Best Boy (1979)

In this documentary, the director follows the day-to-day activities of his retarded, middle-aged cousin Philly, over a three-year period.

Director:

Ira Wohl

Writer:

Ira Wohl

Stars:

Philip Wohl, Zero Mostel, Christine O'Connor

Won 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins & 2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Philip Wohl	...	Himself (as Philly Wohl)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Zero Mostel	...	Himself
Christine O'Connor	...	Herself
Frances Reiss	...	Herself - Philly's Sister
Ira Wohl	...	Himself
Max Wohl	...	Himself
Pearl Wohl	...	Herself

Storyline

Portrait of a family in transition: a mother, a father, and their son, their "best boy." Pearl and Max Wohl live in Queens with Philly, their cheerful, engaging, and mentally-disabled son. For 50 years Pearl and Max have provided a loving home for Philly, but they're aging, Max is ailing, and they must figure out what's to happen to Philly when they can no longer care for him. Are there options besides an institution? Philly's cousin is Ira Wohl, whose camera follows the family as Philly takes steps into the wider world.

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Plot Keywords:

marriage | loss of father | family relationships | jewish | mother son relationship | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Hebrew

Release Date:

2 April 1981 (Australia)

Also Known As:

El mejor de los muchachos

Filming Locations:

Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Only Child Motion Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

111 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Quotes

Max Wohl: I'm hungry.
Pearl Wohl: So eat.
Max Wohl: I'm eating.

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Connections

Followed by Best Man: 'Best Boy' and All of Us Twenty Years Later (1997)

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Soundtracks

"If I Were a Rich Man"
Written by Jerry Bock
Performed by Zero Mostel

User Reviews

I loved this documentary!

I have lost count of the number of times I have watched this documentary. I rarely buy movies and yet this one I feel I have to have at my disposal for some reason. It touches a spot so deep in my soul I want to be sure I can always access that spot. I fell in love with all involved, including the gruff father.....who eventually allows his sweetness to show when he is too weak to fight it. I would not be surprised to hear that this documentary was added to your list of favorites as well.