| Harold and Maude | |
|---|---|
_poster.jpg) Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Hal Ashby |
| Written by | Colin Higgins |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | John Alonzo |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Cat Stevens |
Production companies | Mildred Lewis and Colin Higgins Productions |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1.2 million (est.)[1] |
Harold and Maude is a 1971 American romantic black comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby and released by Paramount Pictures. It incorporates elements of dark humor and existentialist drama. The plot follows the exploits of Harold Chasen (Bud Cort), a young man who is intrigued with death, and who rejects the life his detached mother (Vivian Pickles) prescribes for him. Harold develops a friendship, and eventual romantic relationship, with 79-year-old Maude (Ruth Gordon) who teaches Harold about the importance of living life to its fullest.
The screenplay by Colin Higgins began as his master's thesis for film school. Filming took place in and around San Francisco and San Mateo, California, with locations including both Holy Cross Cemetery and Golden Gate National Cemetery, the ruins of the Sutro Baths, Mori Point, and Rosecourt Mansion in Hillsborough, California.
Critically and commercially unsuccessful when first released, the film eventually developed a cult following, and first made a profit in 1983.[1][2] The film was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry in 1997, and was ranked number 45 on the American Film Institute list of 100 funniest films of all time in 2000. The Criterion Collection released a special-edition Blu-ray and DVD in 2012.[3]
- ^ a b Harmetz, Aljean (August 8, 1983). "After 12 Years, a Profit For 'Harold and Maude'". The New York Times. p. C14. Retrieved December 14, 2023.
- ^ Peary 1981, p. 136.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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