IMDb 0 1981 HD

Paternity

Paternity

1981
Comedy
94 min
4.9 / 10
0 IMDB

Buddy Evans manages events at Madison Square Garden in New York City. He is a confirmed bachelor who lives with his housekeeper Celia. After coming into contact with…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director David Steinberg
Starring
Burt Reynolds / Beverly D'Angelo / Norman Fell / Paul Dooley / Elizabeth Ashley / Lauren Hutton / Juanita Moore / Peter Billingsley

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

charming dated predictable heartwarming light unusual sentimental uneven comedic earnest dated

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
May 23, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Burt Reynolds embodies Buddy Evans, a man whose life at Madison Square Garden is turned on its head by a desire for fatherhood, leading him to seek a surrogate in 'Paternity'. The film's strength lies in its willingness…

M
Marcus Bellweather
May 23, 2026
2.0 / 5
2.0

'Paternity' presents a curious scenario: Burt Reynolds' Buddy Evans decides he wants a son and proceeds to hire a surrogate mother. This 1981 release attempts to find comedy and pathos in this unusual premise, but it largely misses…

G
Genevieve Dubois
May 23, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

Burt Reynolds leads 'Paternity' as Buddy Evans, a New York event manager who unexpectedly decides he's ready for fatherhood and opts for a surrogate. The film attempts to navigate the complexities of this decision with a blend of…

A
Arthur Finch
May 23, 2026
2.5 / 5
2.5

In 'Paternity', Burt Reynolds plays Buddy Evans, a man who, after a change of heart prompted by encounters with children, decides to pursue fatherhood by hiring a surrogate. Beverly D'Angelo joins him in this somewhat peculiar romantic comedy.…

E
Eleanor Vance
May 23, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

Burt Reynolds stars as Buddy Evans, a confirmed bachelor whose life at Madison Square Garden takes an unexpected turn when he decides he wants a son. The premise of hiring a surrogate mother is certainly a talking point,…

FAQs

Buddy Evans begins 'Paternity' as a confirmed bachelor, seemingly content with his life managing events at Madison Square Garden and residing with his housekeeper. His interaction with children, however, sparks a significant internal change, prompting him to re-evaluate his priorities and embrace the idea of fatherhood. This shift represents a considerable evolution for his character, moving from a solitary existence to actively pursuing a family through an unconventional route.