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On Golden Pond was released on December 4, 1981, and quickly became a beloved classic celebrated for its exploration of aging and family dynamics.
Directed by Mark Rydell and adapted by Ernest Thompson from his play, the film features powerhouse performances by Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda.
On Golden Pond was filmed primarily at Squam Lake in New Hampshire. Nearby Lake Winnipesaukee and Franklin Canyon Reservoir in Los Angeles also served as key locations.
The film is set against the serene backdrop of a summer lake house and it tells the story of an elderly couple, Norman and Ethel Thayer as they go through the challenges of old age while reconnecting with their estranged daughter.
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The film garnered critical acclaim which led to ten Academy Award nominations. It triumphed with three wins including Best Actor for Henry Fonda, Best Actress for Katharine Hepburn, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
On Golden Pond grossed over $119 million and stood as the second highest-grossing film of 1981 in North America.
All the filming locations of On Golden Pond explored
The picturesque setting of On Golden Pond played a crucial role in bringing the story to life and the filmmakers chose locations that perfectly captured the essence of the plot.
The primary filming location was Squam Lake in New Hampshire which stood in for the fictional Golden Pond. Squam Lake is New Hampshire’s second-largest lake which offers 65 miles of shoreline and over 30 islands.
Its calm waters and surrounding mountain scenery provided the ideal backdrop for the Thayer family’s lakeside retreat. Even decades after the film's release Squam Lake retains its charm looking much as it did in 1981.
This has kept the area appealing to fans of the movie many of whom visit to take cruises and stay at local inns in the hope of experiencing a piece of the film's magic.
Not far from Squam Lake is Lake Winnipesaukee, another New Hampshire gem featured in the movie. While it wasn’t the primary setting it did play a major role in the film. In one memorable scene Billy, Norman, and Ethel drive a boat alone on Lake Winnipesaukee.
Interestingly not all of the movie was filmed in New Hampshire. The scenes showing the titular pond were shot at Franklin Canyon Reservoir in Los Angeles, California.
The location was chosen because it offered the perfect mix of tranquility and isolation required for the film's more introspective moments.
The reservoir which is nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains provided a serene and secluded environment that matched the mood of the story. The use of Franklin Canyon Reservoir demonstrates the filmmakers' commitment to finding just the right locations even if it meant shooting across the country.
In addition to these primary sites, the production made major changes to a house on Squam Lake to create the Thayers’ summer home. The house was originally owned by a New York physician and was extensively modified to fit the needs of the film including the addition of an entire second floor.
These modifications were so well done that the owner asked to keep them after filming ended preserving a piece of movie history.
Cast members of On Golden Pond
The cast of On Golden Pond featured Henry Fonda who delivered a touching portrayal of Norman Thayer Jr. and the performance that won him an Oscar in his final film role. Katharine Hepburn playing his spirited wife Ethel also won an Oscar and added to the film's acclaim.
Jane Fonda is Henry's real-life daughter who played his on-screen daughter, Chelsea which deepens the film’s emotional resonance given their real-life relationship.
Dabney Coleman took on the role of Bill Ray who is Chelsea’s fiance. Doug McKeon played the young Billy Ray whose evolving relationship with his step-grandfather Norman is central to the plot.
You can watch On Golden Pond on various streaming platforms where it might be available for rent or purchase, such as Amazon Prime Video, iTunes, Google Play Movies, and Vudu.
