Harold and Maude (1971)

Young, rich, and obsessed with death, Harold finds himself changed forever when he meets lively septuagenarian Maude at a funeral.

Director:

Hal Ashby

Writer:

Colin Higgins

Stars:

Ruth Gordon, Bud Cort, Vivian Pickles

Nominated for 2 Golden Globes. Another 2 wins & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ruth Gordon	...	Maude
Bud Cort	...	Harold
Vivian Pickles	...	Mrs. Chasen
Cyril Cusack	...	Glaucus
Charles Tyner	...	Uncle Victor
Ellen Geer	...	Sunshine Doré
Eric Christmas	...	Priest
G. Wood	...	Psychiatrist
Judy Engles	...	Candy Gulf
Shari Summers	...	Edith Phern
Tom Skerritt	...	Motorcycle Officer (as M. Borman)
Susan Madigan	...	Girlfriend
Ray K. Goman	...	Police Officer (as Ray Goman)
Gordon De Vol	...	Police Officer (as Gordon DeVol)
Harvey Brumfield	...	Police Officer

Storyline

Young adult Harold Chasen, solitary and friendless by choice, is obsessed with death, this fascination manifesting itself in he staging his own fake suicides, driving a hearse and attending funerals, even of people he doesn't know, all to the chagrin of his exasperated wealthy mother with whom he lives. Mrs. Chasen is determined for Harold to be "normal", including her sending him into therapy to deal with his issues and finding him a girlfriend through a computer dating service. It is at a series of funerals that Harold meets Maude, on the cusp of her eightieth birthday, she who too attends funerals of strangers. Unlike Harold, Maude is obsessed with life - her own life to be more precise - she does whatever she wants to please herself, damned what others may think or how they may be affected. Since she can't take material possessions with her, she is more interested in experiences, with whatever material possessions she has - often "borrowed" without asking - only to further those ...

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Plot Keywords:

death | existentialism | older woman younger man relationship | funeral | nihilism | 

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Taglines:

This is Harold. Fully equipped to deal with life. This is Maude. Harold's girlfriend.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

When Maude and Harold steal the police officer's motorcycle, Bud Cort accidentally hit himself in the head with the shovel, but just kept going for the sake of the shot.

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Goofs

When Maude pulls the banjo out of a cabinet, you see the reflection of crew and lights.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Mrs. Chasen: [after spotting Harold hanging from a noose in the living room] I suppose you think that's very funny, Harold... Oh, dinner at eight, Harold. And do try and be a little more vivacious.

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Connections

Referenced in The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson: Ricky Schroder/Sean Morey/Jeana Tomasino (1980)

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Soundtracks

Trouble
(1970) (uncredited)
Written and Performed by Cat Stevens

User Reviews

A classic.

This art house favorite is a timeless classic and recommended viewing for all post-Catcher In the Rye teenagers. To modern viewers, the Ruth Gordon creation of Maude probably seems trite, but her Maude was fresh, original and daring in 1970 and the pre-Sophie's Choice twist in her history that Harold discovers was likewise unanticipated by early viewers. Unfortunately, Ruth Gordon went on to recreate this character in lesser films throughout that decade and the character of the eccentric old lady has become rather shopworn.

The Cat Stevens soundtrack is probably one of the most effective use of pop music in film ever.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 December 1971 (USA)

Also Known As:

Harold and Maude

Filming Locations:

San Francisco Trains State Belt #4 Restoration Site, Bayshore Blvd, Brisbane, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,200,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mildred Lewis and Colin Higgins Productions, Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1