A Vintage Nerd Recreates: Harold and Maude (1971): Dame Marjorie "Maude" Chardin

Harold and Maude (1971) is a film that has slowly crept into my heart through the years. It is the sort of film that resinates with you days later, even years. It speaks to the mind, to the heart, and on occasion to your funny bone. You can learn more about the film from my post Classic Cinema Spotlight: Harold and Maude.

There is this scene where Maude tells Harold that when she dies she would like to be a sunflower. Then she asks Harold what sort of flower would he like to be. He tells points to a daisy field and tells her he doesn't mind being one of those because they are all the same. Then Maude begins to explain why daises aren't what they seem, in fact they are all unique and all special.

Maude : I should like to change into a sunflower most of all. They're so tall and simple. What flower would you like to be? 

Harold : I don't know. One of these, maybe. 

Maude : Why do you say that? 

Harold : Because they're all alike. 

Maude : Oooh, but they're *not*. Look. See, some are smaller, some are fatter, some grow to the left, some to the right, some even have lost some petals. All *kinds* of observable differences. You see, Harold, I feel that much of the world's sorrow comes from people who are *this*, 

[she points to a daisy] 

Maude : yet allow themselves be treated as *that*. 

[she gestures to a field of daisies] 

That scene really hit home to me and reminded me that despite my faults I am a unique person. That despite my disability, my age, my body type, the things others would perhaps easily find fault with, that I am like a daisy, one of a kind.

It was a good reminder. This film has a knack of doing that. Of teaching, showing, and inspiring over and over again. In honor of Harold and Maude and the great Ruth Gordon, I wanted to share with you my vintage inspired outfit. And to remind you all that our differences are what make us beautiful. Our differences are what makes us who we are. All those things are special.