The films of Woody Allen

The films of Woody Allen

Woody Allen filming the futuristic comedy "Sleeper."

Born in 1935 in New York, the TV comedy writer, standup comedian, film director and clarinet player is one of the most prolific filmmakers ever, creating more than 40 feature films over the past four-and-a-half decades. While his slapstick comedy has earned comparisons to Keaton and Chaplin, his comedies and dramas (many portraying the trials and tribulations of neurotic intellectuals in the city he loves most) have made him one of the most respected of filmmakers, with actors of every stripe eager to appear in his movies. (The 16 Oscar nominations earned by actors in Allen's films hasn't hurt, either.)

"Blue Jasmine" is the latest Allen work to receive critical praise, for a filmmaker who has earned more Academy Award nominations than any other writer-director (22, plus one for Best Actor).

By CBSNews.com senior producer David Morgan

Credit: United Artists