---
title: "Paternity"
year: 1981
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/paternity-1981"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 54660
imdb_id: null
status: "Unknown"
community_rating: 5.2
vote_count: 0
content_rating: "Unrated"
---

# Paternity (1981) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/paternity-1981

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Paternity is a 1981 American comedy film directed by David Steinberg and starring Burt Reynolds, Beverly D'Angelo, Norman Fell, Paul Dooley, Elizabeth Ashley, and Lauren Hutton. The story follows Buddy Evans, a confirmed bachelor managing events at Madison Square Garden in New York City who decides he is ready to be a father and seeks to hire a surrogate mother in the hope of having a son.

The film falls under the comedy genre with a theatrical release date of October 2, 1981 in the United States and a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It captures a specific era of American comedic filmmaking featuring a prominent ensemble cast.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A confirmed bachelor working at Madison Square Garden decides he wants to hire a surrogate mother."

### Why Watch
- Features a cast starring Burt Reynolds, Beverly D'Angelo, Norman Fell, Paul Dooley, Elizabeth Ashley, and Lauren Hutton.
- Directed by David Steinberg.
- Explores the comedic premise of a bachelor deciding to father a son through a surrogate.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The provided sources do not detail specific reasons to skip the film beyond viewer preference.
- Tone & Suitability: Paternity is a 1981 comedy film with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes, suitable for audiences seeking period comedic cinema.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #1981-comedy, #new-york-city, #surrogate-mother, #bachelor-life, #madison-square-garden

## Streaming Availability Matrix

Direct streaming licensing updates dynamically. Consult the live tracking interface at https://www.archytele.com/show/paternity-1981#watch.

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Where to stream Paternity (1981)?
The film is available to rent or buy digitally, as indicated by streaming availability platforms.

### Q: Is Paternity (1981) worth watching?
Value depends on your interest in 1981 comedies starring Burt Reynolds and directed by David Steinberg.

### Q: What is the runtime or binge duration of Paternity?
The film has a total runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.

### Q: What are the essential episodes of Paternity?
Paternity is a feature-length film rather than a television series with episodes.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Paternity — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/54660)
- [Paternity (1981) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082886/fullcredits/)
- [Paternity (film) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paternity_(film))
- [Paternity (1981) - Cast & Crew — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/54660-paternity/cast)
- [Norman Fell](https://www.wikiwand.com/)

---
*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*