Paper Moon (1973)

91% of critics liked it
(32 reviews)
91% of users liked it
(9,925 ratings)

The year is 1936. Orphaned Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neal, in her film debut) is left in the care of unethical travelling Bible salesman Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal, Tatum's dad), who may or may not be her father. En route to Addie's relatives, Moses learns that the 9-year-old is quite a handful: she… More The year is 1936. Orphaned Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neal, in her film debut) is left in the care of unethical travelling Bible salesman Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal, Tatum's dad), who may or may not be her father. En route to Addie's relatives, Moses learns that the 9-year-old is quite a handful: she smokes, cusses, and is almost as devious and manipulative as he is. They join forces as swindlers, working together so well that Addie is averse to breaking up the team -- which is one reason that she sabotages the romance between Moses and good-time gal Trixie Delight (Madeline Kahn). Later, while attempting to square a $200 debt that Addie claims he owes her, Moses runs afoul of of a bootlegger (John Hillerman) and is nearly beaten to death by the criminal's twin-brother sheriff. Painfully pulling himself together, Moses gets Addie to her relatives, whereupon she adamantly refuses to leave his side. Photographed in black-and-white by Laszlo Kovacs, the film was made largely on location in Kansas and Missouri (an experience colorfully recalled by director Peter Bogdanovich in his 1972 book of essays Pieces of Time). 9-year-old Tatum O'Neal won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar, beating out costar Kahn. Paper Moon later became a short-lived TV series, starring Ryan O'Neal lookalike Christopher Connelly and future Oscar winner Jodie Foster. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 45 min.
Directed By: Peter Bogdanovich
Written By: Joe David Brown, Alvin Sargent
Genres: Drama, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: May 9, 1973 Wide
On DVD: Aug 12, 2003
Studio: Paramount Pictures

Critic Reviews

Jay Cocks, TIME Magazine
It is very fussy about period detail, and goes to some length to evoke the dim days of Depression America, while just about everything else is left to slide.
Roger Moore, Orlando Sentinel
It's everything a road picture is supposed to be, a life-changing personal journey, a quest, a bit old-fashioned and a hoot.
Variety Staff, Variety
Tatum O'Neal makes a sensational screen debut.
Vincent Canby, New York Times
The film never makes up its mind whether it wants to be an instant antique or a comment on one.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
I wonder how many moviegoers will be prepared for the astonishing confidence and depth that Tatum brings to what's really the starring role.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
The images (by Laszlo Kovacs) have a lovely dusty openness -- a realistic view of the Midwestern flatlands fading into a romantic memory.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
A cute little family drama about a young con artist and her father as they build a grifting empire.
Christopher Lloyd, Sarasota Herald-Tribune
What's most interesting about Paper Moon is that it has the tone and timbre of a comedy, but the setting and style of the film are somber and more reminiscent of a European art film.
Heather Boerner, Common Sense Media
Tatum O'Neal's smoke- and booze-filled caper.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Bogdanovich's warmest film, featuring charming performances from real-life father and daughter Ryan and Tatum O'Neal.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Charming Depression-era road movie comedy.
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
A charming mixture of Hawksian comedy and Fordian lyricism.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Like Bogdanovich's masterpiece, Last Picture Show, this film is at once an evocation of childhood in a specific time and place (story is inspired by a Shirley Temple vehicle) and a commentary on it. Remarkably shot in b/w by ace lenser Laszlo Kovac.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
The O'Neals are great together, equalled by cinematography, story, direction, acting by all.
Mark Robison, Reno Gazette-Journal
The film's documentary feel meshes perfectly with the sweet cynicism of the characters.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

Father Ryan O'Neal teams up with his daughter Tatum for this comedy adventure set in the 30s. The story is good, it's fun, and very funny too. I highly recommend this movie.
Spencer S

Tatum swings into acting and comes out the other side to shock us all. I don't think Ryan could have played her traveling companion any better.
Morgan S

Love Tatum O'neal and her dad! They are great. Its a classic. You must SEE IT!
Jennifer D

