John Korty tells the story at a satisfyingly leisurely pace, befitting a woman who accumulates a hundred and ten years.

[Tyson's] performance, though, goes far beyond the make-up. She absorbs herself completely into Miss Jane, in the process creating a marvelous blend of sly humor, shrew perceptions and innate dignity.

Aiming for the stars, the film hits a magazine spread by Norman Rockwell, and obstinately stays there: a respectable enough achievement in its way, but one that ultimately dims the mind as it stirs up the emotions.

Cicely Tyson gives a towering performance.