This is the intro / opening title to the movie On Golden Pond, starring Henry Fonda, Katharine Hepburn, and Jane Fonda. The wonderful music is by Dave Grusin.
I think this is the most beautiful soundtrack to a movie ever made. I could listen to this all day and feel at peace at the sound of the loons and the overlaying piano.
My wife and I just got back from a vacation to Squam Lake. We went there specifically to see the location where this movie was made. The cottage is barely visible from the water now as the foliage has covered most of the property, but we still saw the cottage, gazebo, Purgatory Cove, and the marina in Holderness where Norman almost took out the dock with the boat! We've absolutely loved this movie, and have watched it at least once a year over the 30+ years since it's release.
Wherr can we get hold of the full length movie to watch? It stirs so many memories, whete and how I watched it for the first time...a film made so beautifully ...in all aspects....❤
I love this movie. It reminds of the relationship I had with my father. Dad is 89 now, if I don't beat him to the grave, I plan to play this at his funeral.
I've always loved this movie, and I still do, but I now see something different within it that I didn't see before. I know it's about relationships, and miracles, but I now also see it about growing old. After having lost my father to a horrible kind of dementia, and after having now worked as a nursing assistant for such a long time, and having seen so many people in their last years and their lives after they have grown old, I've learned that growing old is no easy process.
Oh Dear God...I seriously cried watching this as it conjures up wonderful memories of my grandparents cottage on Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario in the 1980's. This was a beautiful and touching movie in every way. They sure don't make them like this anymore.
I feel like crying listening to this and feeling nostalgic and as if there's something beautiful that has been lost. I'm not sure why. I wasn't even born when this was made. Absolutely delicious noise though
Velasca I remember my mom watching On Golden Pond many times when it was on HBO back in the mid eighties. She would always cry during parts of the movie, especially at the end when Ethel and Norman say goodbye to the loons. This Melody really touches me now because my mom and dad are 83 and 85 and have become just like Ethel and Norman. Life has gone by so fast.
This is my favourite movie and movie theme. It reminds me so much of my days at the cottage, and the relationship I had with my dad. Sweet and also at times difficult. Brings tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Ironically, I came back from seeing this movie in the theater (8th grade) and found out of the passing of my estranged father. Yet I still love it! Ironically and poetically beautiful.
When I heard the first keys to this movies theme song back in 1982, I was hooked from then on. This is my all time favorite movie and my favorite Theme. It was back in 1982 and it still is today in 2014. I have it on DVD and watch it at least 5 to 6 times a year. It's all about family and the rough patches they go through, just like all families do. I would love to live on that lake. My favorite bird is the loon and I can just imagine what it would be like to fall asleep hearing them outside my window on the lake. This movie is beyond a classic. The only thing wrong with this movie is they use the "GD" words all the time in this movie and that just doesn't set well with me.
You are right!- Miss using God's Holy name and whatever swearing spoilt such a beautiful story,- it was/is so unnecessary, really! We have to look past that to enjoy the movie!
Today is plain common thursday night, morning of friday... it's 2:30 AM, I suddenly awake, turned the TV on, and this movie is on a channel I don't watch often... The music hooked on me. I never heard about this movie (and I'm a huge collector of the old ones), I'm with some problems with my dad... and maybe this is God's message for me today. I'm hoping all get well and on it's right place 🙏🏼 Sorry for the bad english 🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
As a composer, I studied this soundtrack as the hallmark of excellence that it is. Rarely does sound so powerfully marry with visual to actually lift the viewer into a sublimely different space and time. These opening minutes are, in themselves, masterpieces. I was so moved upon experiencing this gem that I swore I would live on a New England lake one day. And so, I eventually purchased six acres on Lake Wentworth twenty years ago. Today, it remains an untouched wilderness with a quiet cove and nesting loons. When I'm there, walking through the woods to the shoreline, this soundtrack is leading me in each step. It is Golden Pond and I'm surrounded by timelessness.
I feel the same way. My dad is 75 and mom is 67. Both are in pretty decent health. But this movie makes me so sad because of their age. I am 32 years old. Only over the past 10-12 years have a really began to appreciate all they have done for me and all the really great times we have had so far. I always cry watching this movie. But since I got married two years ago and love my wife to death I'm saddened about us getting old the thoughts of her being old and some day dying.
I wish this version of the opening titles was on the soundtrack album. The soundtrack version is a re-recording and pales in comparison to this one. As far as I know, the only way to listen to this original version is to watch the movie.
I love you granny. This movie always brings your soul back to my heart to warm it. I miss you everyday. You are my idol and guardian angel. Evelyn Salo 1928-2013
Just found this & already starting to cry. . . (glad no one's here) . . . so appreciate you posting this, scootermac315 . . . brings back so many memories of when I was young. So good to see so many other tubers appreciate it as well. We need to return to this kind of calm, quiet, beauty in the world. Great stuff.
