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 | 1980s | nostalgia | 

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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:

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

Henry Fonda was unable, due to ill-health, to be present at The 54th Annual Academy Awards (1982) ceremony to accept his Best Actor Academy Award for this film. His award was accepted on his behalf by his daughter Jane Fonda. A statement relating to this reads: "Henry Fonda was not present at the awards ceremony. His daughter and co-star Jane Fonda accepted the award on his behalf".

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Goofs

The numbers of the pump indicate that the fuel cost 67.9 cents per gallon and a total cost of $19.00. The price of gasoline in 1981 was around $1.30 per gallon; the old pumps were not capable of charging more than 99.9 cents, so they were set to half the price and it was then doubled. That is why the teenager asks for $38.00.

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Quotes

Bill Ray: You're having a good time, aren't you?
Norman: Huh?
Bill Ray: Chelsea told me all about how you like to have a good old time with people's heads. She does too, sometimes. Sometimes I can get into it and sometimes not. I think you should know, I'm pretty good at recognizing crap when I hear it. You know, it's not imperative that you and I become friends. I thought it would be nice. I'm sure you're a very fascinating person, and I thought it would be fascinating getting to know you. That's obviously not an easy ...
[...]

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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 The Golden Girls: Two Rode Together (1989)

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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.