Harold and Maude Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A rich kid obsessed with death and fake suicides falls for a car-stealing, life-loving octogenarian, and everyone’s really uncomfortable about it until they realize it’s actually…kinda beautiful?

🍿 Harold and Maude: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introducing Harold and His Unique Obsession

Harold Chasen, a young, wealthy man, is fascinated with death, much to the dismay of his overbearing mother. He stages elaborate fake suicides to gain her attention, drives a hearse, and frequents funerals. His mother, desperate for him to lead a ‘normal’ life, sends him to therapy and sets him up on blind dates.

A Funeral Encounter: Harold Meets Maude

At a funeral, Harold encounters Maude, a free-spirited woman on the verge of her eightieth birthday, who also enjoys attending funerals. Unlike Harold’s preoccupation with death, Maude embraces life with unmatched enthusiasm. She lives in the moment, disregards societal norms, and focuses on experiences over material possessions.

An Unlikely Friendship and Budding Romance

Harold and Maude’s friendship blossoms as Maude shows Harold the beauty and joy of living. They embark on adventures, challenge societal expectations, and share profound moments of connection. As Harold experiences life through Maude’s eyes, he falls in love with her.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Harold Chasen (Bud Cort): Harold is a wealthy, death-obsessed young man who stages elaborate fake suicides to gain attention and avoid his mother’s matchmaking attempts.
• Maude Chardin (Ruth Gordon): Maude is a free-spirited, life-loving 79-year-old woman who teaches Harold to appreciate life and embrace experiences.
• Mrs. Chasen (Vivian Pickles): Mrs. Chasen is Harold’s wealthy and detached mother who attempts to normalize him through therapy and arranged dates.
• Glaucus (Cyril Cusack): Glaucus is a character, portrayed by actor Cyril Cusack.
• Uncle Victor (Charles Tyner): Uncle Victor is Harold’s militaristic uncle who represents societal expectations and traditional values.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maude: “Reach out… take a chance. Get hurt even. But play as sure as you’re alive.” – Maude encourages Harold to embrace life and experience everything it has to offer, even the painful parts.
• Maude: “I enjoy being alive. I enjoy watching other people enjoy being alive.” – Maude explains her simple philosophy and appreciation for life’s experiences.
• Maude: “Catch me tomorrow, I’ll be 80.” – Maude offhandedly mentions her upcoming birthday, foreshadowing her planned departure from life.
• Maude: “Zoos are full, prisons are overflowing… oh my, how the world still dearly loves a cage.” – Maude expresses her dislike of conformity and societal restrictions.
• Harold: “I haven’t lived.” – Harold states his belief that he has not yet experienced true living prior to meeting Maude.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.2M
• Domestic Gross: $4.07M
• Worldwide Gross: $4.53K

💥 Harold and Maude Reviews

Personal Review

I remember first watching this film on a rainy afternoon, and it completely changed my perspective. The unlikely friendship between Harold and Maude felt so real, and I was genuinely moved by their connection. The scene where Maude throws the ring into the water and explains that now she always knows where it is made me tear up. The movie is an absolute gem and a must-watch for anyone feeling stuck in life.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of dark comedies”
  • “Those who appreciate unconventional romances”
  • “People interested in existential themes”
  • “Cat Stevens music lovers”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Suicide themes”
  • “Mild drug use”
  • “Implied sexual relationship”
  • “Dark humor that may not be suitable for all viewers”

Professional Reviews

• HollywoodOutbreak.com: “A cult classic for a reason! Harold and Maude’s relationship is strangely heartwarming, challenging societal norms with dark humor and unexpected tenderness. Ruth Gordon’s Maude is an icon, teaching us to embrace life, even when facing mortality. A must-see for anyone feeling a little lost.
• MUBI: “Harold and Maude has a message that still resonates. The film’s exploration of life, death, and freedom is both quirky and profound. The soundtrack by Cat Stevens adds a layer of depth to this poignant story. Definitely a unique film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Audience Reactions

Viewers adore the movie’s dark humor and its refreshing take on love and life.: The performances by Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort are universally praised for their chemistry and depth.

Viewers are sad that Bud Cort has not starred in more films since this movie.: A great Cat Stevens soundtrack!

Overall Consensus: Harold and Maude is a timeless cult classic that continues to resonate with audiences, offering a unique and heartwarming perspective on life, death, and love.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Hal Ashby originally wanted Elizabeth Taylor to play Maude, but the studio wouldn’t approve it. He then considered Elizabeth Bergner, but she turned down the role because she didn’t understand Ashby’s vision.”
• “Cat Stevens’ soundtrack was crucial to the film’s mood and success, though initially, the studio wanted a more traditional score.”
• “The film was a commercial failure upon its initial release, but gained a cult following through word-of-mouth and midnight screenings.”
• “The tattoo on Maude’s arm is a subtle, but powerful reference to her past as a concentration camp survivor, adding depth to her philosophy of living life to the fullest.”

🖥️ How to Watch Harold and Maude?

Harold and Maude is available for streaming on platforms like Paramount+ and through rental or purchase on services such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check local listings for availability as it may vary by region. Purchasing the film gives you permanent access, while rentals offer a limited viewing window, typically 48 hours.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Harold and Maude, you might like these similar films:

• The Graduate (1967): Features a disaffected young man and an unconventional relationship with an older woman, exploring themes of societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
• Rushmore (1998): A quirky dark comedy with a precocious and eccentric young protagonist who forms an unusual bond with an older adult.
• Amelie (2001): Celebrates the eccentricities of life and encourages viewers to find joy in small, unexpected moments, similar to Maude’s approach to life.
• Being There (1979): Another Hal Ashby film with a unique tone that looks at society through the eyes of an outsider.
• Wristcutters: A Love Story (2006): Dark comedy that explores the themes of suicide and existentialism in a darkly humorous and unique way.

🛒 Harold and Maude Related Products

• Harold and Maude (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: This Criterion Collection edition features a high-definition digital restoration with new interviews and essays. A must-have for collectors and fans of the film.
• Harold and Maude: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack: The complete soundtrack featuring iconic songs by Cat Stevens. Includes classics like ‘Where Do the Children Play?’ and ‘Trouble’.
• Harold and Maude – ‘Live, Harold, Live!’ Poster: High-quality print featuring the memorable quote from the film, perfect for decorating a home theater or office.
• Banjo Ukulele Concert Size: Inspired by Harold’s gift to Maude. A perfect, easy to learn, instrument for Cat Stevens’ Harold and Maude fans.

🎧 Soundtrack

Harold and Maude features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Where Do the Children Play?” – performed by Cat Stevens
• “Trouble” – performed by Cat Stevens

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Most Uncomfortable Age Gaps In Movies

Harold and Maude made the list of most awkward on-screen age gaps! See where it ranks and what other movies have eyebrow-raising pairings. You may or may not agree, but it will be food for thought!

Pumping Iron – Unseen Footage – Bud Cort

Ever wondered what Bud Cort was up to outside of Harold and Maude? Check out this rare, behind-the-scenes footage of him from ‘Pumping Iron’! It’s a quick watch and offers an interesting perspective on the actor.

✨ Rate