HOW have I NEVER seen this movie before?? Correction: How the HELL have I have never seen this movie before?? This film was fabulous!! I know Tatum O'Neal won an Academy award when she was young, but had no idea this was the film for it! She was tremendous!! Her expressions and… More
HOW have I NEVER seen this movie before?? Correction: How the HELL have I have never seen this movie before?? This film was fabulous!! I know Tatum O'Neal won an Academy award when she was young, but had no idea this was the film for it! She was tremendous!! Her expressions and attitude. I was entranced within minutes. Ryan O'Neal was also fantastic, especially being her father and playing a father role. Fabulous. Just fabulous.
Randy T

Depression era con-man Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neil) reluctantly accepts the responsibility of transporting orphaned Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neil) from her deceased mother's graveside to her Aunt's farm in Missouri. Along the way Moses discovers that his 9-year-old… More
Depression era con-man Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neil) reluctantly accepts the responsibility of transporting orphaned Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neil) from her deceased mother's graveside to her Aunt's farm in Missouri. Along the way Moses discovers that his 9-year-old travel companion is a better con-artist than he is. The two are more alike than either would dare to admit and eventually they form an odd but profound friendship. I'm not sure if it was the comforting familiarity of working with her father or if it was just a character perfectly suited for her talents, but Tatum O'Neil knocks my socks off every time I watch this movie. If ever a young actress deserved Oscar recognition, she's the one. The kid is just spectacular (and the film isn't bad either!).
Aaron N

Addie Loggins: I want my two hundred dollars. Moses Pray: I don't have your two hundred dollars no more and you know it. Addie Loggins: If you don't give me my two hundred dollars I'm gonna tell a policeman how you got it and he'll make you give it to me because… More
Addie Loggins: I want my two hundred dollars. Moses Pray: I don't have your two hundred dollars no more and you know it. Addie Loggins: If you don't give me my two hundred dollars I'm gonna tell a policeman how you got it and he'll make you give it to me because it's mine. Moses Pray: But I don't have it! Addie Loggins: Then get it! Cafe Waitress: [walks over after Moses slams his fist on the table] How we doin', Angel Pie? We gonna have a little dessert when we finish up our hot dog? Addie Loggins: I don't know. Cafe Waitress: What do you say, Daddy? Why don't we give Precious a little dessert if she eats her dog? Moses Pray: Her name ain't Precious. Easily taking a place amongst my favorite con films, this movie is awesome. Its a lot of fun, stylish, very well written, great rhythmic dialog, and perfect chemistry between the two leads, who are father and daughter. Set in the depression era, Ryan O'Neal stars as a Moses Pray, a con man who suddenly arrives at a funeral. This is the funeral of the mother of a young girl named Addie, played by Tatum O'Neal. Addie has very little, dresses like a boy, complete with short hair, overalls, and flannel. She has an aunt in Missouri and manages to start traveling with Moses to that city. Moses may or may not be Addie's father and sees her presence initially as an inconvenience. Addie on the other hand, sees Moses pulling some schemes and attempts to join him in his business. The two form a team and despite constant bickering, they are quite good at scamming together. Moses Pray: I got scruples too, you know. You know what that is? Scruples? Addie Loggins: No, I don't know what it is, but if you got 'em, it's a sure bet they belong to somebody else! I really loved seeing these O'Neals together. They are wonderful. Ryan O'Neal has such a perfect delivery, holding up his accent, sleezy style, and attitude throughout and still making him a likable and fun character. Tatum O'Neal is nine years old in this film, but shows more talent than most actors here. She has a tricky character to play. She clearly doesn't know everything, but has the skills of a natural grifter. She doesn't act too feminine, but she doesn't like being mistaken for a boy. She's cute, but she doesn't try to be. And she bounces dialog off Moses in such a well handled way. There is a whole segment that involves the great Madeline Kahn as well, which slightly slows down the film, but is still a lot of fun and adds another great performance to the film, so it doesn't matter too much. Moses Pray: Now eat your Coney Island. Director Peter Bogdanovich, taking some advice from Orson Wells, decided to give the film a classy feel, giving more weight to its depression time period, by placing the film in black and white, which I think does add to the film. Its production design and costuming is well handled and gives the whole film a great feel and look. Just a wonderful and enjoyable film to watch. Moses Pray: I told you, I don't want you ridin' with me no more. Addie Loggins: You still owe me two hundred dollars.
Mark H

