When retired salesman Joseph Kotcher begins to feel pressure to move out of the house he shares with the family of his son, he opts to embark on a road trip instead of settling in a retirement home. Befriending Erica, a young pregnant woman and his grandson's former nanny, Kotch begins to finds new meaning in life as he helps her prepare to welcome her baby into the world.
Acting
Matthau's Oscar-nominated turn—whiny, warm, utterly singular.
Direction
Jack Lemmon's only directing gig, surprisingly tender.
Director
Jack Lemmon
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Jack Lemmon directed this solely to ensure Matthau got the role; he famously said, 'If they want a director, I'll direct. If they want me to carry the equipment, I'll carry the equipment.' Matthau beat out George C. Scott and James Cagney.
Based on Katharine Topkins' novel, the film quietly critiques 1970s America's treatment of elderly as disposable—Kotch's refusal to become 'furniture' resonates uncomfortably today.
US
