Isabelle "Izzy" Grossman (Amy Irving) is a successful woman. She works in a prestigious New York City bookstore -- New Day Books -- and has access to all kinds of famous authors, poets, publishers and editors. She thrives in this cultural environment. And yet, she's getting a little older. At least one of her best friends just had a baby. Still, Izzy is discerning enough not to be involved with a partner at the moment (although her former boyfriend Nick (John Bradford Lloyd) comes back for a sleep-over every once in a while).

Enter her very Jewish grandmother, her "Bubbie" (Reizl Bozyk), who thinks it's high time for Izzy to find a husband. And if she can't find one on her own, then maybe she needs a push from an outside source. Without asking Izzy for her permission, Bubbie enlists the services of a traditional marriage broker and matchmaker, Hannah Mandelbaum (Sylvia Miles). Izzy is upset at this development but agrees to meet the chosen man to please both of these persistent women. And this is how Izzy meets Sam Posner (Peter Riegert), who works as a pickle salesman in the old neighborhood, just as his father did. He seems nice enough, but doesn't strike Izzy as her top choice in a mate.

Instead, it's Dutch-born author Anton Maes (Jeroen Krabbe) who is drawing Izzy's attention. His romantic and sensual writing is enough to make her weak in the knees. To think that she knows him well enough to personally arrange for his reading and book signing at the store! This is the kind of literary circle she wants to call a lifestyle. This is where she wants to be. Isn't it?

The choice is easy enough. Sam offers a nice, stable life within the Jewish community. Anton seems to offer something else entirely -- something exotic and exciting. Who will Izzy choose, if she chooses anyone at all? And will Bubbie bless her decision?

Irving, Riegert and Krabbe are terrific in their roles, but the two actors who truly steal the show are Bozyk and Miles. Their stereotypical interfering Jewish ladies are played to the max, which makes them even more delightful. You'll probably recognize Miles as a character actor who appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Bozyk, on the other hand, was born in Poland and was a mainstay in Yiddish theatre for quite some time. Crossing Delancey is one of her few film credits. She makes the perfect Bubbie for Izzy.

Watch for Sam's story about his friend Harry and his little brown cap. Then you'll understand the metaphor for the title of the film. Also watch for the chilling performance of the impromptu diva at the hot dog grill. And of course, you'll catch glimpses of David Hyde Pierce in an early role as a fellow bookstore employee named Mark. And yes, this is a celebration of the vitality of the independent bookstore. Long may it thrive!

The soundtrack music enhances the storyline. Some of the songs are provided by the Roches. The trio's close harmonies sound great on their version of the Fleetwoods' 1959 hit, "Come Softly to Me." Their song "Pounding" may stay with you until well after the movie is over, however. "When your heart stops pounding pounding pounding pounding pounding, give me a call." It's used in several scenes and has stickability.

Crossing Delancey is a romantic comedy that hasn't gotten as much attention as it could have. I like the storyline, and I like the bookstore and literature aspects of the setting. It's the kind of movie that viewers could watch and easily put themselves in Izzy's heels. Who should she go for, Sam or Anton? Or, which one should we warn her about? Or, do we want to just grab her by the shoulders and shake her and say, "Stop doing this! Wake up, girl!" The answer may or may not be an easy one.