You're kidding. The opening scene of Newhart is my absolute favorite. I am always transfixed by the music and drive (and the dog running). Thank you so much !!
Un film meraviglioso che mi ricorda l'infanzia e fa sorgere in me tanti buoni propositi e l'Amore nei confronti delle persone più importanti della mia vita ..
Well, love them and appreciate them as much as you can while they're still here. You're lucky that you still have that opportunity. I no longer have with either of my parents because they're both gone and they both died pretty tragically. As for your wife, all I can say is that I hope growing old is as easy and as pleasant for you both as it can possibly be. But I have learned through my profession that, on the whole, it's never pleasant or easy for anybody. Just live and enjoy life now.
At minute 2:13 through 2:35 in this music I hear a refrain from the title song in the musical Brigadoon (Lerner & Loewe): "... let the world grow cold around us, let the heavens cry above, Brigadoon, Brigadoo-oon ..." But I think it likely this musical coda, used by Lerner & Loewe and Mr. Grusin, may well have been from some much older folk music. Just a theory of course.
Actually I would say the Thayers were upper middle class. They had two homes and a summer home on the lake (and that home would have been $300,000 even then). They were far above middle class. And his pension would have been quite generous too, having been a college prof. I know because that's my profession and I have a generous pension.
0:38 As a kid, I had a VHS recording of the Sport Goofy cartoon special that somehow taped over this movie and it would start about here. Then the recording stopped around the fishing accident scene, so I would sometimes watch glimpses of it and now I finally know the name of this movie.
The opening music is beautiful, it the end isn’t so much. I think Kiss The Rain by Yiruma would be more fitting to the film. If you ever do a remake, please include this…
Reminds me of Innocence, My Childhood, Love, Endurance and Beauty. A time when Life was simpler and beautiful. Now, these crimes stories reports of people harmed, then Bodies found in the Lakes and woods have destroyed my feeling of Innocence in those places. I think in order to restore the lost Innocence, we need to remove those criminals who've had victims that span beyond the one's they've taken off the Earth, need to be caught, and once caught, put to Death. Remove them off the Earth. Send the message...you do this to someone, this will happen to you...to be put to Death.
I watched this film the other day it was ok but just found it really boring an old man feeling sorry for himself. He seriously needs to get out more. The acting was really good and the Score was fantastic. Just on the storyline dull and boring.
My dad died last summer at age 90. I miss him so much.
John Williams has said in the...that Dave Grusin's music for the beginning of On Golden Pond...was the most perfect opening.
That makes sense - I have a feeling his love theme from Attack of the Clones ‘Across the Stars’ is based off it.
I think this is the most beautiful soundtrack to a movie ever made. I could listen to this all day and feel at peace at the sound of the loons and the overlaying piano.
When I saw this movie for the first time, I felt that the opening music was the most brilliant I'd ever heard in a movie. I still believe it even now.
My wife and I just got back from a vacation to Squam Lake. We went there specifically to see the location where this movie was made. The cottage is barely visible from the water now as the foliage has covered most of the property, but we still saw the cottage, gazebo, Purgatory Cove, and the marina in Holderness where Norman almost took out the dock with the boat! We've absolutely loved this movie, and have watched it at least once a year over the 30+ years since it's release.
❤
Wherr can we get hold of the full length movie to watch? It stirs so many memories, whete and how I watched it for the first time...a film made so beautifully ...in all aspects....❤
Beautiful movie from 1981 Henry Fonda last film and won him an oscar.
Impossible not to cry with so touching movie... great lessons I learned tonight
I love this movie. It reminds of the relationship I had with my father. Dad is 89 now, if I don't beat him to the grave, I plan to play this at his funeral.
The word is sublime. One of the finest films to have ever been made or ever will be made.
True very true !!!!
I've always loved this movie, and I still do, but I now see something different within it that I didn't see before. I know it's about relationships, and miracles, but I now also see it about growing old. After having lost my father to a horrible kind of dementia, and after having now worked as a nursing assistant for such a long time, and having seen so many people in their last years and their lives after they have grown old, I've learned that growing old is no easy process.
Bette Davis: “Old age ain't no place for sissies.”
Oh Dear God...I seriously cried watching this as it conjures up wonderful memories of my grandparents cottage on Lake Nipissing in Northern Ontario in the 1980's. This was a beautiful and touching movie in every way. They sure don't make them like this anymore.
