It's not hard to see where the Crystal family got its wacky streak. Lindsay Crystal's lovingly crafted documentary celebrates the life of her great uncle Bernhardt, known as "Berns," the uncle of her father, funnyman Billy Crystal. Uncle Berns is a fascinating character with a remarkable life story. It becomes clear as we listen to him do his impersonation of Hitler, or recite limericks, that Billy learned his shtick from him. More than just a comedic role model, Berns is a life force. A traumatic incident in his teenage years -- which you have to hear him tell to believe -- forces him to live on the streets of New York City for years, separated from his family. His experience in World War I is equally harrowing, but out of it he develops an artistic hobby into a profession. On September 11, Uncle Berns is living in the Hallmark, an assisted living community in Battery Park City. Although he is evacuated safely, Berns' near-death experience causes Lindsay to think about how lucky she is to count him as a member of her family. Berns copes with life's tragedies through his drawings, a number of which appear in the film, as stills and in animated sequences. Together with home movies and found footage, these illustrations give the film an extraordinary texture. He's a special man, our Uncle Berns, and his story is as inspiring as it is unusual.

Directed by

Lindsay Crystal and Cory Concoff