Harold and Maude

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Harold and Maude

PG

1971

1h 31m

Comedy

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

86%

Tomatometer

49 Reviews

93%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

Cult classic pairs Cort as a dead-pan disillusioned 20-year-old obsessed with suicide and a lovable Gordon as a fun-loving 80-year-old eccentric. They meet at a funeral, and develop a taboo romantic relationship, in which they explore the tired theme of the meaning of life with a fresh perspective.

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Critics Consensus

Hal Ashby's comedy is too dark and twisted for some, and occasionally oversteps its bounds, but there's no denying the film's warm humor and big heart.

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Richard McGuinness

Village Voice

01/18/2013

The fact that [it] isn't very funny and, like its 80-year-old heroic, long outlives its necessary life, is less important than the fact that the characters frequently react gently or like credible human beings to the script's impossible notions.

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Dave Kehr

Chicago Reader

10/24/2007

Simpleminded, but it's fairly inoffensive, at least until Ashby lingers over the concentration-camp serial number tattooed on Gordon's arm. Some things are beyond the reach of whimsy.

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Derek Adams

Time Out

06/24/2006

It is most successful when it keeps to the tone of an insane fairystory set up at the beginning of the movie.

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Rosalyn Drexler

Vogue

03/08/2024

3/4

The picture is anti-war, anti-repression, and full of fun; a charming hour and a half of black humor.

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Brian Eggert

Deep Focus Review

02/14/2022

4/4

Its strength resides in a philosophy of self-exploration through personal fulfillment, bodily acceptance and exploration, artistic creation, and spontaneity.

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Stephen Silver

Tilt Magazine

12/31/2021

5/5

Exemplifies the expression "it shouldn't have worked, but it did" more than any movie I can think of, is a romantic comedy, and also a very dark comedy (50th anniversary)

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Meghan

Feb 24

Favorite movie of all time

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Tami A

@chattyjollyvulture Jul 15

Loved this. I really enjoyed the music. Cat Stevens is perfect for this movie. I loved all the sets and locations the movie is 55 years old so it's a nice glimpse into the past visually. I loved the relationship that developed between Harold and Maude. Beautiful. My son cried, cried at the end. Maybe I'm too dead inside for that, didn't seem that sad to me.

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Melissa L

@Agent99 Jun 22

It was a great movie, but I am not too fond of the ending.

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Ana F.

@RT95078477 Jun 3

Weird and wonderful; you either "get it " or you don't. I first saw it in the movie theater as a naive teenager, and I loved it. The soundtrack is unmatched. ❤️

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Patrick C

@RT84374237 May 22

Having watched this wonderful film for the first time, I would argue that its very creation was an affirmation of life as espoused by Maude in the film. Whether Maude is entirely believable as a character is beside the point - the fact that she exists onscreen is a celebration in itself, her effect on Harold a joy to behold. Suspend one's disbelief and all good things come from this life-affirming gem.

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Jens B

@Jens97 Apr 5

At first glance macabre, but beneath the surface profoundly life-affirming, human, funny, and sad. Ruth Gordon and Bud Cort give their all, Hal Ashby directs with restraint (with some truly excellent shots), and Cat Stevens' music completes the picture. A beautiful film, perfect for the start of spring.

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Hal Ashby

Director

Bud Cort

Harold Chasen

Ruth Gordon

Maude

Cyril Cusack

Glaucus

Vivian Pickles

Mrs. Chasen

Charles Tyner

Uncle Victor

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Dating Questionnaire

2:13

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Maude's 80th Birthday

2:07

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - It's Rather Hard to Find a Truck

2:12

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - He Seems Very Nice

2:01

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Harold Meets Maude

2:13

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Can I Give You a Lift?

1:44

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - The Last Date

2:13

Harold and Maude: Official Clip - Backing Away From Life

2:13

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Synopsis

Cult classic pairs Cort as a dead-pan disillusioned 20-year-old obsessed with suicide and a lovable Gordon as a fun-loving 80-year-old eccentric. They meet at a funeral, and develop a taboo romantic relationship, in which they explore the tired theme of the meaning of life with a fresh perspective.

Director: Hal Ashby
Producer: Colin Higgins, Charles Mulvehill
Screenwriter: Colin Higgins
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Production Co: Paramount Pictures, Mildred Lewis and Colin Higgins Productions
Rating: PG
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 1, 1971, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 1, 2013
Runtime: 1h 31m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.37:1)