Based on the play by Ernest Thompson, On Golden Pond is a story about life, death, and how we deal with our relationships in-between. The story surrounds the relationship of the Thayer family, Norman (Henry Fonda), Ethel (Catherine Hepburn), and their daughter Chealsea (Jane Fonda). On their 48th summer On Golden Pond, Norman is about to celebrate his 80th birthday, when his daughter arrives with her new found boyfriend (Dabney Coleman) and his son Billy Ray (Doug McKeon). After a tense night with Norman, Chealsea decides to ask if it would be ok for Billy to stay for the summer, while she and her boyfriend travel to Europe. During the summer Norman develops a tight bond with Billy, sparking anger and resentment in Chelsea when she returns.