On Golden Pond (1981)

The loons are back again on Golden Pond and so are Norman Thayer, a retired professor, and Ethel who have had a summer cottage there since early in their marriage. This summer their ... See full summary »

Director:

Mark Rydell

Writers:

Ernest Thompson (screenplay), Ernest Thompson (based on his play)

Stars:

Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda

Won 3 Oscars. Another 13 wins & 20 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Katharine Hepburn	...	Ethel Thayer
Henry Fonda	...	Norman Thayer Jr.
Jane Fonda	...	Chelsea Thayer Wayne
Doug McKeon	...	Billy Ray
Dabney Coleman	...	Bill Ray
William Lanteau	...	Charlie Martin
Christopher Rydell	...	Sumner Todd (as Chris Rydell)

Storyline

The loons are back again on Golden Pond and so are Norman Thayer, a retired professor, and Ethel who have had a summer cottage there since early in their marriage. This summer their daughter Chelsea -- whom they haven't seen for years -- feels she must be there for Norman's birthday. She and her fiance are on their way to Europe the next day but will be back in a couple of weeks to pick up the fiance's son. When she returns Chelsea is married and her stepson has the relationship with her father that she always wanted. Will father and daughter be able to communicate at last?

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Plot Keywords:

summer | cottage | marriage | old age | fishing | 

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Taglines:

when life is at its finest...when love is at its fullest...

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 January 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Am goldenen See

Filming Locations:

Concord, New Hampshire, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$119,285,432 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

IPC Films, Incorporated Television Company (ITC)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This is the only film in which Henry Fonda and Jane Fonda appear together.

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Goofs

As Ethel and Norman prepare to leave the dock after gassing up the boat, the microphone boom is reflected in the boat's windshield. It moves each time one or the other actor speaks.

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Quotes

Ethel: You know, Norman, you really are the sweetest man in the world, but I'm the only one who knows it.

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Connections

Featured in The 54th Annual Academy Awards (1982)

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Soundtracks

"Happy Birthday to You"
(1893) (uncredited)
Written by Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill
Sung by all for Norman's birthday

User Reviews

Surprisingly Entertaining

I was expecting a very boring movie. All I thought about this was a couple of old people sitting around talking at some cabin. I was way off. This film is quite the opposite. Things do happen that make this movie well worth watching. Henry Fonda is excellent and made me laugh really hard with his sarcastic answers to many questions. I do believe Jane Fonda was not in the film enough. Of course we can't go without mentioning Katherine Hepburn. She is one of the greats and this film has proof.

This is a film I would definitely recommend to others. It is light hearted and dramatic all at the same time. Watch this film it will entertain you.