MovieChat Forums > Paper Moon (1973) Discussion > I own the original Paper Moon automobile...

I own the original Paper Moon automobile hood ornaments...

posted 14 years ago by myn1
3 replies | jump to latest

I have loved this movie (my favorite film, bar none), since seeing it the theater on its original run numerous times. For some reason, I had an almost supernatural connection with the 'spinner' hood ornament that was repeatedly shown on the hoods of Moses' various automobiles, ever since I first saw the film. I couldn't have told you why at the time, but there was something that drew me to that hood ornament- and coupled with the music, the look, the cars, and the very film itself...made me the fan of vintage Americana, cars, film and movie props that I am today.

Over the years, one of hobbies has become an advanced collector of screen-used props and costumes from my favorite films and TV shows. Several years ago, when I was involved with a major and historic Hollywood prop houses' deassession, the original hood ornaments used in PAPER MOON were found amongst their antique automotive prop inventory. It was like an episode of THE TWILIGHT ZONE- I could not believe things had come full circle in this way, and that here in my hands was the very piece that got my interest and nostalgia bug started to begin with. There were two used in the film, plus an extra 'body', each made to break down and be reassembled on the cars for various screen effects.

Here is a look at the hood ornaments as they look today; I hope you enjoy these pieces of Hollywood history!

http://www.yourprops.com/Ryan-O-Neal--PAPER-MOON-Spinner-Hood-Ornament-PROPS-Wikipedia-original---screen-used-movie-props-Paper-Moon--1973--prop-18961.html

-back lot charlie

[–] haley86_2004 14 years ago

Wow those are awesome! Thanks for the pictures! We love older films and are always on the look out for some movie props from our favorites old movies. Big autograph collectors and poster/lobby card collectors.

Meyer Twins

[–] fooseball 14 years ago

It could be of interest to you to note that in the movie 'Dirty Mary Crazy Larry' released a year after 'Paper Moon' Mary picks up the very same style ornament at a flea market to give to Larry. I'd imagine it was done in homage since there was little other reason to show it.

[–] howyoodoon 7 years ago

How COOL! I was wondering whatever became of the "spinner" radiator ornament(s)! LUCKY YOU! I also saw the film 12 days in a row, in a theater in Michigan, when I was 13 years old. These must be like your own personal "Rosebud"!! Glad they went to an appreciative owner!