Fuzzy suffers from respiratory disease and thus spends most of his time beneath a plastic tent ventilated with a breathing apparatus. Older children, such as Buster, look out for the younger children, and in particular care for those who are sickly, including Fuzzy Stone, who was born prematurely to an alcoholic mother. Conditions at the orphanage are sparse, but the children have love, are given respect, and are like an extended family. Larch is addicted to ether and also secretly performs abortions. The first family felt Homer was too quiet (due to orphanage babies soon learning crying is pointless). Cloud's, a Maine orphanage directed by avuncular Dr. Irving documented his involvement in bringing the novel to the screen in his book, My Movie Business. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture, along with four other nominations at the 72nd Academy Awards. The film won two Academy Awards: Irving won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay, while Michael Caine won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. It was positively reviewed and has a 71% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It grossed $110,098 in its opening weekend and $88.5 million worldwide, against a budget of $24 million. It was given a limited release by Miramax Films in the United States on December 10, 1999, followed by a wide release on January 7, 2000. The film was produced by Miramax Films and FilmColony and had its world premiere at the 56th Venice International Film Festival. The film stars Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, Kieran Culkin, Heavy D, Kate Nelligan, and Erykah Badu. Its story follows Homer Wells, who lives in a World War II–era Maine orphanage run by a doctor who trained him, and his journey after leaving the orphanage. The Cider House Rules is a 1999 American drama film directed by Lasse Hallström from a screenplay by John Irving, based on Irving's 1985 novel of the same name.

The cider house rules novel