Rascally and cheerfully optimistic retired salesman Joseph “Kotch” Kotcher (Walter Matthau) leaves the family home of his son Gerald (Charles Aidman), daughter-in-law Wilma (Felicia Farr, Lemmon’s real-life wife), and their baby son Duncan, to avoid being relegated to a nursing home.
The 72-year-old forms an unlikely friendship with his family’s pregnant teenage babysitter, Erica (Deborah Winters), even helping her to deliver her baby in an empty gas station and setting up a home with her in a small concrete-block bungalow in Santa Barbara.
The film – full of warmth and emotion – was the directorial debut for Jack Lemmon. He felt uncomfortable behind the camera and didn’t enjoy the experience at all. Lemmon never directed again.
Matthau was 21-years younger than Kotch when he made the film and he gives an impressive impersonation of a spry and feisty old-timer. He received a Best Actor Academy Award nomination for his portrayal.
Joseph P. Kotcher
Walter Matthau Erica Herzenstiel
Deborah Winters Wilma Kotcher
Felicia Farr Gerald Kotcher
Charles Aidman Vera Kotcher
Ellen Geer Duncan Kotcher
Donald Kowalski
Dean Kowalski Mrs Fisher
Arlen Stuart Miss Roberts
Jane Connell Mr Weaver
James Brodhead Dr McKernan
Jessica Rains Vincent Perrin
Darrell Larson Dr Caudillo
Paul Picerni Sissy
Lucy Saroyan
Director
Jack Lemmon
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The 72-year-old forms an unlikely friendship with his family’s pregnant teenage babysitter, Erica (Deborah Winters), even helping her to deliver her baby in an empty gas station and setting up a home with her in a small concrete-block bungalow in Santa Barbara.
Joseph P. Kotcher
Vera Kotcher
Dr McKernan
