Generation (1969)

Jim Bolton, a well-off businessman from Chicago hears that his daughter Doris is pregnant in New York. Since he did not even know she was seeing anyone he fears the worst. Unbeknownst to ... See full summary »

Director:

George Schaefer

Writer:

William Goodhart

Stars:

David Janssen, Kim Darby, Pete Duel

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe.

Cast

Cast overview:
David Janssen	...	Jim Bolton
Kim Darby	...	Doris Bolton Owen
Pete Duel	...	Walter Owen
Carl Reiner	...	Stan Herman
Andrew Prine	...	Winn Garand
James Coco	...	Mr. Blatto
Sam Waterston	...	Desmond
David Lewis	...	Arlington
Don Beddoe	...	Gilbert
Jack Somack
Lincoln Kilpatrick	...	Hey Hey

Storyline

Jim Bolton, a well-off businessman from Chicago hears that his daughter Doris is pregnant in New York. Since he did not even know she was seeing anyone he fears the worst. Unbeknownst to him, his daughter and the father of his grandchild, Walter marry shortly before Jim's arrival in New York. Upon his arrival he is shocked to hear that Doris and Walter plan not only a natural childbirth but the birth will take place in their apartment NOT a hospital. To make matters worse, Walter states that he personally will deliver their child. Jim at first doubts Walter's sincerity and expertise but begins to gain respect for Walter after he calls in a doctor to consult and is told that Walter is very prepared for almost any contingency.

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Plot Keywords:

childbirth | home birth | pregnant bride | father daughter relationship | pregnant wife | 

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Taglines:

Let it be known as the generation that will light up the sky with love.

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

M

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

15 December 1969 (USA)

Also Known As:

A Time for Caring

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

AVCO Embassy Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Near the end of the movie, David Janssen introduces Carl Reiner to Pete Duel by saying "This is my old friend Stan Herman." In real life, David Janssen really did have a very close friend named Stan Herman, who would later serve as pallbearer at Janssen's funeral.

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Quotes

Doris Bolton Owen: Daddy, this is my first dinner for you and Walter together. You know, it means a lot to me to have a nice dinner.
Jim Bolton: Sure, baby. I'll be old genial Jim, the king of the back-slappers.
Doris Bolton Owen: Just be yourself.

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Soundtracks

Generation
Written by Dino Fekaris, Nick Zesses and Bea Verdi

User Reviews

An instant sitcom

Just-married New York City couple, residing in an East Village hovel (apparently rat-infested, and with drunks sleeping in the doorways), have prided themselves on living a totally independent lifestyle--the husband is even determined to deliver his wife's baby at home (the point, one assumes, is that hospitals are a rip-off). Enter David Janssen as the girl's father, a suit-and-tie advertising executive from Denver, who finds his daughter's arrangement rather appalling. Lousy generation-gap comedy-drama by William Goodhart, adapted from his own Broadway play (which starred Henry Fonda as the Establishment dad), wants to have a two-way argument on the facts, but the couple's sunny, optimistic outlook is kiddie-cute and illogical. These two seem foolish turning down the father's many offers of financial help (although dimply Pete Duel does have a moment where he questions his own motives as purely selfish). A few funny bits near the beginning are nearly canceled out by stagnant third act wherein the daughter goes into labor. Sterilize the sheets! Boil the water! Find a better movie! *1/2 from ****