Harvey
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Movie Reviews of Harvey
Movie Review: May I introduce you to Harvey?
Summary: 5 Stars
"Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it." That cheerful comment sets the tone for "Harvey," a movie about a lovable guy whose way of dealing with the harshness of reality is simple: Make his own.
Veta Louise Simmons (Josephine Hull) hopes to arrange a wonderful marriage for daughter Myrtle May (Victoria Horne) in the upper echelons of society. There's one problem: her wealthy brother Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) has an imaginary pal, a six-foot-three rabbit called Harvey. After Elwood accidently wrecks a party by introducing Harvey to everyone, Veta decides to have him committed.
Unfortunately, when Veta takes Elwood to the sanatorium, the staff come to think that the fluttery socialite is crazy, and is trying to get her sunny brother out of the way. So they lock her up, and let him go. After that mistake is straightened out, the psychiatric staff and Elwood's long-suffering family try to find him.... and Harvey.
If we ever saw Elwood P. Dowd ("Here, let me give you one of my cards") in a car, the bumper sticker would probably say, "Reality is highly overrated." The big theme of the movie is that reality can be harsh, and that it's not necessarily a bad thing to lapse out of it into the fantasies of our own minds. If Elwood isn't dangerous and is otherwise normal, who cares if he has an imaginary friend?
Is Harvey real? The film leaves that up to our imaginations. And in the end, it doesn't matter if Harvey is a figment of Elwood's imagination, or a friendly spirit. It's the effect he has on Elwood that is important. His presence makes Elwood happy and relaxed, and Elwood makes others happy and relaxed -- even the hard-boiled head of the psychiatric ward, who lies down on his own couch and tells his secrets to Elwood.
This actually isn't too screwballish a comedy -- sure, there's the running joke where Elwood politely introduces Harvey to people he meets. And the scene where Veta is committed is hilarious. But it's more of a heartwarmer than a comedy, from Elwood softening the lead shrink to Myrtle May finding love with a lovable blue-collar worker from the sanatorium.
James Stewart gives a wonderfully dreamy performance, slightly smelling of booze and flowers -- his Elwood P. Dowd is mild-mannered, sweet, gallant, courteous, and oh-so-pleasant. And he's learned the value of just enjoying the little things in life, like a flower, a beer or a talk with a friend. And Josephine Hull brings up a brilliant performance as his frazzled sister, with several other good actors rounding off the supporting cast.
Who is crazier -- the happy man with the imaginary rabbit, or the people who want him to be 100% sane and less happy? You make the call. With a sweet, surreal story and a flawless cast "Harvey" is one of those rare movies that does an unspecifiable number on your heartstrings.
Movie Review: For all of us...rumpots and crackpots alike!
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been aware of "Harvey" for several years now, but had never actually seen it until I purchased this DVD. Of course with Jimmy Stewart in the lead role, my expectations were understandably high to begin with. I'm pleased to inform that this film doesn't fail to deliver. ****The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name. The play, written by Mary Chase ( who also helped with the screenplay), was written as a gift to help cheer a friend who lost a son in WW2. It translates wonderfully to the medium of film, largely due to the fact that most of the actors who appeared in the Broadway version were re-cast in their roles. Historically, this was not usually done in Hollywood. The film itself is "staged" very much like a play, with many long-shots, and is very engaging. ** Most surprising to me was the comedy. I expected it to be cute and charming, and as humorous as any 53 yr-old film could be. However this film isn't just a cutesy fairytale. I was very surprised and delighed with some of the situations and subject matter...HILARIOUS...some of which might have been considered a little bawdy back in 1950. This material has aged wonderfully. ** The cast is marvelous as well. Although Stewart felt that he portrayed his character a little too cute and dreamy, I found this to be one of his finest performances. He fills the cute and "crazy" character of Elwood P. Dowd with depth, wit, and more than a touch of pathos. And such was always the genious of Stewart...to have the ability to create a character that, no matter what, the world would welcome as a friend. He was a remarkable talent and has left a unfillable void with his passing. **Also remarkable is the performance of Josephine Hull who won the Academy Award for her role. I had never heard of nor seen her in anything before, so this was a real treat. Simply put, she is hilarious throughout the film. All in all, this is a highly enjoyable story that can certainly be enjoyed at face value, and/or can be used as a parable with a greater moral value.******About the DVD****** Although the film doesn't appear to have undergone a complete restoration as such before its transfer to DVD, whatever film elements were used for the transfer seem to be in great shape. For the most part, the picture is crisp with a good greyscale and minimal artifacts. The sound is 2 channel mono (2.0) and is adequate for a film of this age. As far as bonus material, while it would always be nice to have more, there are some fairly interesting production notes, and the cast bios. The best bonus however is a photo montage accompanied by a more recently recorded (1990) introduction by Jimmy Stewart. While it is informative, it's real value lies in just hearing Stewart speak, that familiar drawl...aged, yet still the voice of everyman. A Fabulous buy!Movie Review: Doctor, please don't give Elwood that formula 977!
