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.

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Timeline – Harold and Maude (1971)

Trace every key event in Harold and Maude (1971) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Harold's Near-Fatal Incident

Harold's fascination with death begins after a near-fatal chemical explosion occurs during a school science experiment. This traumatic event ignites his morbid curiosity and leads him to explore themes of mortality through elaborate stunts.

School
2

Elaborate Suicides

Following the explosion, Harold starts staging dramatic fake suicides to provoke reactions from his mother and gain attention. His peculiar antics include hanging and drowning simulations, which only serve to alienate him further from others.

3

Mother's Desperation

Harold's mother, taking notice of his peculiar behavior, arranges dates in an attempt to help him socialize. Unfortunately, every date ends in chaos as they flee in horror from Harold's bizarre performances.

4

Meeting Maude

Harold's life takes a turn when he meets the vibrant 79-year-old Maude at a funeral. Their shared fascination with funerals sparks an immediate connection, contrasting sharply with Harold's morbid outlook on life.

Funeral
5

Maude's Free Spirit

Maude's spirited lifestyle captivates Harold, as she embraces life with a sense of boldness and defiance. Through her artistic endeavors and carefree attitude, she introduces him to the beauty of living beyond societal norms.

6

Growing Bond

As Harold spends time with Maude, their mutual attraction grows, balancing her optimism with his pessimism. This relationship pushes Harold to confront his view on life and death, leading him to see beyond his morbid interests.

7

Embracing Life

Under Maude's influence, Harold learns to appreciate the joy in life, creating new memories together. His transformation becomes evident as he begins to live in the moment, cherishing the time spent with her.

8

Proposal

Deeply enamored with Maude, Harold takes a leap and proposes to her, hoping to solidify their bond. However, their significant age difference leads others to react with disdain, challenging their unconventional relationship.

9

Maude's Birthday Revelation

On the eve of her 80th birthday, Maude shares her desire to end her life, planning to pass away on this momentous occasion. This revelation shocks Harold, who is determined to change her mind and keep her in his life.

On the eve of her 80th birthday
10

Maude's Passing

Despite Harold's desperate attempts to reach Maude, he is tragically too late. Maude dies in the hospital from an overdose, leaving Harold heartbroken and grappling with the loss of the person who taught him to embrace life.

Hospital
11

Heartbroken Departure

In his grief, Harold drives off, seemingly heading towards despair on a cliff. The scene paints a poignant picture of his emotional turmoil following Maude's death, as he struggles without her guidance.

Cliff
12

Playing the Banjo

The film culminates in a powerful moment as the camera shifts from the cliff scene to Harold playing the banjo that Maude gifted him. This act signifies his transformation and the enduring impact Maude had on him.

Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 12:25

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Harold and Maude Summary

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Harold and Maude Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Harold and Maude

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Harold and Maude

More About Harold and Maude

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