Harold and Maude (1971)

Last updated:
September 30, 2025

Harold and Maude is a darkly comedic romance directed by Hal Ashby that has become a cult classic. It explores themes of mortality, love, and self-discovery through the unlikely relationship between a young man obsessed with death and an eccentric older woman who embraces life to its fullest.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Harold’s Obsession with Death

Harold Chasen (Bud Cort) is a young man in his early twenties who is fascinated by death. He stages elaborate fake suicides and attends funerals for fun, much to the concern of his wealthy, controlling mother (Vivian Pickles). Harold’s life is highly structured but emotionally empty, reflecting his deep dissatisfaction with societal expectations and his own constrained existence.

Meeting Maude

Harold encounters Maude (Ruth Gordon), a 79-year-old free spirit, at a funeral. Maude lives life entirely on her own terms, finding joy in small, spontaneous acts and rebelling against societal norms. Despite their vast age difference, they form an unlikely bond that challenges Harold’s morbid worldview. Their relationship evolves slowly, blending humor, philosophical insights, and shared adventures, which gradually draw Harold out of his self-imposed gloom.

Lessons in Life and Freedom

Through their adventures, which include impromptu road trips, music, and playful stunts, Maude teaches Harold about embracing life, individuality, and the beauty of the present moment. Harold begins to question the rituals and limitations that have dominated his life, learning to value human connection, joy, and authenticity.

Confronting Family and Society

Harold’s mother is both controlling and anxious, pressuring him into socially acceptable behaviors and attempting to manipulate his romantic life. Meanwhile, Harold starts to assert his independence, spurred by Maude’s influence. This tension between personal freedom and societal expectation forms a core theme of the story.

Movie Ending

The film concludes with Harold undergoing a profound personal transformation. While Maude’s philosophy of life is fully embraced by Harold, the ending leaves audiences reflecting on themes of love, mortality, and freedom without explicitly resolving every narrative thread. Viewers see Harold making choices that signify emotional growth and a newfound appreciation for life, hinting at a sense of closure while still inviting interpretation. The ending is both poignant and uplifting, blending humor with existential reflection.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

Harold and Maude does not contain post-credits scenes. The film’s story is complete within its runtime, with no additional content after the credits.

Type of Movie

The movie is a dark romantic comedy with elements of drama and existential philosophy. It blends absurdist humor with poignant reflections on life, death, and human connection.

Cast

Bud Cort as Harold Chasen
Ruth Gordon as Maude
Vivian Pickles as Mrs. Chasen
Cyril Cusack as Glaucus
Charles Tyner as Uncle Victor

Film Music and Composer

The film’s soundtrack features songs by Cat Stevens, including “If You Want to Sing Out, Sing Out” and “Morning Has Broken,” which enhance the whimsical and reflective mood of the film. The music plays a key role in illustrating Maude’s zest for life and Harold’s transformation.

Filming Locations

The movie was filmed in and around San Francisco, California. Locations like Golden Gate Park and the city’s distinctive neighborhoods contribute to the film’s quirky and vibrant visual style. These real-world locations reinforce the authenticity of Maude’s eccentric adventures while contrasting with Harold’s structured domestic environment.

Awards and Nominations

While Harold and Maude did not win major awards upon release, it has since been recognized as a cult classic and has appeared on numerous “best of” lists for its originality, storytelling, and cultural impact.

Behind the Scenes Insights

Ruth Gordon improvised many of Maude’s lines, contributing to the character’s unique charm.
Director Hal Ashby was known for giving actors creative freedom, allowing for spontaneous comedic moments.
Bud Cort faced challenges performing the physical stunts associated with Harold’s fake suicides.
The movie initially received mixed reviews but grew in popularity through college screenings and late-night showings.

Inspirations and References

The film is not directly based on a book but was inspired by black comedy and existential literature, reflecting Hal Ashby’s interest in exploring life, death, and individual freedom. The title characters were partially inspired by real-life eccentric personalities and Ashby’s fascination with unconventional romance.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

Some early scripts included extended sequences of Harold and Maude’s adventures, including a more detailed exploration of Harold’s family dynamics. These were cut to maintain a tighter narrative and focus on the central relationship.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Harold’s staged funerals and inventive suicide attempts.
Maude teaching Harold to steal cars and live spontaneously.
Their shared road trips and encounters with quirky characters.

Iconic Quotes

Maude: “The whole point of life is to be happy. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.”
Harold: “I am haunted by humans.”
Maude: “It’s never too late to have a happy childhood.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Harold’s obsession with death includes references to famous literary suicides.
Cat Stevens’ songs were selected to match specific emotional beats and subtly comment on the characters’ inner growth.
Maude frequently wears green, symbolizing life and renewal, in contrast to Harold’s darker wardrobe.

Trivia

The film was considered controversial at the time for its age-gap romance.
Ruth Gordon received critical acclaim for her performance, becoming an iconic figure in cinema history.
The movie’s cult status grew gradually through late-night television showings rather than immediate box office success.

Why Watch?

Harold and Maude is perfect for anyone who enjoys quirky, thought-provoking cinema that blends humor with philosophical reflection. The film offers timeless insights about life, death, love, and self-discovery, wrapped in charming performances and a whimsical narrative.

Harold and Maude (1971)