Paramount Pictures released Paper Moon on 9 May 1973.
It’s one of those films where it’s hard to tell whether it is a psychotronic or art film. And indeed, it is both. Well, art? I’m a lot more clear what a psychotronic film is than what an art film is. But it was made in black and white when it didn’t need to be. That’s a sure sign of an art film.
But it’s about a con man. Not just a con man but one who preys on grieving family members who just lost a loved-one. He does it by selling them Bibles. And it’s the Great Depression. And he uses a little girl to help him.
That’s pretty damned psychotronic! And it’s a very fun film!
I sure wouldn’t be highlighting The Last Picture Show if it had been released today. Regardless of how much I admire that film I don’t find it fun — except when Cloris Leachman yells at Timothy Bottoms.
Consider 13 Frightened Girls! And in that context, Paper Moon is notable for another reason: it features a precocious little girl who doesn’t make me want to scream.
That might be due to her not being very nice. She’s unpleasant exactly the way that precocious children usually are. There’s nothing like a good unpleasant truth!
Other 9 May Anniversaries
Filmmakers:
- Albert Finney (1936-2019): Iconic actor in Tom Jones, Murder on the Orient Express, and Miller’s Crossing.
- Kevin Peter Hall (1955-1991): Actor known for playing monsters in Predator and Harry and the Hendersons.
- Chuck Russell (1958-): Director known for The Blog remake and The Mask.
- Daniel Franzese (1978-): Actor known for Killer Pad and Kill Theory.
- Rosario Dawson (1979-): Actor known for Death Proof.
Films:
- The Spider Returns (1941): Superhero action film.
- Soylent Green (1973): A cop tries to get by in a dystopian future with inequality almost as bad as we have today.
- Friday the 13th (1980): The first of this iconic franchise is just fine.
- Ice Cream Man (1995): Slasher comedy starring Clint Howard.
- The Fifth Element (1997): A cabdriver in the future helps a runaway and maybe the entire world.
- The Eye (2002): A young woman gets an eye transplant and can now see ghosts.
- A Mighty Wind (2003): The best of the Christopher Guest improv films — this time focused on folk music.
- House of Usher (2008): Creepy house film featuring David DeCoteau’s stable of beautiful young men.
- Clown in a Cornfield (2025): Clown slasher from Eli Craig.
Paper Moon (1973) poster via Wikipedia under Fair Use.
