The situation is a bit precious at times, but the central conflict between daughter Mia Farrow and her mother Elaine Stritch is fresh and compelling.

Allen has made so many comedies that it is easy to insist that he make nothing else. Actually, he is as acute an author of serious dialogue as anyone now making movies, and in September most of the real action goes on in the word choices.

It sounds like a wacky prime-time sitcom that would rule the boob tube for four years minimum. Instead, it's the scenario fueling Woody Allen's dreary drama.

A perfect storm of acting, writing, and direction that subtly seeps into the heart and lingers long after the credits have rolled. A little known but hugely powerful triumph.