cult film freak: BURT REYNOLDS WANTS TO HAVE YOUR BABY IN 'PATERNITY'

Burt Reynolds in PATERNITY with Aileen Quinn

In his string of romantic comedy films, and even his car chase flicks, Burt Reynolds is never alone. There's always an eclectic cast of characters supporting him along the process...

But here’s a movie where Burt, playing extremely subtle as a single successful guy who yearns to have a baby, seems completely isolated, at first, and not only because he wants the child born through a surrogate mother...

Norman Fell, Beverly D'Angelo, Burt Reynolds in Paternity with Paul Dooley

Other than Paul Dooley as his work buddy lawyer and Norman Fell as a doctor (like he was in THE END), there aren't too many outlets for the usual ensemble humor — not the kind that would result in the signature blooper reel during the end credits...

Although a few witty moments have Burt interviewing women for the job — mostly ones he’s dated in the past. And one particular insult battle with ornery Carol Locatell is a hilarious standout while on the classy side, Lauren Hutton turns in a cameo as perhaps the perfect candidate… leading to a chase through Manhattan, the buildings and skyline captured as if a character in itself...

Burt Reynolds in PATERNITY with Beverly D'Angelo and Norman Fell

Yet what brings real light to this unique lightweight comedy is Beverly D’Angelo as a waitress/music teacher needing money to study abroad. She takes the gig and sleeps with Burt after a contrived yet still romantic date and, once impregnated, she lives at his bachelor condominium.

Of course they hang out enough for both to fall in love (D'Angelo's restroom conversation with Burt's lover Elizabeth Ashley is a standout): but it takes long enough to not be another New York City romantic-comedy. And while the ending is visible for miles, D'Angelo plays her part with enough vulnerable charm to make the turnout a happy instead of corny one. You'll be glad things worked out, if only for her sake.