Watch Kotch

Kotch is a 1971 comedy-drama film directed by Jack Lemmon and starring Walter Matthau as the titular character, Joseph P. Kotcher. The film is based on the novel by Katharine Topkins and was adapted for the screen by John Paxton. The plot follows the story of an elderly man, Kotch, who refuses to retire and is forced to move in with his son and daughter-in-law, as they struggle to deal with his eccentricities.

Kotch is a feisty widower who, despite his age, refuses to slow down or conform to the expectations of his family and society. He spends most of his days engaging in his quirky hobbies, which include collecting license plates and watching TV commercials. His son, Gerald (Charles Aidman), and daughter-in-law, Wilma (Felicia Farr), reluctantly take him in after he has an accident while driving and they realize that he can no longer live alone.

Although he enjoys spending time with his young grandson, the relationship between Kotch and his son and daughter-in-law is strained, with Wilma resenting his presence in their home and Gerald feeling guilty for not providing better care for his father. Despite their differences, Kotch's presence begins to affect the family in unexpected ways, as he forms relationships with his neighbors and begins to impart his unconventional wisdom on those around him.

Kotch meets a pregnant teenager named Erica (Deborah Winters), who is running away from home and has nowhere to go. He takes her under his wing and helps her to find a place to stay, despite the objections of Wilma and Gerald. As Kotch spends more time with Erica, he begins to confront his own mortality and his regret at not being a better father to his own son.

The film explores themes of aging, family dynamics, and intergenerational conflict, with Matthau delivering a touching and nuanced performance as a man who refuses to be defined by his age. Despite its comedic moments, the film has a profound emotional resonance, as Kotch grapples with his own mortality and tries to make amends with his past mistakes.

Overall, Kotch is a heartwarming and thought-provoking film that showcases Matthau's skills as both a comedian and a dramatic actor. The film is a testament to the enduring power of family and the resilience of the human spirit.