Who Are the DeBolts? And Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids?
(DVD)
DIRECTED BY - John Korty
The kind hearted Bob and Dorothy DeBolt are the subjects of this documentary from 1977, which takes a look at their lives as they attempt to raise 19 kids. Six of the children come from Bob and Dorothy's previous marriages, but the rest are all handicapped children that the DeBolt's have adopted. Director John Korty lets his camera's loose on the family, and provides a touching film that debunks a lot of myths about the physically disabled, presenting them as survivors who go about their day in much the same way as their able-bodied counterparts. Never sinking into condescension, Korty's film follows the kids as they undertake their daily routines, while also enjoying their family lives as they laugh, joke, and play with their siblings and parents. A tremendously moving film, WHO ARE THE DEBOLTS? is a unique, uplifting take on people whose lives have been severely affected by physical disability, and deservedly won an Oscar in 1978 for Best Documentary Feature. Also included here is STEPPIN' OUT WITH THE DEBOLTS, a film made five years later, which catches up with the family.
GENRES - documentary, fine & media arts
Film Info
RUNTIME - 73 minutes
RATING - Not Rated
YEAR - 1977
FORMAT - DVD Region 1
Director
Narrator
FESTIVALS
Awards
- Oscar, Best Documentary Feature (Winner)
1978 Academy Awards (Hollywood, United States) - Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Documentary (Winner)
1979 Directors Guild of America (United States) - Outstanding Individual Achievement - Informational Program (Winner)
1979 Emmy Awards (Pasadena, United States) - Outstanding Informational Program (Nominee)
1979 Emmy Awards (Pasadena, United States) - Special Award, Documentary (Winner)
1979 Humanitas Prize (United States)