You’re bored. You want to watch something on TV, only there is nothing but junk written for third graders on. Maybe cable, you think. No, not unless you feel like enduring “American Ninja 2” for the 42nd time.

So, you go to the video store, but alas all the new movies are gone. All that seems to be left are sex comedies for hyper-hormonal twelve-year-olds. What’s left? How about “Harold and Maude”.

“Harold and Maude” is a 1971 cult classic, which is sure to add some life, so to speak, to your video machine. This intelligent and unusual black comedy, which stars Bud Cort (from “M*A*S*H”) and Ruth Gordon (from “My Bodyguard”), deals with one of the classic themes, “life and death.”

But be forewarned, as said before, this is not a typical film. The opening scene of the movie shows Harold hanging himself, to which his mother replies, “Harold, do try to be more original.” It becomes clear that Harold’s mother has experienced this sort of behavior before, and as you soon learn, this is only one of several “suicides” Harold stages in the film.

For, you see, Harold is obsessed with death. When asked by his psychologist what he does for fun, Harold says he likes to go to funerals. It is at a funeral where Harold meets Maude, a 79-year-old eccentric who changes Harold’s life forever.

Maude likes going to funerals too, but for different reasons. She looks at them as the end of the great circle of life, and also as a new beginning, a symbol of life in change. She also is into having new experiences. After one funeral she offers Harold a ride home in a hearse, which she has never driven before. During the ride home he informs her that the hearse is his.

This is the beginning of a relationship between the two in which they have many adventures together. Adventures like stealing cars, stealing trees, and keeping Harold out of the Army.

It’s during these adventures that, for the first time, Harold falls in love. It is during this time that Maude teaches Harold how to love life and its experiences. She also teaches him not to hold onto things too tightly, because they might not always be there.

This intriguing movie, written by Colin Higgins and directed by Hal Ashby, has a certain timelessness to it, and no matter how often you see it, it still is fresh and entertaining. All the performances, from the smallest supporting roles, and especially the leads are great.

Gordon and Cort both give a real depth to their characters. The script is wonderfully written, and the plot is never confusing. It comes across as a very real experience.

The cinematography compliments the film and never overpowers the story, only enhances it. One note about the music: Cat Stevens fans will probably love the film since he did all of its music. His songs truly add to the meaning and depth of the movie.

So the next time you find yourself standing at the edge of the video wasteland, give yourself a break, and try giving “Harold and Maude” a chance to liven up your VCR.

It’s during these adventures that, for the first time, Harold falls in love.