Road comedy set during the Great Depression about a father and daughter team who work as a couple of grifters. Hilarious, affectionate and stylish film makes excellent use of black and white cinematography. Director Peter Bogdanovich is at the top his game here.
Fernando Rafael Q

A wonderful and hilarious film. Beautifully shot and relying on a sharp script and a cool soundtrack, PAPER MOON is a marvelous achievement from Peter Bogdanovich. A 70's movie that looks and feels like a 30's movie (that's a good thing). The couple formed by Moses Pray… More
A wonderful and hilarious film. Beautifully shot and relying on a sharp script and a cool soundtrack, PAPER MOON is a marvelous achievement from Peter Bogdanovich. A 70's movie that looks and feels like a 30's movie (that's a good thing). The couple formed by Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal) and Addie (Tatum O'Neal; real life father and daughter) is what makes this a classic. Both of them gave realistic and funny performances. Madeline Kahn and P.J. Johnson are the cherry on top. Fantastic movie.
Tim S

Didn't expect the dark turns in this one.
Lafe F

A classic film set in depression-era america. Ryan and Tatum make a great pair of grifters. Some of their cons are hilarious. A nice period to visit.
Mike T

Glistens with the old-fashioned artistry of Peter Bogdanovich, and basks in the cinematic sensibility of its pace and performances. A sensitive, funny and extremely entertaining film.
William G

Leads, cinematography are equally terrific.
hawk l

Black-and-white retro feel, striking cinematography, and some energetic comedy built on plenty of straight-faced folly, managing significant rueful shifts of tone. The deadpan acting is a treat with Ryan O'Neal never more likable, but daughter Tatum O'Neal is a revelation.… More
Black-and-white retro feel, striking cinematography, and some energetic comedy built on plenty of straight-faced folly, managing significant rueful shifts of tone. The deadpan acting is a treat with Ryan O'Neal never more likable, but daughter Tatum O'Neal is a revelation. Madeline Kahn's zaniness a bonus.
Sarah B

Would this film have been half as good without either Tatum or Ryan O'Neal? The father daughter relationship has never been so fascinating, compelling, or... twisted. She well deserved her Oscar.
Doctor S

'Paper Moon' A Great Showcase for Stars Great chemistry, as one might expect, from father-daughter Ryan & Tatum O'Neal as contentious confidence tricksters in 1930s Kansas/Missouri. "I've got scruples, ya know," proclaims Ryan indignantly, "do… More
'Paper Moon' A Great Showcase for Stars Great chemistry, as one might expect, from father-daughter Ryan & Tatum O'Neal as contentious confidence tricksters in 1930s Kansas/Missouri. "I've got scruples, ya know," proclaims Ryan indignantly, "do ya know what scruples are?" "No, I don't know what scruples are," retorts 9-year-old Tatum, "but if you got 'em then they probably belonged to somebody else!"
Donna D

One of the funniest moviest of the great director Peter Bogdanovich. Tatum O'neal shines as Addie opposite her dad Ryan O'neal as Mose. Although the movie is shot entirely in black and white and is set in the 1930's or so, it has it's own unique style. Madeline… More
One of the funniest moviest of the great director Peter Bogdanovich. Tatum O'neal shines as Addie opposite her dad Ryan O'neal as Mose. Although the movie is shot entirely in black and white and is set in the 1930's or so, it has it's own unique style. Madeline Kahn is hilarious as Miss Trixie Delight, and steals the show at one point. A funny movie with great actors.
Wu C

Very funny and slick looking B&W cinematography. Great chemistry between the real father/daughter tandem.