Harold and Maude

Directed by Hal Ashby and released in 1971, Harold and Maude is a dark romantic comedy with existential themes that has become a cult classic movie with an enthusiastic fan base.

Fast Facts

1. American Film Institute: 45th funniest movie all time
2. American Film Institute: Ninth best romantic comedy
3. Screenplay: Colin Higgins
4. Later turned into a novel and a Broadway production
5. Soundtrack: Cat Stevens
6. Shot in the San Francisco Bay area
7. Adapted for French television by Jean-Claude Carriere in 1978
8. Released: December 20, 1971
9. Production company: Paramount Pictures
10. Running time: 91 minutes
11. Budget: $1,200,000

Harold and Maude Story

The movie tells the story of Harold, a rich young man who is fascinated by death, and Maude, an elderly Holocaust survivor near the end of her life. The two meet at a funeral and become close friends. Their attitudes contradict each other as Harold stages mock suicides and Maude teaches him that life is a gift worth living to the fullest. But as the movie progresses, their differences bring them together and they develop a unique relationship that ultimately changes both of their lives.