Kotch

Kotch is a 1971 American comedy-drama film directed by Jack Lemmon and starring Walter Matthau, Deborah Winters, Felicia Farr, Charles Aidman, and Ellen Geer.

Adapted by John Paxton from the 1965 novel of the same name by Katharine Topkins, the film tells the story of an elderly man who runs away so as not to be put into a nursing home, and strikes up a friendship with a pregnant teenaged girl. It was Lemmon's only film behind the camera and partnered him with friend and frequent costar Matthau.

Portions of the film were shot and set in Palm Springs, California.

Cast

 * Walter Matthau as Joseph P. Kotcher
 * Deborah Winters as Erica Herzenstiel
 * Felicia Farr as Wilma Kotcher
 * Charles Aidman as Gerald Kotcher
 * Ellen Geer as Vera Kotcher
 * Donald and Dean Kowalski as Duncan Kotcher
 * Arlen Stuart as Mrs. Fisher
 * Jane Connell as Miss Roberts
 * James E. Brodhead as Mr. Weaver
 * Jessica Rains as Dr. McKernan
 * Darrell Larson as Vincent Perrin
 * Biff Elliot as Motel Manager
 * Paul Picerni as Dr. Ramon Caudillo
 * Lucy Saroyan as Sissy
 * Kim Hamilton as Emma Daly
 * Amzie Strickland as Nurse Barons
 * Larry Linville as Peter Stiel
 * Jack Lemmon as Sleeping Bus Passenger (uncredited)

Reception
The film earned rentals of $3.6 million in North America and $1.4 million in other countries. It recorded an overall profit of $330,000.

Awards
The film was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Walter Matthau), Best Film Editing (Ralph E. Winters), Best Music, Song (for Marvin Hamlisch and Johnny Mercer for "Life Is What You Make It"), and Best Sound (Richard Portman and Jack Solomon).

Home media
Kotch was released in a Region 1 DVD by Fox Video on July 6, 2004.