REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY
Harold and Maude
In this much-loved cult classic, an emotional and romantic bond develops between a death-obsessed young man (the late, great Bud Cort) and a devil-may-care, bohemian octogenarian.
Director: Hal Ashby
Cast includes: Bud Cort, Ruth Gordon, Cyril Cusack
91 Mins / 1971 / USA / ENGLISH
Bud Cort (29 March 1948-11 February 2026) may not be an instantly recognisable name to most film lovers but mention Hal Ashby’s dark-as-can-be, life-affirming black comedy Harold and Maude (1971) and then the penny will drop.
Hal Ashby exemplifies the 60s/70s American counterculture, and the partnering of Cort with the legendary septuagenarian Ruth Gordon as a couple who defy stereotypes and first meet at funerals for strangers, delivers a wonderful screen cocktail. Harold and Maude is a film that yields more riches with each viewing; it makes us laugh out loud, yet has the heart to move us to satisfied tears and appreciate life. And all to a beautifully crafted, soul-stirring soundtrack
Discovered by Robert Altman and cast in both Brewster McCloud and M*A*S*H, Cort’s early success was disrupted by an almost fatal car crash, from which his career never fully recovered. He continued to perform by providing voiceovers – remember Edgar the computer in 80s hit Electric Dreams? – along with smaller roles in TV and films such as Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.
Director Edgar Wright deems Harold and Maude “…the cult film to rule them all.” Yet when first released the film was not a commercial success, despite Cort receiving both BAFTA and
Golden Globe nominations for his performance as the titular young man fixated by death. It took 12 years before any profit was made.
Remembrance Sunday celebrates the life and craft of a recently passed cinematic legend. On the first Sunday of each month, we pay tribute to those who have made an impact in front of or behind the camera, and whose work has inspired audiences and helped to shape modern cinema. Devised and introduced by Ilona Cheshire.
Ilona has worked in the film industry for 20 years and counting, across film production, publicity, programming, exhibition and distribution in both the UK and USA.
She has worked for organisations such as the BFI, Cinecittà, HBO and Sikelia Productions, with industry credits that include Hugo and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Ilona was also the first woman to work in the legendary Rough Trade record store, Covent Garden and music supervision is her side hustle, having worked on Vinyl and The Souvenir, parts I and II.
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