I see that this movie was made in 1971 - so I do wonder how much it was influenced by the Journey To The Unknown episode "The Madison Equation" from 3 years earlier. The idea of computers running riot with a "mind of their own" and with dire consequences was best achieved in "Fail Safe" but it's amazing how all three of these have managed to highlight, in their own way, what might happen if man puts too much store by these machines. We don't hear so much of that now - are we too trusting? Felt that 90 minutes was a bit overlong for this particular one, though. The story dragged a bit halfway through and the rationale for the creation of Henry Norman just didn't ring true. Stockwell carries the movie, frankly...most of the rest of the cast just seem there as filler. There appeared to me to be TWO twists to the ending - the obvious one and the one in the movie's final minute when the Sheriff is in the room and the date is revealed. Nicely ambiguous! One very confusing point for me, though: -James Stacy's character's demise......just what happened to him in the end? 90 minutes of good fun - but "The Madison Equation" is a better piece of made-for-TV viewing covering this same subject. And it's 40 minutes shorter.

PAPER MAN was ahead of its time. A computer system ends up taking control over a scam a group of college students start with a stolen credit card. The movie is well acted and well written. Dean Stockwell is very good as the computer expert who first goes along with the con. Of course, for 1971, all the computer stuff is incredibly dated. The "computer" is actually two rooms full of equipment with flashing lights and reel and reel tape, computer cards, etc. Dean Stockwell even has to explain that he is "logging in". So, the dated computer aspect just makes it even more fun but the plot works. It's fun. It's well directed too. Check it out.

Always thought this was a GREAT movie and, yes, I always thought a major studio should have picked up the idea. I mean c'mon, we've had a remake of "Hairspray" already and it's only 20 years old! This movie could be done super-right in this day and age due to the advancements in...uh...computer technology. Watching the movie now, it does seem to not be as great as I remembered it, but still very good...especially the idea. And the "lights going off down the hallway" scene...along with the "the elevator almost reached it's floor" scene...are definite classics. If you do not have a copy of this, search one out and enjoy the great story line done in grand-but-cheesy TV-movie style

I can remember seeing "The Paper Man " during a midnight movie session in about 1975. I can remember being terrified, as a 12 year old, thinking that this was possible. I think it is amazing to think that this movie now has possibilities of becoming true and actually happening. It is a scary thought. I love to watch movies about computers taking over and there are several I have seen. I would love to see this movie again as it scared the life out of me and I wonder if after all the horrors since, if it can still scare me.