Who Are The DeBolts? (And Where Did They Get 19 Kids?) (1977)

This Academy Award-winning documentary focuses upon Robert and Dorothy DeBolt, a California couple with six children of their own-and 13 adoptees and/or legal wards. The DeBolt's extended family includes black, Korean, and Vietnamese children, many of whom are physically challenged. In cinema verite fashion, we are shown the courageous adjustments made by the handicapped children, particularly Karen, who was born without legs or forearms, and J.R., a blind paraplegic. Introduced and narrated by Henry Winkler, this life-affirming feature was cut from its original 72 minutes to 50 when it was first networkcast December 17, 1978. Even in its truncated form, the telecast was honored with an Emmy award for "outstanding individual achievement-informational program." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide