On Golden Pond
Seen it?1981 | 109 min | Drama, Romance
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It won 3 Oscars, it earned strong reviews (91% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 8 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved Little Women or Dirty Dancing, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 49 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
For Norman and Ethel Thayer, this summer on golden pond is filled with conflict and resolution. When their daughter Chelsea arrives, the family is forced to renew the bonds of love and overcome the generational friction that has existed for years.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 68 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 3 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Actor, Academy Awards: Best Actress, Academy Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay. Won 3 Golden Globes: Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture - Drama, Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama, Golden Globe Awards: Best Screenplay. Won 1 BAFTA: British Academy Film Awards: Best Actress in a Leading Role. Won 1 WGA Award: Writers Guild of America Awards: Best Drama Adapted from Another Medium. Also nominated for 7 more Oscars, 3 more Golden Globes and 6 more BAFTAs. Plus 5 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$119 million worldwide on a $15 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 241K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
The Last Song
Weeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Little Women
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Dirty Dancing Saturday SpecialAnother drama, and a Saturday Special.
Pride & Prejudice Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
The Magnificent Ambersons Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Mark Rydell
- Katharine HepburnEthel Thayer
- Henry FondaNorman Thayer Jr.
- Jane FondaChelsea Thayer Wayne
- Doug McKeonBilly Ray
- Dabney ColemanBill Ray
- William LanteauCharlie Martin
- Christopher RydellSumner Todd
- Troy GarityYoung Boy on Jetty (uncredited)