51 BIRCH STREET

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 40 years. Investigating his family history, Doug finally comes to peace with two parents who are far more complex and troubled than he ever imagined.

AVAILABLE ON: ITUNES and AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

"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, NEW YORK TIMES

“Block's hypnotic documentary, among the finest of the year, is a resounding success because it touches on things every child has wondered about on the road to adulthood. What really went on in your parents' bedroom? Did Mom or Dad ever mess around?"
- Ruthe Stein, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"An irresistible mystery... indelibly haunting"
- Roger Ebert, ROGEREBERT.COM

"A spellbinding detective story"
- Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

Articles and Interviews

New York Times - Article

The Independent - Article

IndieWire - Interview

Director: Doug Block
Producers: Lori Cheatle, Doug Block
Editor: Amy Seplin
Composer: H. Scott Salinas