If ever you want to see grownup siblings turn into squabbling ill-behaved adolescents, just drop a family inheritance in their laps. That's the basic story behind Horton Foote's “Dividing The Estate,” a somewhat old-fashioned comedy/drama with a large cast that doesn't quite hit the mark but nevertheless offers up some good ole dysfunctional Southern family fun.

Meet the Gordons of Harrison, Texas, circa 1987. Stella, the widowed matriarch, is a forceful presence in the home where she's lived all her life. The large estate is managed by Stella's grandson, affectionately known as "Son," who also lives there with his mother Lucille and uncle Lewis.

But their idyllic existence is threatened by poor finances. One solution is to divide up the estate and let everyone go their separate ways, an option that Stella and Lucille strongly oppose. But Stella's other daughter, Mary Bo, who lives nearby with her family, has her own money woes and is determined to cash out now.

The plot thickens with revelations of drinking and gambling problems, rampant greed and trouble with the longtime help. But it's not until Stella's passing that the show gets revved up.

Crafted in the traditional style of having minor characters supply exposition, this story of a self-absorbed family living off faded memories and a legacy of entitlement offers few revelations.

It's unusually animated for a Horton Foote play, which is typically more subdued, and while it's entertaining, it seems to take the low road for easy laughs at the expense of real depth.

There's a wide disparity in the performances, ranging from sub-par to excellent. Best among them are Elizabeth Ashley, who is a feisty hoot as Stella, Penny Fuller as the more sensible daughter and Hallie Foote the yammering nag. Gerald McRaney is superb as an emotionally-crippled heir who's depended on handouts all his life.

“Dividing the Estate” is not Foote's best play but it does have its moments. As family plays go, it could be described as a kinder, gentler “August: Osage County” - half as caustic and twice as conventional.