Watch The Golden Honeymoon

The Golden Honeymoon is a 1980 romantic comedy film directed by Noel Black and starring James Whitmore, Teresa Wright, and Larry Loonin. The movie opens with a retired couple, Joseph and Adelle McCarthy, planning to celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary by visiting Niagara Falls, where they spent their honeymoon. The couple's children give them a video camera to record their trip so that they can show it to their grandchildren.

The McCarthys are a typical retired couple living in suburban America. They love each other, but they bicker and argue frequently. Joseph is a retired postal worker who is obsessed with safety issues, and he is shocked when Adelle invites their neighbor, Norman, to join them on their trip. Norman is a widower who has been trying to woo Adelle for years, much to Joseph's annoyance.

As they begin their journey, the McCarthys' differences become more pronounced. Adelle likes to be spontaneous and take risks, while Joseph likes to stick to the plan and avoid danger. Norman is a good-natured companion who tries to inject some fun into the group, but Joseph is clearly uncomfortable with his presence.

Despite their disagreements, the McCarthys enjoy their trip and take in the sights at Niagara Falls. However, when they return home, they discover that their video camera malfunctioned and none of their footage was recorded. Disappointed, they decide to recreate their trip and film it again.

This time, they bring along their son-in-law, a filmmaker who has offered to help them with their video project. As they travel back to Niagara Falls, the McCarthys reflect on their marriage and the changes that have occurred over the years. They realize that they have grown apart in some ways, but they still love each other deeply.

The Golden Honeymoon is a heartwarming film about love, marriage, and the challenges of growing old together. The performances by James Whitmore and Teresa Wright are outstanding, and they bring a depth and complexity to their characters that is rare in romantic comedies. Larry Loonin is also excellent as the affable Norman, providing a much-needed dose of levity to the film.

One of the film's strengths is its exploration of the tensions and conflicts that arise in long-term relationships. Joseph and Adelle have been married for fifty years, and they have shared many joys and sorrows together. However, as they have grown older, they have developed different interests and priorities. Joseph is preoccupied with safety, while Adelle wants to be more adventurous. These differences are reflected in their attitudes towards their trip to Niagara Falls.

The film also explores the theme of memory and the role it plays in shaping our sense of self. The McCarthys' decision to recreate their trip and film it again is motivated by their desire to capture and preserve their memories. However, as they revisit the places where they spent their honeymoon, they also confront the fact that memory is fallible and that the past can never be fully recaptured.

Overall, The Golden Honeymoon is a charming film that will appeal to anyone who has ever been in a long-term relationship. It is a poignant meditation on love, aging, and the importance of cherishing the moments that make life meaningful. The film's gentle humor and understated performances make it a classic of the romantic comedy genre, and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships gives it a timeless quality that resonates with audiences today.

The Golden Honeymoon is a 1980 comedy with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.