MovieChat Forums > Harold and Maude (1971) Discussion > I loved Harold's mother

I loved Harold's mother

posted 9 years ago by Karma-For-You
7 replies | jump to latest

She was my favorite character. So deadpan when Harold would pull his little stunts. This is one of my favorite movies.

three moments she nails it perfectly

first when it evolves from her filling out the dating questionnaire FOR harold and starts answering for herself, thus in a creepy way all of harolds dates are versions of his mother lol

the second is when she catches him smiling after he has scared off the first date, her stare is classic

the third was after the third date has her 'accident'. it's not "OMG she's dead", its "that's your last date" lol

[–] truetexian 8 years ago

YES! Loved your three examples, they brought a surprised giggle out of me. I'd also add the earlier scene in which, after having walked in and found him hanging from the rafters, she reminds him of the evening dinner schedule and her only request is he try to be a bit more "vivacious".

[–] forlorn_rage (151) 7 years ago

first when it evolves from her filling out the dating questionnaire FOR harold and starts answering for herself, thus in a creepy way all of harolds dates are versions of his mother lol

Oh my goodness, I never thought of this... So, the psychiatrist wasn't far off the mark when he brought up the point about young men wanting to sleep with their mothers. No wonder Harold was so turned off by all those women. xD

[–] srklondie 9 years ago

I loved it when she walked into the room and both Harold and the walls were covered in fake blood. " Oh my god. This is too much. I can't stand much more of this. I can't take anymore. " Not so deadpan there, was she?

[–] ohmemercylard-58-17610 8 years ago

Me too. Vivien Pickles is constantly hilarious. I love the hairdresser cancellations..."Hello, Faye?"

"Harold's father had a similar sense of the absurd."

[–] seamas-85553 7 years ago

As I understand it, Vivien Pickles had a long and well received stage career, which means we are robbed of seeing more of her. I wish she did more films.

My wife and I frequently quote her when we fill out our children's forms for school (like she does for the dating questionaire).

[–] forlorn_rage (151) 7 years ago

I agree. As self-absorbed and potentially dislikeable as Mrs. Chasen could be, she's so entertaining to watch! And I did sympathize to a certain extent. I'd have a fit as well having to see my son's fake bloody messes all the time...