Wonderful comment
I feel like crying listening to this and feeling nostalgic and as if there's something beautiful that has been lost. I'm not sure why. I wasn't even born when this was made. Absolutely delicious noise though
Velasca
I remember my mom watching On Golden Pond many times when it was on HBO back in the mid eighties. She would always cry during parts of the movie, especially at the end when Ethel and Norman say goodbye to the loons. This Melody really touches me now because my mom and dad are 83 and 85 and have become just like Ethel and Norman. Life has gone by so fast.
This is my favourite movie and movie theme. It reminds me so much of my days at the cottage, and the relationship I had with my dad. Sweet and also at times difficult. Brings tears to my eyes. Thank you.
Probably the most intelligent and beautiful piece of film Music ever made.
I find myself listening to this trac more and more lately. It just soothes the soul.💕🦆
No tears are spared every time I watch this beautiful, timeless movie. A rare gem!
Why is the opening to this so soothing and relaxing? 😌
Without question, one of the finest pictures and scores ever written.
I agree.
I agree as well. It should be on cable and often.
Ironically, I came back from seeing this movie in the theater (8th grade) and found out of the passing of my estranged father. Yet I still love it! Ironically and poetically beautiful.
I agree
If ever a piece of music matched a scene or location, this is it. If you close your eyes, you see exactly this view in your head.
Love this. The music moved me when I saw this in the theatre over 30 years ago, and is still does today.
When I heard the first keys to this movies theme song back in 1982, I was hooked from then on. This is my all time favorite movie and my favorite Theme. It was back in 1982 and it still is today in 2014. I have it on DVD and watch it at least 5 to 6 times a year. It's all about family and the rough patches they go through, just like all families do. I would love to live on that lake. My favorite bird is the loon and I can just imagine what it would be like to fall asleep hearing them outside my window on the lake. This movie is beyond a classic. The only thing wrong with this movie is they use the "GD" words all the time in this movie and that just doesn't set well with me.
You are right!-
Miss using God's Holy name and whatever swearing spoilt such a beautiful story,- it was/is so unnecessary, really!
We have to look past that to enjoy the movie!
I felt the same because when the movie came out I was having problems with my dad and just like in the movie I fix the relationship between my dad
It’s not a big deal to use the word.
Is it possible that the emotional scene where Chelsea says to her father that she wants to be friends hit a little close to home?
Today is plain common thursday night, morning of friday... it's 2:30 AM, I suddenly awake, turned the TV on, and this movie is on a channel I don't watch often... The music hooked on me.
I never heard about this movie (and I'm a huge collector of the old ones), I'm with some problems with my dad... and maybe this is God's message for me today. I'm hoping all get well and on it's right place 🙏🏼
Sorry for the bad english 🤦🏻♂️🤷🏻♂️
To this day, one of my all-time favorite movies. The soundtrack is absolutely beautiful.
Just the best first 5 minutes of any movie! Sublime!
Nature is timeless
I read all the comments....I felt that a generation is just talking and reminding their era and living it all again...!!
I love piece. So calming & peaceful 🙂
This should remind us all what's important.
savedfaves it could remind us
Love 💝 Life 💖 Family ❤💕
A priceless gem of a movie! They simply don't make 'em like this anymore!
Best beginning to any film ever!
this movie is gorgeous. muy favourite film of all time
As a composer, I studied this soundtrack as the hallmark of excellence that it is. Rarely does sound so powerfully marry with visual to actually lift the viewer into a sublimely different space and time. These opening minutes are, in themselves, masterpieces. I was so moved upon experiencing this gem that I swore I would live on a New England lake one day. And so, I eventually purchased six acres on Lake Wentworth twenty years ago. Today, it remains an untouched wilderness with a quiet cove and nesting loons. When I'm there, walking through the woods to the shoreline, this soundtrack is leading me in each step. It is Golden Pond and I'm surrounded by timelessness.
How Dave Grusin keeps this so wonderfully spare yet so full of content and emotion, I'm sure I don't know. I'm just glad he did. Wonderful score!
It's the scenery, and the loons.
I feel the same way. My dad is 75 and mom is 67. Both are in pretty decent health. But this movie makes me so sad because of their age. I am 32 years old. Only over the past 10-12 years have a really began to appreciate all they have done for me and all the really great times we have had so far. I always cry watching this movie. But since I got married two years ago and love my wife to death I'm saddened about us getting old the thoughts of her being old and some day dying.
Absolutely superb, Grusin at his best.
I wish this version of the opening titles was on the soundtrack album. The soundtrack version is a re-recording and pales in comparison to this one. As far as I know, the only way to listen to this original version is to watch the movie.
yes ! wonderfull !
I can retrieve it and send you the mp3 file for a really cheap price if you'd like.
I couldn't have asked for a film to have as great an impact as this, highlighting careers oh Hepburn & Fonda's...
