Harvey main backdrop
Harvey main poster

7.7/10 • 605

1950-12-041h 44m

ComedyFantasy

The Wonderful Pulitzer Prize Play … becomes one of the Great Motion Pictures of our Time!

The story of Elwood P. Dowd who makes friends with a spirit taking the form of a human-sized rabbit named Harvey that only he sees (and a few privileged others on occasion also.) After his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, a comedy of errors ensues. Elwood and Harvey become the catalysts for a family mending its wounds and for romance blossoming in unexpected places.

Directors
Henry Koster
Editors
Ralph Dawson

Top Billed Cast

View Credits
  1. James Stewart

    James Stewart

    Elwood P. Dowd

  2. Josephine Hull

    Josephine Hull

    Veta Louise Simmons

  3. Peggy Dow

    Peggy Dow

    Miss Kelly

  4. Charles Drake

    Charles Drake

    Dr. Sanderson

  5. Cecil Kellaway

    Cecil Kellaway

    Dr. Chumley

  6. Victoria Horne

    Victoria Horne

    Myrtle Mae Simmons

  7. Jesse White

    Jesse White

    Wilson

  8. William H. Lynn

    William H. Lynn

    Judge Gaffney (as William Lynn)

  9. Wallace Ford

    Wallace Ford

    The Taxi Driver

Reviews3

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John Chard Avatar

John Chard

Sep 6, 2014

8/10

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

Media

  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster
  • Harvey poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
sanatoriumbased on play or musicalimaginary friendmental institutionblack and whitepolice officerrabbitmental illnessscrewball comedycommitmentbrother sister relationship