 The loons are back again on Golden Pond and so are Norman Thayer, a retired professor, and Ethel who have had a summer cottage there since early in their marriage. This summer their daughter Chelsea -- whom they haven t seen for years -- feels she must be there for Norman s birthday. She and her fiance are on their way to Europe the next day but will be back in a couple of weeks to pick up the fiance s son. When she returns Chelsea is married and her stepson has the relationship with her father that she always wanted. Will father and daughter be able to communicate at last?