Harold and Maude
Harold and Maude Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Movie Overview: Harold and Maude
| Movie | Harold and Maude |
| Release Year | 1971 |
| Director | Hal Ashby |
| Genre | Comedy / Drama / Romance |
| Runtime | 92 minutes (1h 32m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Harold and Maude (1971) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Harold and Maude are led by Ruth Gordon . The supporting cast, including Bud Cort and Vivian Pickles , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Harold and Maude stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Comedy narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Harold and Maude has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Harold and Maude
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1971, Harold and Maude is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film directed by Hal Ashby, written by Colin Higgins. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Ruth Gordon as Maude.
What Is the Story of Harold and Maude?
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. A deadpan young man obsessed with death meets an eccentric septuagenarian who teaches him to live life to the fullest. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
How Is Harold and Maude Structured?
- Opening Hook: Harold and Maude's opening establishes the comedic tone through Ruth Gordon as Maude's interactions, introducing the central conflict with humor and character quirks that Hal Ashby layers throughout.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Ruth Gordon, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together the recurring threads, with Ruth Gordon's storyline landing with both laughs and heart.
Ending Explained: Harold and Maude
Harold and Maude Ending Explained: A deadpan young man obsessed with death meets an eccentric septuagenarian who teaches him to live life to the fullest. Directed by Hal Ashby, this 1971 comedy film stars Ruth Gordon (Maude), alongside Bud Cort as Harold, Vivian Pickles as Mrs. Chasen, Cyril Cusack as Glaucus. Rated 7.6/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of Harold and Maude?
A deadpan young man obsessed with death meets an eccentric septuagenarian who teaches him to live life to the fullest.
How Does Ruth Gordon (Maude)'s Story End?
- Ruth Gordon: Ruth Gordon's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Hal Ashby delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 1h 32m runtime.
- Bud Cort (Harold): Bud Cort's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Vivian Pickles (Mrs. Chasen): Vivian Pickles's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of Harold and Maude Mean?
The ending of Harold and Maude ties together the narrative threads involving Ruth Gordon. Hal Ashby chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes. Based on 1,201 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is powerful and memorable.
Harold and Maude Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is Harold and Maude Based on a True Story?
No, Harold and Maude is a work of fiction. While the comedy, drama, romance film directed by Hal Ashby and starring Ruth Gordon may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch Harold and Maude?
Age Advisory: Rated PG.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Comedy cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate smart humor and well-timed comedic performances
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: Harold and Maude
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.2M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Harold and Maude Budget
The estimated production budget for Harold and Maude is $1.2M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch Harold and Maude Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoHarold and Maude Parents Guide & Age Rating
1971 AdvisoryWondering about Harold and Maude age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Harold and Maude (1971) is 92 minutes (1h 32m). Directed by Hal Ashby, the film runs for 92 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.6/10, and global performance metrics, Harold and Maude is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1971 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harold and Maude worth watching?
Harold and Maude is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.6/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Harold and Maude parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Harold and Maude identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Harold and Maude (1971)?
The runtime of Harold and Maude (1971) is 92 minutes (approximately 1h 32m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
