One of seven film collaborations of actress Julia Blake and writer-director Paul Cox. They are [in order]: 'Lonely Hearts' (1982), 'Man of Flowers' (1983), 'My First Wife' (1984), 'The Paper Boy' episode of 'Winners' (1985), 'Cactus' (1986), 'Innocence' (2000), and 'Human Touch' (2004). During the 1980s, Blake appeared in a Cox film every year for five straight consecutive years between 1982 and 1986.
This film was produced in conjunction with ITC Entertainment and sponsored by the Film Victoria, Australian Film Commission, and the New South Wales Film Corporation.
This film was based on the book of the same ''The Paper Boy'' name by Bob Ellis and John Hepworth.
The film was produced in association with ITC Entertainment, an ACC company and division of the Bell Group.
The film was made with the assistance of the Australian Film Commission, Film Victoria and the New South Wales Film Corporation.