DVD of the Week: 51 Birch Street

Doug Block discovered that sometimes the most fascinating stories can be found in the simplest of places when making this documentary about his parents, who shared a seemingly happy marriage for 54 years. Upon the death of his mother, Block begins looking into her past, and into her diaries, and discovers some unexpected surprises. He's also taken off guard when his father very suspiciously marries his former secretary shortly after his mother's passing. This compels Block to further research their marriage. The result is a haunting and emotional documentary that's both deeply personal and indicative of a entire generation's plight.