Paper Moon

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Paper Moon ★★★½ 1973 (PG)

Award-winning story set in depression-era Kansas with Ryan O'Neal as a Bible-wielding con who meets up with a nine-year-old orphan. During their travels together, he discovers that the orphan (his daughter, Tatum) is better at “his” game than he is. Irresistible chemistry between the O'Neals, leading to Tatum's Oscar win (she is the youngest actor ever to take home a statue). Cinematically picturesque and cynical enough to keep overt sentimentalism at bay. Based on Joe David Brown's novel, “Addie Pray.” The director's version contains a prologue by director Bogdanovich. 102m/B VHS, DVD . Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman, Randy Quaid; D: Peter Bogdanovich; W: Alvin Sargent. Oscars ‘73: Support. Actress (O'Neal); Writers Guild ‘73: Adapt. Screenplay.