#131 - "On Golden Pond" (1981) with Ben Carpenter & Bethany Wells
This Academy Award-winning 80s Flick is a captivating, emotionally charged drama that beautifully captures the complexities of love, aging, and family. Set in the tranquil, golden hues of a New England lake, the film brings together screen legends Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in a final, unforgettable collaboration. Fonda portrays Norman Thayer, a witty but grumpy elderly man facing the challenges of growing older, while Hepburn shines as his vibrant and supportive wife, Ethel. When their daughter and her fiancé arrive for a summer visit, the peaceful lake becomes the backdrop for deep reflections and heartwarming moments of reconciliation.
So power up the motorboat, grab your fishing poles, and watch out for the rocks in Pergatory Cove as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts Ben Carpenter and Bethany Wells discuss “On Golden Pond” from 1981 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.
This Academy-award-winning 80s Flick is a captivating, emotionally charged drama that beautifully captures the complexities of love, aging, and family. Set in the tranquil, golden hues of a New England lake, the film brings together screen legends Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn in a final, unforgettable collaboration. Fonda portrays Norman Thayer, a witty but grumpy elderly man facing the challenges of growing older, while Hepburn shines as his vibrant and supportive wife, Ethel. When their daughter and her fiancé arrive for a summer visit, the peaceful lake becomes the backdrop for deep reflections and heartwarming moments of reconciliation.
So power up the motorboat, grab your fishing poles, and watch out for the rocks in Pergatory Cove as Tim Williams and guest co-hosts, Ben Carpenter and Bethany Wells, discuss “On Golden Pond” from 1981 on this episode of the 80s Flick Flashback Podcast.
Here are some additional behind-the-scenes trivia we were unable to cover in this episode:
- Leftover footage of Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn driving through the countryside of New Hampshire, as shown in the opening credits, was incorporated for the beginning of the 1982-1990 CBS sitcom "Newhart".
Sources:
Wikipedia, IMDB, Box Office Mojo
https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/golden-pond
https://www.afi.com/news/afi-movie-club-on-golden-pond/
Some sections were composed or edited by ChatGPT
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Bethany Wells
Valley Girl of VHS
Bethany is a spirited guest host with a deep love for romantic movies, nostalgic soundtracks, and all things delightfully 80s. Whether she’s breaking down iconic love stories or championing American treasures like Dolly Parton and Rick Moranis, she brings heart, humor, and a little sparkle to every episode. Off-mic, she’s a dedicated mom and a full-time vendor account specialist, juggling spreadsheets by day and rewatches of Steel Magnolias by night. She shares the mic—and the remote—with her husband, Laramy, making them the ultimate movie-loving power couple.
Ben Carpenter
Ben grew up steeped in 80s movies. His love of film led him to start making his own short videos during his teen years in the late 80s, then he attended the film school at Florida State University in the early 90s. Today, Ben is an aspiring empty-nester who acts in community theater and loves talking movies with friends.
