On Golden Pond (1981)

Norman is a curmudgeon with an estranged relationship with his daughter Chelsea. At Golden Pond, he and his wife nevertheless agree to care for Billy, the son of Chelsea's new boyfriend, and a most unexpected relationship blooms.

Director:

Mark Rydell

Writers:

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

Stars:

Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda, Jane Fonda

Won 3 Oscars. Another 11 wins & 23 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:

motherhood | teenage boy | man wearing glasses | cottage | vacation | 

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Taglines:

A TRIPLE ACADEMY AWARD-WINNER!

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Genres:

Drama

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 February 1982 (USA)

Also Known As:

Am goldenen See

Filming Locations:

Lake Winnipausakee, New Hampshire, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$89,213, 6 December 1981, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$119,285,432

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

The boat used in the film was on display at Holiday Isle in Key Largo in the late 1990's. The resort also housed "The African Queen" from The African Queen (1951), which had also starred Katharine Hepburn.

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Goofs

When Norman lets Billy Ray go off in the boat by himself, we see him speeding across the lake. Billy Ray and the steering wheel are on the alternate sides of the boat in subsequent shots.

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Quotes

Charlie Martin: How old will you be? On your birthday?
Norman: A hundred and three.
Charlie Martin: Ms. Appley had a birthday. She turned 97.
Ethel: Do you hear that Norman? Ninety-seven!
Norman: [referring to the fact that Ms. Appley was a lesbian] There's something to be said for a deviant lifestyle!

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Alternate Versions

When premiered on TV, an extra credit dedicated to Henry Fonda was added to the final credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Tomorrow, Yesterday, and Today (2010)

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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

Great movie - could have done without Jane

Watch it last night, having seen it once years ago. This is a great movie about relationships, and dying, but in a comical way.

I really liked Henry Fonda ("good...GOD!") the best, and the movie really focussed on him. Katharine Hepburn was good, too (duh, they both got Oscars), but I found Jane Fonda was a downer. I understand real-life flowing into the characters and all that, but a) she was depressed, or depressing, take your pick b) she was on display during her bikini scenes (you could tell she was posing) and c) can hair get any bigger? (well, it was the 80's).

If you like guns and car chases, this is not the movie for you. If you like thoughtful dialogue, some swearing by young and old, and some interesting things to think about, then you probably will like it.