Harold and Maude

Harold and Maude is a 1971 cult film about the friendship between a morbid young man and a life-loving old woman. Directed by Hal Ashby. Written by Colin Higgins. Maude Dreyfus once wrote from Devil's Island that he would see the most glorious birds. Many years later in Brittany, he realized they had only been sea gulls... For me, they will always be... glorious birds. Harold I haven't lived... I've died a few times. Uncle Victor Well, what do you say, Harold? Ah, it's a great life. There's action, adventure, advising, and you'll get a chance to see the war first-hand. And there are plenty of slant-eyed girls. I'll make a man out of you, Harold. You'll travel the world, put on a uniform, and take on a man's job. You'll walk tall, with a glint in your eye and a spring in your step, and the knowledge in your heart that you are working for peace and are serving your country, just like Nathan Hale. Now, that's what this country needs - more Nathan Hales. [He salutes a picture of Nathan Hale] And, Harold, I think I can see a little Nathan Hale in you. Priest I would be remiss in my duty, if I did not tell you, that the idea of...... intercourse... and the fact of your firm, young... body..... commingling, with the... withered flesh... sagging... breasts... and flabby b-... buttocks... makes me want... to vomit. Dialogue Harold: You hop in any car you want and just drive off? Maude: Well, not any car. I like to keep a variety. I'm always looking for the new experience. Harold: Maybe. Nevertheless, I think you're upsetting people. I don't know if that's right. Maude: Well, if some people get upset because they feel they have a hold on some things, I'm merely acting as a gentle reminder: here today, gone tomorrow, so don't get attached to things. Now, with that in mind, I'm not against collecting stuff... Maude: That little tree — it's in trouble. Come on. [Harold and Maude walk over to a tree growing through the sidewalk in front of a building.] Look at it. Oh, it's suffocating. Well, it's the smog. You know, people can live with it, but trees — it gives them asthma. They can't breathe. The leaves, look, they’re turning all brown. Harold, we have got to do something about this life. Harold: What? Maude: We'll transplant it. To the forest. Harold: You can't do that Maude: Why not? Harold: This is public property. Maude: Well, exactly. Harold: Maude? Maude: Hmm? Harold: Do you pray? Maude: Pray? No. I communicate. Harold: With God? Maude: With Life. Psychiatrist: Tell me, Harold, how many of these, uh, suicides have you performed? Harold: An accurate number would be difficult to gauge. Psychiatrist: Well, just give me a rough estimate. Harold: A rough estimate? I'd say... fifteen. Psychiatrist: Fifteen? Harold: That’s a rough estimate. Psychiatrist: Were they all done for your mother's benefit? Harold: No. No, I would not say "benefit." Motorcycle Officer: License, lady? Maude: I don't have one. I don't believe in them. Motorcycle Officer: How long you been driving, lady? Maude: About 45 minutes, wouldn't you say, Harold? We were hoping to start sooner; but, you see, it's rather hard to find a truck. Motorcycle Officer: This your truck? Maude: Oh, no, I just took it. Harold: You sure have a way with people. Maude: Well, they're my species! Cast Ruth Gordon – Dame Marjorie "Maude" Chardin Bud Cort – Harold Parker Chasen Vivian Pickles – Mrs. Chasen Cyril Cusack – Glaucus Ellen Geer – Sunshine Doré Eric Christmas – Priest G. Wood – Psychiatrist Charles Tyner – General Victor Ball Judy Engles – Candy Gulf Shari Summers – Edith Phern Tom Skerritt – as Motorcycle Officer External links Category:1971 films Category:1971 American films Category:Black comedy films Category:American romantic comedy-drama films Category:Films about suicide Category:Films directed by Hal Ashby Category:United States National Film Registry films Category:Films about old age Category:Cult films Category:Films set in country houses