Harold and Maude

Harold and Maude

Year: 1971

Runtime: 91 min

Language: English

Director: Hal Ashby

DramaComedyRomance

A young man preoccupied with death finds an unexpected connection with a vibrant, elderly woman. Their bond forms amidst a mortuary, and together they challenge societal expectations. They explore themes of mortality and generational anxieties, finding wisdom and joy in unconventional experiences.

Harold and Maude (1971) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

Get a spoiler-free look at Harold and Maude (1971) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.

In a quiet suburb where the ordinary drifts into the absurd, a young man named Harold spends his days perched on the edge of melancholy, fascinated by the rituals that surround mortality. His world is a pastel‑colored backdrop of late‑night drives, carefully arranged funerals, and a quiet, well‑to‑do household that seems more concerned with appearances than the deeper currents swirling beneath. The tone is whimsically dark, a blend of dead‑pan humor and wistful yearning that invites the audience to glimpse life through a lens tinted by both curiosity and dread.

Against this backdrop steps Maude, a sprightly nonagenarian whose zest for living shines like a bright lantern in Harold’s shadowed streets. She moves through the town with a freedom that feels almost rebellious—her laughter echoing at picnics, her hands shaping odd sculptures, her presence turning ordinary moments into spontaneous celebrations. Though the age gap is stark, the film frames their meeting as a meeting of opposite philosophies: Harold’s morbid introspection collides with Maude’s exuberant embrace of the present, creating a delicate dance of intrigue and gentle challenge.

The story unfolds as the two characters gravitate toward each other, each offering a glimpse of an alternative way to face the inevitable. Their interactions are shaded with quirky humor and quiet poignancy, hinting at a bond that promises to reshape their perceptions of joy, sorrow, and the space in between. In this off‑beat romance, the world feels simultaneously familiar and oddly surreal, inviting viewers to wonder how two such different spirits might learn from one another and, perhaps, discover a new melody in the ordinary rhythm of life.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 14:17

Unlock the Full Story of Harold and Maude

Don't stop at just watching — explore Harold and Maude in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Harold and Maude is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Harold and Maude Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Harold and Maude, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Harold and Maude Summary

Harold and Maude Timeline

Track the full timeline of Harold and Maude with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Harold and Maude Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harold and Maude

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Harold and Maude. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harold and Maude

More About Harold and Maude

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Harold and Maude: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Harold and Maude

Similar Movies to Harold and Maude

Discover movies like Harold and Maude that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.