

Harold and Maude
A deadpan young man obsessed with death meets an eccentric septuagenarian who teaches him to live life to the fullest.
Critics Sentiment
Maude dies from overdose, Harold crashes car but emerges dancing
Harold's family and priest react with horror to marriage announcement
The film drops to its lowest point with the family's conventional horror at Harold's announcement, then soars to its emotional peak with Maude's death and Harold's triumphant rebirth.
Harold and Maude maintains consistently high sentiment throughout most of its runtime, with reviewers particularly praising the dark comedy opening, the unconventional romance, and Ruth Gordon's performance. The film reaches its emotional and critical peak with the bittersweet ending that transforms tragedy into triumph. Despite some mixed reactions to the film's more outrageous elements, critics overwhelmingly embrace its unique blend of morbid humor and life-affirming philosophy.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 21
Ruth Gordon
Maude

Bud Cort
Harold

Vivian Pickles
Mrs. Chasen

Cyril Cusack
Glaucus

Charles Tyner
Uncle Victor
Ellen Geer
Sunshine Doré

Eric Christmas
Priest

G. Wood
Psychiatrist

Judy Engles
Candy Gulf

Shari Summers
Edith Phern

Tom Skerritt
Motorcycle Officer
Susan Madigan
Girlfriend
Ray K. Goman
Police Officer
Gordon Devol
Police Officer
Harvey Brumfield
Police Officer
Henry Dieckoff
Butler
Philip Schultz
Doctor
Sonia Sorel
Head Nurse
Margot Jones
Student Nurse
Barry Higgins
Intern
Crew
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