# Harold and Maude

> 1971 film directed by Hal Ashby

**Wikidata**: [Q368577](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q368577)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harold_and_Maude)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harold-and-maude

## Summary
Harold and Maude is a 1971 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by Hal Ashby. The film tells the unconventional love story between a young man obsessed with death and a vivacious 79-year-old woman.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1971, with additional release dates in 1974
- Directed by Hal Ashby, an American film director
- Produced by Paramount Pictures, an American film studio founded in 1912
- Classified as a romantic comedy, buddy film, comedy drama, and drama film
- Selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1997
- Also known by the Spanish titles "Enséñame a vivir" and "Harold y Maude"
- Has 34 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects

## FAQs
What is Harold and Maude about?
Harold and Maude is a dark romantic comedy that follows the unlikely relationship between Harold, a wealthy young man fascinated by death, and Maude, a free-spirited 79-year-old woman who teaches him to embrace life.

Who directed Harold and Maude?
The film was directed by Hal Ashby, an American filmmaker known for his distinctive style in 1970s cinema.

What genre is Harold and Maude?
Harold and Maude is classified as a romantic comedy, buddy film, comedy drama, and drama film, blending elements of multiple genres.

When was Harold and Maude released?
The film was originally released in 1971, with subsequent releases including April 19, 1974.

Why is Harold and Maude culturally significant?
Harold and Maude has achieved cult classic status and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry, recognizing its cultural, historical, or aesthetic significance to American cinema.

## Why It Matters
Harold and Maude matters because it challenged conventional storytelling and social norms when it was released in 1971. The film's unconventional May-December romance between a young man and an elderly woman addressed themes of mortality, societal expectations, and the celebration of life in ways that were groundbreaking for its time. Its selection for the National Film Registry underscores its lasting cultural impact and artistic merit. The film has influenced generations of filmmakers and continues to resonate with audiences who appreciate its unique blend of dark humor, romance, and philosophical depth.

## Notable For
- Being selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry
- Its unconventional romantic pairing between a young man and a 79-year-old woman
- Blending multiple genres including romantic comedy, buddy film, and drama
- Achieving cult classic status despite initial mixed reviews
- Featuring a memorable soundtrack by Cat Stevens
- Its distinctive visual style and dark humor
- Addressing themes of death, life, and societal expectations in a unique way

## Body
### Production and Release
Harold and Maude was produced by Paramount Pictures, one of the oldest and most established American film studios, founded in 1912. The film was directed by Hal Ashby, who was at the height of his career in the early 1970s. Originally released in 1971, the film had additional release dates, including April 19, 1974, suggesting it gained popularity through re-releases or special screenings.

### Genre Classification
The film defies easy categorization, being classified under multiple genres. As a romantic comedy, it follows the development of a romantic relationship with comedic elements. The buddy film aspect comes from the central pairing of Harold and Maude, with their contrasting personalities and life philosophies creating both conflict and growth. The comedy drama classification reflects the film's balance between humorous and serious moments, while the drama film category acknowledges its deeper thematic explorations.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
Harold and Maude's selection for the National Film Registry in 1997 (inception: +1988-00-00T00:00:00Z) cemented its place in American cinematic history. This registry, maintained by the Library of Congress, preserves films deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant." The film's enduring popularity has led to its status as a cult classic, with dedicated fan screenings and continued academic analysis.

### International Recognition
The film's international appeal is evidenced by its Spanish titles: "Enséñame a vivir" and "Harold y Maude." These translations suggest the film's themes of learning to live and its central characters resonated beyond English-speaking audiences, contributing to its global cultural footprint.

### Technical and Artistic Elements
While specific technical details aren't provided in the source material, the film's classification across multiple genres suggests a complex narrative structure and tone. The blend of dark humor with romantic and dramatic elements indicates sophisticated storytelling techniques that were innovative for its time. The film's visual style, likely influenced by director Hal Ashby's distinctive approach, contributed to its lasting impact on cinema.

### Thematic Significance
Harold and Maude explores profound themes through its unconventional narrative. The juxtaposition of a young man obsessed with death and an elderly woman who embraces life creates a powerful commentary on how people approach mortality and living. The film challenges societal norms about age-appropriate relationships and questions conventional definitions of happiness and fulfillment. These themes continue to resonate with modern audiences, contributing to the film's enduring relevance.

### Place in American Cinema
As a product of Paramount Pictures and a film from the early 1970s, Harold and Maude represents a specific moment in American cinema when filmmakers were pushing boundaries and exploring new narrative possibilities. Its success and lasting impact demonstrate how unconventional stories can find audiences and influence the broader cultural conversation about film and storytelling.

## References

1. The Films of Hal Ashby
2. The Movie Database
3. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
4. MusicBrainz
5. Harold and Maude. Rotten Tomatoes
6. [IMDb](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067185/releaseinfo)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. [Mori Point (U.S. National Park Service). National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/places/000/mori-point.htm)
9. Harold and Maude
10. Kinopoisk
11. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/harold-and-maude/)
12. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=59143.html)
13. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
14. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/40115)
15. Online-Filmdatenbank
16. [Source](http://portal.mj.gov.br/ClassificacaoIndicativa/jsps/DadosObraForm.do?select_action=&tbobra_codigo=39193)
17. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
18. [Source](http://cnc.abt.ro/registru/index.aspx?pageID=3&filmID=14370)
19. Bechdel Test Movie List
20. mymovies.it
21. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/92336)
22. Kanopy
23. Trakt.tv
24. FilmVandaag.nl