I first saw "On Golden Pond" back in the early 80s and thought it was a very good film. Now, decades later, I decided to re-watch it and thought it was terrific! I think it's possibly because I am older and can relate a bit more to Norman!

When the story begins, Norman and Ethel Thayer (Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn) arrive at their summer place on the late in the New Hampshire wilderness. Both are elderly and Norman is well aware that this might be the final season he enjoys the home that's been in their family for many years. What happens next? Just see the film!

The reason to see this film is the acting....and it's certainly a story that is dependent on acting and not stunts nor action. And, both Fonda and Hepburn are terrific...both earning Oscars for their lovely performances. Additionally, while the story is simple, it's exquisitely written and is among the better films of the 1980s.

On Golden Pond was a lovely little film. While a tad too long and perhaps a little leisurely in the pacing, the film is beautifully shot. From the cinematography and the scenery the film is gorgeous to look at. The music is also tender and poignant, while the story is beautiful and heartwarming and the script funny, intelligent and beautifully written. The direction is wonderful too, while aside from the cinematography the acting is On Golden Pond's greatest strength. Henry Honda and Katherine Hepburn give lovely performances and are very believable together while Jane Fonda is every bit as good. All in all, lovely little film, worth seeing for the cinematography and acting. 8/10 Bethany Cox

On Golden Pond is a film that disproves the notion that the only decent roles around are written for the young. Two of Filmland's finest senior citizens get parts of a lifetime and due to the fact the daughter of one of them got them to co-star. Hard to believe, but according to both of them, Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn had never even met until the beginning of the making of On Golden Pond.

This is a gentle story about a couple of people facing the twilight years, the man with more health problems than the woman. Among those problems are incipient Alzheimer's Disease for Henry Fonda. He's a crotchety old cuss by nature and the prospect of just going off into some twilight disturbs him and exacerbates that portion of his personality.

Fonda and Hepburn are back at their summer home On Golden Pond for who knows what might be their last. Their daughter Jane Fonda brings them a surprise, a new fiancé in Dabney Coleman and his son from his previous marriage, Doug McKeon. Dabney and Jane are off to Europe and are depositing Doug with who will become his step grandparents.

Almost in spite of himself McKeon connects with them, especially with Fonda with Jane Fonda becoming almost jealous. Apparently way back in the day Fonda wanted a son and let her know it. The trip is almost as much about her trying to patch things up with Fonda. Both Fondas drew from the strained relationship they've had over the years in their real lives.

Despite over 45 years of work in film with many notable classic performances, Henry Fonda had only received one other Oscar nomination in 1940 for The Grapes Of Wrath. He was a sentimental favorite to win and sentiment and talent did win out. A lot of people knew he was in failing health at the time of the voting and there is that famous picture of daughter Jane presenting her father with the award at home the next day.

Not that it wasn't merited, but Katharine Hepburn winning her fourth Best Actress Oscar really came out of left field though. Maybe Meryl Streep might surpass that some day, but Kate blazed a lot of trails in her professional life, honors only being one of them.

I'm glad that the Academy voters in voting the Best Actor and Actress Awards recognized that Fonda and Hepburn were a matched pair. You could not award one without recognizing the contribution the other made. They both drew on their own experience and the considerable strength of each other to buttress their performances. Kate is as matched with Hank as she was in any of the films she did with Spencer Tracy.

What a lucky kid that Doug McKeon was to do so many scenes and get lessons as a thespian by two of the very best. On Golden Pond is beautifully photographed in the New England locations of Hepburn's youth. It's a wonderful and touching story of the elderly as they await their inevitable end with as much grace as they can muster. A classic that will linger on in your memories for years.