Truth Really IS Stranger Than Fiction: Prodigal Sons Documentary
Just when you think life is already pretty interesting, it gets a little more so.
Did anybody watch the Oprah Show last week about the transgendered guy from Helena Montana? There is a documentary associated with the story and I’ve included clips below from both the Oprah show and from the documentary (which will be available to purchase from Amazon.com in July.
Here’s the basic story:
Three sons, one of whom is adopted. Born into loving Montana family.
One grows up and is gay.
One grows up (having been star H.S. Quarterback etc), and eventually undergoes sex change operation. Paul becomes Kim.
One who is adopted always felt less than the football playing brother…always competed, always fell short. In young adulthood, he is in a serious car accident and has a severe head injury that effectively ruins his world. Later, after his birth mother’s death, it is discovered that he is the grandson of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth. Orson and Rita were married only about 5 years and had one daughter of that union. Daughter (Rebecca Welles) grows up, gets pregnant and gives the baby up for adoption without telling her parents. After her death, the truth is revealed to adoptive family. And this grandson really looks like Orson Welles! And it is too late for him to realize his own fame or value. His brain is fried from the head injury.
Here’s the back story:I found out last week. My sister, is a McKerrow. She is married to the cousin of these three brothers. So even in some of the footage from the documentary, I see quick views of my brother-in-law as a kid in the home movies.
Is that stranger than fiction? I can’t wait to see the documentary, Prodigal Sons! And I am so impressed with how GROUNDED they all seem given what ordeals they have endured. And what COURAGE it took to tell this story! I also learned something that should have been obvious but wasn’t: that Gender Identity (which gender you FEEL you are and IDENTIFY with) and Sexual Orientation(which gender you are attracted to sexually or for a partnership) are TWO VERY DIFFERENT THINGS. I love light-bulb moments!
very interesting story, cherrie. just one thing, you said in the beginning of this post “…the transgendered guy…” transgendered people should be referred to as the gender they identify with, so that part of the post should have read “…the transgendered woman from helena, montana…”
that’s all, otherwise really interesting discovery, i am looking forward to seeing the movie too!
-drew
The director, Kim Reed, was nominated a few years back by Filmmaker Magazine as one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film.
Oh, good point Drew! Thanks for bringing that up…I guess I could edit it, but maybe let’s leave it like it is for a learning opportunity. It can be confusing to wrap one’s head around, at least it is for me.
The documentary is getting really good reviews so far, but is not being shown in very many places. I’ll probably have to wait for it on DVD this summer.