A HEARTWARMING ROMANCE -

When a Jewish grandmother hires a matchmaker for her granddaughter, chaos ensues as the granddaughter tries to avoid the good-hearted but average Joe. Izzy has her sights on a much bigger target. The film stars Amy Irving, Jeroen Krabbé and Peter Riegert.

Isabelle "Izzy" Grossman (Amy Irving) works at one of the last independent bookstores in New York City, and loves her job. She gets to meet prominent authors and arrange book signings and small book discussions for them. When the dashing and world-renown author Anton Maes (Jeroen Krabbé) arrives for his book signing and shows Izzy some attention, she's charmed.

Meanwhile, Izzy's Jewish grandmother Bubbie (Reizl Bozyk) is taking her granddaughter's future into her own hands. She's hired Mrs. Mandelbaum, the local matchmaker, to find Izzy a husband. Quicker than you can say dill or sweet, Mrs. Mandelbaum brings Sam (Peter Riegert) the pickle-maker around to meet Izzy.

He's interested; Izzy is not, and is almost abrupt in her apologies of why she's not right for him. He tells her that sometimes you have to try a different hat (you have to watch to find out more about that) and even sends her one. Izzy is touched by the gesture but certain she and Sam have nothing in common and that she and Anton have something going on.

While this story could be a simple, traditional romance several things make it truly interesting and heartwarming. Amy Irving (The Fury) is a terrific actress who sadly has practically disappeared from the big screen. In Crossing Delancey - named for the street that separates class distinctions in the neighborhood - her performance is extremely compelling. Irving is beautifully engaging no matter if Izzy is trying to let Sam down gently or appear alluring to Anton.

Reizl Bozyk is so funny as Bubbie she could have carried a movie all on her own. Unfortunately Crossing Delancey was the only feature film she made.

Reizl Bozyk (The Object of Beauty, 1991) is more recognizable for his many TV roles, but every time he comes across as a genuine character and with what seems like minimal effort. Amsterdam-born Jeroen Krabbé (The Fugitive, 1993) has many credible roles in his resume, although many in the last few years seem beneath his potential. He's the perfect suitor in Crossing Delancey oozing lots of European sophistication.

Crossing Delancey may be somewhat predictable but the journey is thoroughly enjoyable and great for a romantic date.

Director: Joan Micklin Silver

Writers: Susan Sandler (play), Susan Sandler (screenplay)

Cast: Amy Irving, Peter Riegert, Reizl Bozyk, Jeroen Krabbé, Sylvia Miles

Run Time: 97 Minutes

Rating: PG - suggested for 13 and older

Classic Movie Guide Rating: 3 our of 5 stars

Studio: Warner Bros. Pictures

Format: Color, Widescreen

Photo credits: Warner Bros. Pictures