Synopsis
In 'Harold and Maude', a 20-year-old man named Harold Chasen, fascinated with death, develops a close relationship with a 79-year-old woman named Maude. This unconventional romantic comedy explores themes of life, death, and the importance of living fully, challenging societal norms and expectations.
Why Watch It
A darkly comic romance that transforms morbidity into life affirmation, buoyed by genuine chemistry between Bud Cort's deadpan Harold and Ruth Gordon's radiant Maude. The film's whimsical tone, offbeat humor, and surprisingly tender heart made it a cult classic that still feels refreshingly unmarked by time. Cat Stevens' score perfectly captures its blend of melancholy and joy—proof that cinema's greatest love stories don't always follow convention.
Did You Know?
- Ruth Gordon was 75 while filming, Bud Cort was 23.
- Maude's hearse is a modified 1959 Cadillac Superior 3-way.
- The film was almost not released due to negative early reviews.
- Ruth Gordon did her own stunt driving as Maude.
- Many scenes were shot in San Francisco Bay Area locations.
Iconic Quotes
- Harold: I love you. Maude: Oh, Harold... That's wonderful. Go and love some more.
- Harold: You sure have a way with people. Maude: Well, they're my species!
- Maude: Dreyfus once wrote from Devil's Island that he would see the most glorious birds.
- Maude: A lot of people enjoy being dead. But they are not dead, really.
- Harold: I've not lived. I've died a few times.