Summary: 5 Stars
For haven's sake, let him be "crazy" and pleasant, don't make him "perfectly normal" and nasty!
I was led to believe that Harvey is a movie about a drunk who sees a hallucination due to his excesses drinking. As a matter of fact that is not the case. Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart) is a carefree philanthropist. His big smile is contagious and his selflessness and generosity are adorable. To him, every day is beautiful and every fellow human is important. If you are fortunate to meet Elwood, he'd buy you a drink or two and invite you for dinner at his home. No matter what the circumstances, at least he'll give you one of his cards (so you can always reach him) and a warm compliment, and a peace of his golden heart.
Elwood shares his home with his sister Veta Louise (Josephine Hull), her daughter and Harvey, 6-foot tall rabbit, that only he can see. Harvey is Elwood's best friend and constant companion. Unfortunately, Elwood's obsession with his imaginary friend interferes with Veta's plans to marry off her daughter and she decides to put him in a mental hospital. Then a hilarious mix up occurs and Veta finds herself committed instead. It is now up to Elwood and Harvey to sort the mess out and Veta needs to make a decision -does she want her brother to change and become "normal and nasty" or does she prefer him the way he is, loving, caring and generous. And what about Harvey? Well, he is part of the dilemma.
There are twists and turns in this much loved classic. Although a comedy, there is a lot of drama and wisdom in it and an important message delivered with refreshing sense of humour. The performances are brilliant, all of the cast play their hearts out. Josephine Hull is fantastic and she rightly deserves her Oscar for this performance but the show belongs to the ever-captivating Jimmy Stewart, who in my opinion was robbed again on the Academy Awards night. Lets not forget Harvey, he is brilliant too. If you've had trouble seeing him throughout the show, you can't miss him at the end. Trust me, he was there and I saw him, 6'8 foot tall, white rabbit! He will take you to a better world, where all days are beautiful and everybody is important and appreciated.
The DVD transfer is good quality with clear sound and picture in 4:3 ratio. There is a theatrical trailer and a special introduction by Jimmy Stewart, which was recorded in 1990. Harvey is a fabulous movie, one that simply cannot be made nowadays. The screen play is based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase and with one of Jimmy Stewart's finest performances, it is a jewel to be enjoyed and treasured forever!
Movie Review: Elwood P. Dowd and Harvey, Friends for Life!
Summary: 5 Stars
Harvey is one of my favorite black and white classic movies.
Jimmy Stewart is Elwood P. Dowd, an ever so tipsy gentleman, that introduces his friend, Harvey, to almost everyone he meets.
Harvey happens to be a six foot invisible rabbit, a pooka! A pooka, according to Irish folklore, is a mischievous spirit, especially one that takes on the form of an animal. In this instance the pooka is a rabbit, one that only Elwood P. Dowd can see. A pooka can enter through locked doors and windows and is said to be here and there, there and here, everywhere and anywhere.
Elwood P. lives with his easily flustered sister, Veta Louise, superbly played by Josphine Hull, and her daughter, Myrtle Mae (Victoria Horne). Myrtle Mae desperately wants to get married and, Uncle Elwood, because of Harvey, stands in the way. Elwood will do anything to keep Veta Louise happy even if it means being sent to a sanitarium. This is where everything literally goes crazy!
Poor Veta Louise is mistaken as the one being commited! Enter in the man of Myrtle Mae's dreams in the form of Wilson, a male nurse played by Jesse White, the first Maytag repairman. Myrtle Mae's romance with Wilson gets off to a rocky start when he is the one who must forcefully keep Veta Louise locked in the sanitarium. Every time she sees him she screams and says, "Stay away from that man, Myrtle Mae, and keep him away from me"!
