In 'Grey Gardens,' Drew Barrymore proves she can actually act

Breaking news: Drew Barrymore finally proves she IS related to the acclaimed Barrymore theatrical family.

Yes, our little flipperty-gippert shows that she can act (and then some) in "Grey Gardens," HBO's flawlessly moving and poignant tale of Edith "Little Edie" Bouvier (yes, those Bouviers) Beale, the over-the-top daughter, who, with her equally eccentric mother (played by Jessica Lange) made up the reclusive East Hampton duo captured by an infamous and revealing documentary, "Grey Gardens," and later, a Broadway production by the same name.

 The family was well off and an amusing part of the upper crust of New York and Long Island society, but eventually, post-divorce, financial ruin and isolation, Jacqueline Kennedy's aunt and cousin became crazy cat ladies and their Grey Gardens mansion turned into a vermin-filled filthy dump.

"Grey Gardens" director Michael Sucsy tells Choire Sicha of the LA Times that he was so not interested in Barrymore for Edie at first.

Sicha writes: "Listen," Sucsy said of his thoughts at the time: "I've worked with Drew now. How shall I say this? She was not proven in this genre!"

At that meeting, "I said, 'Look I'm going to call out the elephant in the room,' " Barrymore told Sicha. "'I've never done a part like this. I sound like a girl from the San Fernando Valley. I have nothing in my arsenal to prove to you I'm capable of doing this.' "

She got the role. And she's more than proven herself now.  And everyone who doubts this should set their DVRs to record the premiere Saturday night on HBO.

Just to end this effusive praise with a gossipy note (hey, this is the Dish Rag, after all), we must point out that Drew was reunited -- at least photographically -- with her ex-beau Justin Long at the New York post party Tuesday night.

And she was also snapped posing with old "SNL" pal Jimmy Fallon.

Wonder whom she'll pose with at Thursday night's Los Angeles premiere? We'll be there to find out!

Photo: Drew', with Justin Long, has finally found her fashion era, wearing a vintage inspired sheer sparky gown, a Dior maribou wrap with fringe details (not seen), blond Jean Harlow finger waves and bright red lips at Tuesday night's New York premiere. Credit: WireImage

Photo: Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lang as the aging Bouvier mother and daughter recluses. Credit: HBO

Related Grey Gardens Dish:

Read about the Grey Gardens fashions

Choire Sicha's profile of "Grey Gardens" star Drew Barrymore