"It's a girl!" With these words, with a single chromosome, the fate of a female is sealed.

Over the next 40 years, little Stephanie Lewis will learn everone else's view of what those words mean - from angelic virgin to subservient lover to source of comic relief - at the expense of the one point of view that can save her from a broken-record cycle of failed romances, odd jobs and dangerous addictions -her own.

And when Stephanie's broken record finally skips out of its groove, Stephanie finds herself in the rehab centre. There, disconsolate and in ruins she finds the only route back; you have to realize what made you crazy before you can make yourself sane.

For writer, director and star Dyan Cannon the battle for women to find pleasure in their own convictions - instead of seeking the validation of parents, lovers and bosses - is full of comic irony. But the absurdity is only laughable because so many are engaged in the fight.

It's fitting then that three actresses portray the changing faces of Stephanie Lewis before Cannon takes over and turns the character inside out. With wit, warmth and humour, The End of Innocence answers its own questions.

Dyan Cannon holds the distinction of being the first woman ever nominated for an Academy Award for work on both sides of the camera; as director of the 48 minute short film Number One, and twice for her acting performances in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and Heaven Can Wait. Some of the other notable films in which Cannon has figured prominently include Author! Author!, Deathtrap, The Last of Sheila, Such Good Friends and Honeysuckle Rose.