From once New Hampshire folks
I love you granny. This movie always brings your soul back to my heart to warm it. I miss you everyday. You are my idol and guardian angel. Evelyn Salo 1928-2013
Reminds me of my childhood and the people in my life at that time!
U r so right Erik hanson we do need to return to this calm life
I enjoy watching this from time to time. I almost feel guilty mentioning this, but so many people I knew when this was released have since died.
I can only imagine sitting on a porch in the early morning and hearing the loons.
No one does it quite like Dave
My god, that's the car I see on Newhart! :-D
C’est tellement beau que ça me fait pleurer à chaque fois , c’est si beau mais on est si proche de la fin ….
best film ever made.
One of my favorites this music so beautiful & scenery
Wonderful - brings back memories of our own 'golden pond'.
Just found this & already starting to cry. . . (glad no one's here) . . . so appreciate you posting this, scootermac315 . . . brings back so many memories of when I was young. So good to see so many other tubers appreciate it as well. We need to return to this kind of calm, quiet, beauty in the world. Great stuff.
2:58 was used in the opening to Newhart.
Seeing this makes me think of my mom she always loved this movie 😭
Whether I am still here or not.
Fun fact: The driving footage that comprises the opening sequence of the sitcom “Newhart” was leftover stock from this movie.
You're kidding. The opening scene of Newhart is my absolute favorite. I am always transfixed by the music and drive (and the dog running). Thank you so much !!
Hulu. The most forlorn saddest intro of music to the movie ive ever heard. I brace myself every time I have to listen to it to get to my movie.
Un film meraviglioso che mi ricorda l'infanzia e fa sorgere in me tanti buoni propositi e l'Amore nei confronti delle persone più importanti della mia vita ..
Thank you for posting such an amazing piece of music to one of my favorite movies.
Listening to this you can clearly hear the influence on the Cold Mountain soundtrack.
Superb.
Well, love them and appreciate them as much as you can while they're still here. You're lucky that you still have that opportunity. I no longer have with either of my parents because they're both gone and they both died pretty tragically. As for your wife, all I can say is that I hope growing old is as easy and as pleasant for you both as it can possibly be. But I have learned through my profession that, on the whole, it's never pleasant or easy for anybody. Just live and enjoy life now.
Yes it's BEAUTIFUL Thank you
simply amazing!
At minute 2:13 through 2:35 in this music I hear a refrain from the title song in the musical Brigadoon (Lerner & Loewe): "... let the world grow cold around us, let the heavens cry above, Brigadoon, Brigadoo-oon ..." But I think it likely this musical coda, used by Lerner & Loewe and Mr. Grusin, may well have been from some much older folk music. Just a theory of course.
Thank you so much~! How much I lode this tune when I was teen~! :)
has there ever been a more suitable piece of music for an opening?
Middle class America once, a very long time ago. What happened?
Actually I would say the Thayers were upper middle class. They had two homes and a summer home on the lake (and that home would have been $300,000 even then). They were far above middle class. And his pension would have been quite generous too, having been a college prof. I know because that's my profession and I have a generous pension.
Maravillosa pelicula
Thank you.
.... time is short, don't waste it, really get to know ur parents.
Merci Jane Fonda
Peaceful ❤
I wonder if people remember how beautiful the United States was prior to the orange man...
0:38 As a kid, I had a VHS recording of the Sport Goofy cartoon special that somehow taped over this movie and it would start about here. Then the recording stopped around the fishing accident scene, so I would sometimes watch glimpses of it and now I finally know the name of this movie.
👏 bravo
Wow isn’t it great that Katherine got top billing, even at 75
The opening music is beautiful, it the end isn’t so much. I think Kiss The Rain by Yiruma would be more fitting to the film. If you ever do a remake, please include this…
Reminds me of Innocence, My Childhood, Love, Endurance and Beauty. A time when Life was simpler and beautiful. Now, these crimes stories reports of people harmed, then Bodies found in the Lakes and woods have destroyed my feeling of Innocence in those places. I think in order to restore the lost Innocence, we need to remove those criminals who've had victims that span beyond the one's they've taken off the Earth, need to be caught, and once caught, put to Death. Remove them off the Earth. Send the message...you do this to someone, this will happen to you...to be put to Death.
@rainbowpride76 I agree.
GOLDENROD
It feels and looks very Edwardian
I want to be your friend...
I'm not a fan of Jane Fonda so it takes a great movie to make me feel sympathy for her. But this one certainly did that.
Brace yourself
Learn how to stream hulu.
I watched this film the other day it was ok but just found it really boring an old man feeling sorry for himself. He seriously needs to get out more. The acting was really good and the Score was fantastic. Just on the storyline dull and boring.