Cinema: A Star Is Waiting

Ryan O'Neal has been unusually quiet lately. He finished his work on Barry Lyndon in July 1974 and, despite numerous offers, has avoided work since, so convinced is he that the film will radically change his image with the public and his standing in the movie business.

Not that there is anything especially wrong with either.

Now 34, he has had three hits in five years in romantic and light comic roles (Love Story, What's Up, Doc? and Paper Moon, in which his daughter stole the show). He is generally regarded by movie people as a hard-working actor and an agreeable off-the-set companion....