Frances Reiss

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

Ira Wohl’s third and final entry in his series of documentary films following his mentally handicapped cousin Philly. This time, focus is shifted to Philly’s sister Frances.

Mentally retarded Philly Wohl, in his late sixties, lives in a group home in Queens, New York. He takes classes, maintains relationships, is beloved by friends and family, travels to Los Angeles for a visit with his cousin Ira, and prepares for a rite of passage: his Bar Mitzvah. His older sister Fran is a consistent, wise, and loving presence in his life.