Harvey

Media:	DVD
Directed by:	Henry Koster
Starring:	James Stewart
Release date:	06 February, 2001
List price:	~~$14.98~~
Our price:	$12.14 that is 19% off!

Harvey

Average rating: Stars

A wonderful, whimsical film

"I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it."

Jimmy Stewart, in one of his personal favorite film and stage roles, portrays Elwood P. Dowd, a gentle philosopher and harmless alcoholic who, after his mother's death, befriends an imaginary - or is he? - 6'3.5" white rabbit; a "Pooka" who goes by the name of Harvey. Unfortunately, it seems that Harvey is invisible to everyone but Elwood. Elwood wanders through life perfectly happy, harming no one, but alienating his family and many of the townspeople with his "friend".

Josephine Hull, (who won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in the film; she also played the part on stage) portrays his sister Veta Louise Simmons, and she steals the film, IMO; her facial expressions and gestures are priceless (she also played one of the aunts in "Arsenic and Old Lace", 1944).

The pacing is fast and furious, and the dialogue alternately hilarious and touching in this whimsical, bittersweet tale of illusions and realities. Jimmy Stewart found himself personally identified with the role for many years, much to his delight, remarking in interviews how strangers would sometimes stop him in the street and seriously ask him if Harvey were with him, only to be kindly told, "No, he's at home today, with a slight cold" or some other humoring excuse for the lack of his invisible friend.

Of course the movie is dated and implausible today in several respects; however it still holds a gentle, childlike appeal that transcends time. It's a great, simply-told "feel-good" movie to start off the holiday season.

Harvey - James Stewart

How Do You Do, Harvey?

Harvey is one of those rare films that contains side-splitting laughter as well as valuable content to enrich one's life. Harvey also provides much food for thought on the topic of insanity.

The story is about young, earnest Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) and his "friend," a six-foot tall, invisible white rabbit named Harvey. Much to the consternation of his sisters, everyone avoids the family because of Dowd's oddball character. True, Dowd spends much time at the bar, and there is a hint of tragedy in his past. But is that the reason for Harvey's . . . existence?

When Dowd's younger sister Myrtle Mae's society debut party is interrupted by Elwood introducing Harvey to the wealthy matrons in the parlor, that is the last straw for Elwood's older sister Vera. She decides to have Elwood committed to a mental institution, and promptly pays a visit to Chumley's Rest Home, where she pours out her story to the young attending physician. Much hilarity and misunderstanding ensues.

The black and white filmography only adds to the charm of this unique story. The supporting cast is tremendous. The lady who plays Vera reprises the role she played in the stage production of Harvey. Harvey is my number one favorite movie of all time.

James Stewart comments in the extras that people would come up to him all the time and inquire as to how Harvey was. At first he thought they were joking. Then he realized the folks were quite serious. So, he told them Harvey was doing wonderfully.

James Stewart - Harvey

Sweet, Delightful Comedy

To me, HARVEY is the greatest of the so-called "screwball comedies". Like other examples of the genre, HARVEY revolves around a harmless bumbler whom society considers a lunatic (Elwood P. Dowd); at movie's end, we are left with the impression that all mankind are mad and those in the sanitarium are no more lunatic than those outside. But unlike other screwball farces, HARVEY has as much heart and thoughtfulness as hilarity. If ARSENIC AND OLD LACE sends you into hysterics every time you see it, HARVEY will unfailingly induce a warm smile. Jimmy Stewart seemed at first an odd choice for the role of an amiable drunk (the role was turned down by Jack Benny and Bing Crosby before Stewart got it); but he plays the part superbly, winning our hearts as well as giving a subtle, naturalistic performance. His monologue in the alley behind the bar (when he explains his way of life and how he met Harvey) is a classic of Stewart's career and a scene I never tire of watching. So do yourself a favor and welcome HARVEY into your home.