That damn 6ft 3" rabbit is as charming as ever.
Elwood P. Dowd is a charming harmless fella, he takes a drink or two for sure, but he's a delightful human being regardless. So why then does his sister want to have him committed to a home for the insane? Ah well you see, Elwood has an invisible friend who happens to be a six-foot-three rabbit!
Faithfully adapted by Mary Chase from her hit Broadway play, Harvey remains to this day a wonderful fantasy comedy that delights all members of the family. It's the kind of film that leaves a warm glow once the credits role, it's basic premise is one of fantastical whimsy as Elwood drives all around him to distraction with his discourse with the invisible Harvey. It's here that the film has a rather naughty streak because Elwood actually appears to be the only sane person on show, all around him is chaos, but he remains calm and completely at peace with his lot.
Starring as Elwood is James Stewart (Academy Award nominated), and it's a very special memorable performance as he carries off with ease the eccentric nature of the character. Stealing the show as Elwood's sister Veta, is Josephine Hull (Aademy Award winner best supporting actress}, completely flustered and effervescent with comic timing precision. Solid support comes from Peggy Dow (why didn't she do more movies?), Charles Drake and the always watchable Cecil Kellaway. The direction from Henry Koster I personally find uneven, at times too hectic when the magic moment has passed, it's as if he was caught between making a screwball comedy or just a basic fantastical one. I often wonder what Frank Capra could have done with this particular adaptation? Still, the film remains much beloved by many, and I'm certainly counting myself amongst that number.
Bless the pooka indeed. 8/10
Harvey is a whimsical film, at times a clever film about innocence and making sure it is not lost in a cynical dog eat dog world.
James Stewart plays Elwood an amiable pleasant drunk, although we never see him actually drink. He is a sweet man who likes talking to people, so adept he is at listening to people, they tell him all sorts of hopes, desires, wishes and problems like he was the parish priest.
Elwood's sister Veta Louise (Josephine Hull) wants to marry off her daughter Myrtle Mae (Victoria Home) but what is holding them back is Elwood and his conversations with Harvey, a 6 feet tall invisible rabbit.
Veta decides to have Elwood committed but due to a series of mishaps it is her who ends being institutionalized before the error is discovered and further farce ensues. Eventually she realises that she wants her brother just the way he is.
People like Elwood P. Dowd. He has plenty of friends, and knows almost everyone in town. If he doesn't know you, simply allow him to give you his card. His best friend, however, is a clever pooka who takes the form of a 6'3" tall rabbit.
I didn't know it was possible to like James Stewart even more than I already did! Here he gives one of his most endearing performances, in a role he called his personal favorite. Josephine Hull, Victoria Horn, Charles Drake, Peggy Dow, Cecil Kellaway, and others make up a colorful and lively supporting cast.
From the Pulitzer prize winning play comes this wonderfully zany comedy celebrating the eccentric in all of us. A delightful and heartwarming film enjoyable for all ages.
I think Jimmy Stewart speaks for all of us when he says at the end, "I prefer you, too, Harvey."
“Elwood” (James Stewart) is one of those polite and charming people who believes that a smile can go a long way. His widowed sister “Veta” (Josephine Hull) is concerned though. Not because he is friendly, but because he claims to always be accompanied by an invisible six-foot rabbit (“Harvey”). Indeed, her concern grows to the extent that she considers having him certified. To that end she consults “Dr. Chumley” (Cecil Kellaway) who, ably assisted by “Dr. Sanderson” (Charles Drake), offers to asses her brother. When he arrives for the chat, confusion swiftly ensues and in a case of mistaken identity “Sanderson”, nurse “Kelly” (Peggy Dow) and their factotum “Wilson” (Jesse White) get the wrong end of the stick and detain the wrong sibling! When “Chumley” discovers this error, and fearful of a law suit at the hands of “Judge Gaffney” (William Lynn) he has to try to track down “Elwood” and put things right. Meantime, that hapless gent has noticed that his best pal has gone missing. Where might “Harvey” have gone? Could he have found a new best friend? Much as with his “George” character from “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946), Stewart thrives as he brings an innocent decency to his role but ultimately, I found this film belonged to it’s women. Victoria Horne is on good form as his niece “Myrtle Mae” and Dow delivers quite engagingly as the nurse clearly enamoured of a doctor who can’t see the wood for the trees. Top prize goes to Hull, though. She looks like she is having great fun here as she mixes the kindly old lady with the flappable old biddy really entertainingly. What’s also fun is that whether he be real or imaginary, “Harvey” has a profound effect on just about everyone, and at times you wonder if “Elwood” is really the only one who can see him. It’s a story about friendship, family and loyalty and it unfolds in an enjoyably unsentimental fashion for a genially paced hundred minutes. It’s funny, borderline screwball but never farce, and the whole ensemble presents us with something with a message to deliver, but it’s nicely gift wrapped in neatly crafted whimsy.
