On Golden Pond (1981)

User Rating:

7.5/10   

Director:

Mark Rydell

Writers:

Ernest Thompson (play)
Ernest Thompson (screenplay)

Release Date:

22 January 1982 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

A TRIPLE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER!

Plot:

The loons are back again on Golden Pond and so are Norman Thayer, a retired professor, and Ethel who...

Plot Keywords:

Summer | Cottage | Retired | Marriage | Vacation

Awards:

Won 3 Oscars. Another 10 wins & 21 nominations

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)

Runtime:

109 min

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:L | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Finland:S | Portugal:M/6 | Singapore:PG | Spain:T | Sweden:7 | UK:PG | USA:PG

Filming Locations:

Concord, New Hampshire, USA

Company:

IPC Films

Trivia:

The Purgatory Cove scene was shot in late September. To keep warm in the cold water both Doug McKeon and Henry Fonda had to wear wetsuits under their clothes. However, the water level was so low that they could have easily stood up and been only knee-deep in the lake. Katharine Hepburn was supposed to have a stunt double perform her "dive-in" scene for her, but instead she insisted on doing it herself. She dove into the frigid water without a wetsuit.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Ethel and Norman first drive to Golden pond it's supposed to be early spring, but there is a close up of Queen Anne's lace, which is a flower that blooms in late summer.

Quotes:

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

Movie Connections:

Featured in "I Love the '80s Strikes Back" (2003)

Life goes on , on Golden Pond

Many of us may wonder what it is like when you finally have to face the realities of getting old . The kids are now adults the summer cottage just does not hold the same value as before . Years ago you created the memories you reflect upon today and there is a sense of emptiness . Age takes it's toll more severely on some than on others . That staunch Yankee attitude of " Grin and Bear it " comes to light while others can not accept that their capabilities have diminished and that their roar is bigger than their bite. Hepburn being the cornerstone that supports the family togetherness , while Fonda and Fonda work out issues long overdue . They connect so well in this movie because it was a taste of reality for their own relationship off-screen not just as characters of a film .This made this story go straight to your heart ,there are memories to be made on Golden Pond even while your golden years pass by. The leaves will turn color and the song of the Loon will disappear , only to return again next year with or without you. Times will change , not necessarily for the best but , Life goes on , on golden pond .