Paper Moon (US Version) DVD Region 1

The main credit goes to young Tatum O'Neal who plays the role of a lifetime as Addie Loggins. Delivering a tour de force performance, including superb interaction with film and real-life father Ryan O'Neal as swindling but good-hearted thief Moses Pray, she no doubt is the center attraction of the film. A unique nostalgic atmosphere underlined by traditional black and white shooting and a good script with clever original dialogue also help to turn this Peter Bogdanovich film into a lasting delight.

The two O'Neals wonderfully match their performances, making it difficult not to root for them in spite of their robbing natures. I followed how the initially mismatched pair of cons sets up their unsuspecting prey with very keen interest right from the start. I believe that I may not be the only one who feels tempted to try some of the film's original con tricks which often see the stealing duo paying a relatively low amount of money, and receiving lots of unasked for change.

In any event, Paper Moon should keep you amused throughout, especially with regard to Tatum's charming pre-adolescent behavior, and Ryan's engaged portrayal of a small-time crook without a cause. At least two other things stand out for me in this film: one, Madeline Kahn's engaged portrayal of frivolous Trixie Delight and two, the mean small town police officer who I can now identify as John Hillerman, a.k.a. Magum P.I.'s Mr. Higgins. My friend and I watched this classic movie while having dinner and were nailed to our seats, and I am sure that you will also be captured by the cast's brilliant performances. This film proves that cinematic excellence can indeed be found in simple well-told tales whenever you have an ambitious and talented cast to complement it.