On Golden Pond (1981 film)

On Golden Pond
Movie poster by Bill Gold
Directed by	Mark Rydell
Screenplay by	Ernest Thompson
Based on	On Golden Pond by Ernest Thompson
Produced by	Bruce Gilbert
Starring	Katharine Hepburn Henry Fonda Jane Fonda Doug McKeon Dabney Coleman William Lanteau
Cinematography	Billy Williams
Edited by	Robert L. Wolfe
Music by	Dave Grusin
Production companies	IPC Films ITC Films
Distributed by	Universal Pictures Associated Film Distribution Corporation
Release date	December 4, 1981 (1981-12-04)
Running time	109 minutes
Countries	United Kingdom United States
Language	English
Budget	$15 million[1]
Box office	$119.3 million[2]

On Golden Pond is a 1981 drama film directed by Mark Rydell from a screenplay written by Ernest Thompson, adapted from his 1979 play of the same name. It stars Katharine Hepburn, Henry Fonda (in his final theatrical film), Jane Fonda, Doug McKeon, Dabney Coleman and William Lanteau. In the film, Norman (Henry Fonda), a crusty, retired professor grappling with many effects of aging, has been married for many years to upbeat, feisty Ethel (Katharine Hepburn), and has had a remote, difficult relationship with their daughter, Chelsea (Jane Fonda). At their summer home on Golden Pond, Norman and Ethel agree to care for Billy, the son of Chelsea's new boyfriend, and an unexpected relationship blooms.

On Golden Pond was released theatrically on December 4, 1981, to critical and commercial success. Reviewers highly praised Rydell's direction, Thompson's screenplay and the performances of the cast. The film grossed $119.3 million domestically, becoming the second highest-grossing film of 1981 in North America. It received ten nominations at the 54th Academy Awards, including for Best Picture, and won three: Best Actor (for Henry Fonda), Best Actress (for Hepburn) and Best Adapted Screenplay.