Peter Bogdanovich had the training and chops to become one of the greatest directors of all time. He was a film historian and writer, befriending and interviewing many of the masters (Alfred Hitchcock, Fritz Lang, Orson Welles). His first films were devoted to improving other's work/style (Voyage to the Planet of Prehistoric Women, Targets), and from there he developed a distinct style with his unique trio of films The Last Picture Show (1971), What's Up Doc? (1972) and this, his masterpiece, Paper Moon (1973). Since then, Bogdanovich has been disappointingly quiet.
Kansas, the 1930's: Moze (Ryan O'Neil), a grifter, attends the funeral of a former flame. There he meets Addie (Tatum O'Neil), the deceased woman's daughter. Addie is forced on Moze by others in attendance thinking he might be her father, or at least might take her to find her Aunt in Missouri. Moze reluctantly agrees, but his initial attempts to simply drop Addie off at the train station are thwarted by the young girl's quick, biting wit...
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| Paper Moon. 1973. Peter Bogdanovich: Ryan O'Neil and Tatum O'Neil |
The two are constantly at odds...
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| Paper Moon. 1973. Peter Bogdanovich: Ryan O'Neil and Tatum O'Neil |
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They do become partners, however, when Moze discovers that Addie knows a thing or two about conning as well...
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| Paper Moon. 1973. Peter Bogdanovich: Ryan O'Neil and Tatum O'Neil |
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Addie seemingly enjoys the time until Moze picks up a tramp (Madeline Kahn) that is out to use him and threatens to deplete their funds...
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| Paper Moon. 1973. Peter Bogdanovich: Madeline Kahn |
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An unforgettable journey of friendship, discovery and hidden sentimentality continues...
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| Paper Moon. 1973: Tatum O'Neil received an Academy Award (at age 10) |
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| Paper Moon. 1973. Peter Bogdanovich: Ryan O'Neil and Tatum O'Neil |
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