Complicating matters further at the sanitarium, is the relationship, or lack of one, between Dr. Sanderson, (Charles Drake) and Nurse Kelly, (Peggy Dow). They are in charge when the mixup happens and find themselves having to find Elwood P. and bring him back.
Dr. Chumley, played by the talented Cecil Kellaway, is the head of the sanitarium. He encounters Elwood P. Dowd and Harvey and soon develops a bond with Harvey. Dr. Chumley wants Harvey to stay with him and Elwood, who wants what's best for Harvey, reluctantly leaves without his best friend.
The bewildered, impatient taxi driver, played by talented Wallace Ford, (I know you will recognize him) drives the family back and forth to the sanitarium. He and Veta Louise's friend and, not so secret admirer, Judge Gaffney, played by the scraggly voiced William Lynn, add wonderful color to the story. If you have never seen this movie, now in DVD, you will be in for a treat! ~ Mrs. B.
Movie Review: AN ALL TIME COMEDY CLASSIC
Summary: 5 Stars
I WILL AGREE WITH ANYONE WHO SAYS THIS MOVIE IS GREAT BECAUSE IT IS. IT'S A WONDERFUL COMEDY WITH A UNIQUE CHARM ALL IT'S OWN. JIMMY STEWART'S PERFORMACE WAS FILLED WITH AN INNOCENT CHILD-LIKE WONDER, AT TIMES OBLVIOUS TO THE REALITY AROUND HIM AND AT TIMES, BEMUSED AND CONFUSED BY PEOPLE'S REACTIONS TO HIS FRIEND, THE INVISIBLE 7 OR 8 FOOT TALL WHITE RABBIT NAMED HARVEY, WHO, CAN STAND ON TWO LEGS, AS EVIDENCED BY THE PORTRAIT OF JIMMY AND HARVEY THAT HANGS IN THE DRAWING ROOM OF THEIR HOUSE.
THERE ARE GREAT PERFORMANCES ALL AROUND IN THIS FILM, THE DIRECTION AND WRITING AND PHOTOGRAPHY AND LIGHTING GUYS ALL DID A GREAT JOB. THE EXTRAS WHO HAD NON SPEAKING ROLES AND THE ACTORS WHO HAD BIT PARTS ALL DID A GREAT JOB. EVEN THE EXTRAS HAD TO REACT TO THE INVISIBLE RABBIT. HENRY KOSTER DIRECTED THIS FILM BUT IT COULD HAVE EASILY BEEN MISTAKEN FOR A FRANK CAPRA COMEDY.
THERE ARE TWO GREAT SIGHT GAGS IN THIS AMONG, AMONG OTHERS. ONE IS IN A DEN WHERE JIMMY'S AUNT IS CALLING A JUDGE TO HAVE HIM PUT IN A NUT HOUSE. JIMMY THEN ENTERES THE ROOM, INTERRUPTING HER CALL, SHE PUTS THE PHONE DOWN MOMENTARILY AND STARTS TO LEAVE THE ROOM AND THEN REENTER IT AS JIMMY SITS IN A CHAIR. A UNSEEN VOICE IS HEARD, SAYING, HELL? HELLO? JIMMY LOOKS UP AND SAYS, 'DID YOU SAY SOMETHING, HARVEY?" JIMMY'S AUNT LOOKS NERVOUSLY AROUND THE ROOM, FEARFUL THAT THIS STRANGE VOICE IS INDEED THE INVISIBLE RABBIT HARVEY WHOSE VOICE SHE MAY NOW BE HEARING. THE VOICE TURNED OUT TO BE THE VOICE OF THE AGITATED JUDGE ON THE TELEPHONE.
ANOTHER FUNNY GAG IS JIMMY STEWART IN THE REAR OF A TAXI CAB. AS SOON AS THE CABBIE REALIZES JIMMY IS NUTS, WE SEE THR CABBIE IN THE FRONT SEAT QUIETLY REACHING FOR A PLUMBER'S WRENCH FOR PROTECTION AS HE HUGS IT CLOSE TO HIS CHEST, LOOKING NERVOUSLY BACK AT JIMMY IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR.
BUY THIS DVD AND MAKE IT PART OF YOUR DVD COLLECTION. THE CHARACTERS AND THE PLOT WORK WELL HAND IN HAND FROM START TO FINSH. NEVER BORING.