Paternity (released in theaters on October 2, 1981) leaps onto the screen as a warm, witty romantic comedy that tackles the absurdities of bachelorhood, modern relationships, and biological clocks. The story centers on Buddy Evans (Burt Reynolds), the successful, highly charismatic manager of New York City’s prestigious Madison Square Garden.
Happy with his comfortable bachelor lifestyle, Buddy’s perspective shifts dramatically when he encounters a young boy (Peter Billingsley) and suddenly realizes he desperately wants a child of his own to carry on his family name.
However, committed to staying single and avoiding the complications of marriage, Buddy formulates an unconventional plan: find a surrogate mother who will give birth to his child, accept a generous cash payout, and relinquish all parental rights.
Buddy’s bizarre search for the ideal surrogate spirals into comedy as he receives advice from his cynical, married best friend Kurt (Paul Dooley) and his outspoken manager Larry (Norman Fell).
After several awkward interviews – including a brief encounter with a glamorous high-society woman (Lauren Hutton) – Buddy connects with Maggie (Beverly D’Angelo), a struggling, independent music student in desperate need of cash to study in Vienna.
Maggie reluctantly agrees to the contractual arrangement, and as the pregnancy progresses, Buddy insists on taking care of her, moving her into his apartment.
Complications multiply as Buddy’s sophisticated ex-girlfriend Sophia (Elizabeth Ashley) re-enters the picture, unaware of the surrogate contract.
Over nine chaotic months of Lamaze classes, craving runs, and domestic arguments, Buddy and Maggie’s strictly business deal unexpectedly blossoms into real, deep affection.
As labor approaches, the confirmed bachelor must confront his true feelings and decide whether he wants to be just a father or a devoted partner to the woman carrying his child.
Burt Reynolds and Beverly D’Angelo in Paternity (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for Paternity
Paternity grossed $18.8 million in its theatrical run.
Roger Ebert gave Paternity two out of four stars in his review.
Legacy
Paternity‘s legacy endures as an entertaining, highly enjoyable entry in Burt Reynolds’s prime 1980s filmography, widely appreciated for offering the superstar a softer, more romantic comedic vehicle.
Reynolds brought his signature charm and self-deprecating humor to the lead role, perfectly paired with Beverly D’Angelo’s magnetic screen presence and razor-sharp comic timing.
David Steinberg’s smooth direction kept the battle-of-the-sexes narrative moving at a brisk pace, bolstered by memorable supporting performances from Paul Dooley, Norman Fell, Elizabeth Ashley, Lauren Hutton, and a very young Peter Billingsley.
Paternity remains a fun, nostalgic time capsule of early-1980s studio comedy.
