who are far more complex and troubled than he ever imagined.

Official Selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and the SXSW Film Festival.

"One of the most moving and fascinating documentaries I've seen this year... Mr. Block has put his parents' life, and his own, into this film with such warmth and candor that it may take more than one viewing to recognize it as a work of art." - A.O. Scott, The New York Times