Since I am very bad at keeping secrets, I will publish the name of the movie I referred to in the Dec. 15 issue of Syosset-Jericho Tribune.

Drum roll please.

The name is 51 Birch Street. It is a documentary film by Douglas Block. He has turned his cameras on himself and his family, and the camera never lies. 51 Birch Street is a suburban home in Port Washington. The Block family has lived there for over 30 years. Douglas is a documentarian and was shooting pictures of his family since he was old enough to hold a camera.

We are first introduced to his mother, who is loquacious and intelligent. She speaks of her 54-year marriage very openly and philosophically. She does not try to hide her strong views.

Doug's father on the other hand is introverted and taciturn. He is a mechanical engineer and does not readily speak of his feelings. He does not appear to be introspective.

The viewer of these two people senses an imperfect marriage with a definite underlying tension. When Doug's mother dies suddenly the walls start to crumble. Doug opens and reads his mother's diary which she has kept faithfully and assiduously for 40-plus years.

In a sudden burst of energy his 83-year-old father travels to Florida and within three months marries his secretary of 10 years. At the wedding we see new life has been pumped into his father. His happiness overrides his former hangdog manner and he is very demonstrative and loving to his new bride.

Doug has discovered a family history much more complex and troubled than he ever saw before. He always thought that his parents' 54-year marriage was ideal. As he and his father pack the corrugated boxes to be sent to Florida, Doug photographs everything.

He tries desperately to solve the questions that arise about his parents' marriage. Were they happy or just hanging in for the long haul? Speaking to friends and relatives also gives him an insight into these mysteries.

Was each parent faithful during the marriage?

Were they reaching out for help during the 54 years?

Love? Neither parent is what they appear to be.

The questions are never answered.

The billboard outside the theater asks the question, "How much about your parents do you really want to know?"