Brilliant...

Man, I feel stupid for putting this one off for so long. I'm a Woody-devotee and, next to Manhattan, this has to be his most accomplished work. Initially, I was a tad skeptical considering that he didn't helm this one, but it doesn't make one iota of difference - although I don't know what that says about his directorial technique, it undoubtably reaffirms his position as one of the premier dialogue writers/storytellers of the last 50 years.

I thought it nailed the now too familiar Woody type character: Self-deprecating, witty, needy, nerdy and thus funny in a sad sort of way.

I was also shocked that, for an early 70's Woody movie, the story dealt with human relationships on a more substantial level; as opposed to everything else from 'Take the Money...' to 'Love & Death' where relationships existed solely to facilitate the abundance of gags.

Although this could be seen as a precursor to 'Annie Hall', I feel it surpasses it. A cute marriage of gags typical of Woody at that time, and genuine heart which would become synonymus with the man only a few years later.

Truly underappriciated.

"Hand me that piano"