Harvey

Rating:
Summary: Do you live with a dysfunctional family member?
Review: Finally, I found THE "Harvey" film on amazon.com! I've waited DECADES for the chance to buy this movie for my own home. Can any of you remember sitting in your childhood homes as little kids, watching the great Jimmy Stewart talk to a large (invisible) rabbit on your parents' old black & white TV? I remember seeing this movie but a few times, yet, each time, it always served as instant therapy for dissipating any anger toward the crazier people in my life. When I was a child, I thought it was funny that the movie showed a man who was being told to lose his imaginary friend. As an adolescent, I empathized with knowing what it is like to live with someone who, I thought, lived and worried in a world of their own making. And as an adult, I now realize that one can acknowledge the world of another, without having to remain there permanently. If you have ever suffered through the day-to-day trials of dealing with someone who lives by a grand set of rules different from your own (generational or cultural gap?), and if you have ever found yourself stressed from the craziness of it all, then maybe this wonderful and comical film will ease your frustration for a while each time you view it. As I remember this movie, it is a story that begins with the simple pleasures of courteous greetings, kindness to others and imaginary friends, then moves to one family's struggles with sanity, possible family separation, love and protection. It has a happy ending and, like the movie "It's a Wonderful Life", is a MUST for every family home library!

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, whimsical film
Review: "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, Harvey is invisible to just about 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.


Rating:
Summary: How Do You Do, Harvey?
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Sweet, Delightful Comedy
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Comedy
Review: This is a perfect film adaptation of Mary Chase's delightful, beautifully constructed farce about good-natured Elwood P. Dowd, who chooses to live life as a fantasy with his best friend, an imaginary (or not-so-imaginary!) human-sized rabbit called Harvey. Jimmy Stewart, in the prime of his career, is completely in character as Elwood, while Josephine Hull gives the performance of a lifetime as his sister, Veta Louise, who in trying to commit Elwood to a sanitarium, temporarily commits herself instead! The scene set in the back alley of a bar, in which Elwood explains his way of life to the sanitarium's doctor and nurse, is a classic.




Rating:
Summary: May I introduce you to Harvey?
Review: "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.

Rating:
Summary: One of James Stewart finest...
Review: Elwood P. Dowd's (James Stewart) best friend is an invisible 6-foot rabbit named Harvey with whom he likes to spend his time with in bars drinking. This is something most people in Elwood's hometown find disturbing so his sister attempts to put Elwood in a mental institution. However, Elwood is perfectly happy with his situation and with Harvey. Harvey is a story that depicts two sides, one pessimistic and one optimistic. The gloomy side presents problems such as alcoholism, isolation, and cynicism. However, these negative issues are presented through light comedy and Elwood's positive view of life, which is a result of his friend Harvey. This story offers a blissful journey, which presents moments of self-reflection and amusement.

Rating:
Summary: "Harvey and I warm ourselves in these golden moments."
Review: Mostly everyone has had an imaginary friend at one time or another when growing up. Henry Koster's "Harvey" posits the notion that perhaps some imaginary friends are not imaginary after all. Yep, according to this film, it just might be true that there are invisible entities among us who are in actuality playful spirits. Therefore, think twice about dismissing the next person you see talking to no one in particular.

Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) is a simple man who is befriends everyone he meets. However, he does have one eccentric characteristic about him - his constant companion is an invisible rabbit who is over six feet tall named Harvey. Elwood always is keen to point his friend out but no one can see or has ever seen Harvey. Concerned about his mental health, Elwood's sister, Veta Louise Simmons (Josephine Hull) decides to have her brother committed to a sanatorium. The plan goes awry when the sanatorium staff mistakenly commits the wrong person and releases Elwood. A chase ensues when the situation is sorted out even though Elwood hasn't the slightest clue about what all the fuss around him is about.

"Harvey" is a cute film on one level and an insightful commentary on perception and sanity on another. Yet, it is a one-joke film that gets more and more tired as it goes along. Stewart brings much conviction to his role but his trademark charm is not enough to save the production. The screwball-comedy-inspired sequences at the sanatorium are amusing but are nothing people familiar with the genre have not seen before. "Harvey" is unfortunately too simple a film for adults and too slow for children. It boasts a great Jimmy Stewart performance but is one of the mid-tier films in his filmography.

Rating:
Summary: Say Hello to Harvey
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: DELIGHTFUL COMEDY - DAZZLING TRANSFER!
Review: "Harvey" is the tale of elegant congenial gentleman, Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) whose best friend just happens to be a six foot, 3 inch white rabbit named Harvey. Naturally, Elwood?s family thinks he's a few carrots shy of a salad. After thoroughly, but unintentionally humiliating his two spinster aunts, Veta (Josephine Hull) and Myrtle (Victoria Horne) at a social gathering, the two plot to secretly have Elwood committed to a sanitarium for psychiatric evaluation. However, upon visiting the sanitarium with Veta, Elwood meets Dr. Sanderson (Charles Drake) and the administering nurse, Miss Kelly (Peggy Dow) who mistake Veta for their patient and promptly usher her off to a padded cell, leaving Elwood free to roam the grounds, then plot as to how he can create the ideal environment for Miss Kelly and Dr. Sanderson to fall in love. Eventually the oversight is corrected and Elwood is ushered into the sanitarium for treatment. However, a reprieve comes when Dr. Chumley (Cecil Kellaway) realizes that Elwood is not crazy. You see, Harvey really does exist. He?s an invisible spirit guide of sorts, presiding over those who need his services the most. This film is a delightful blend of comedy and drama and blessed with an inexplicable magic that makes the entire premise seem entirely plausible.
The transfer is stunning! The black and white DVD exhibits ideal picture quality. Blacks are black. The gray scale is superbly balanced. There's really nothing more to say about the transfer, other than it is simply one of the best you are likely to encounter of a vintage classic on the digital format. The audio is mono but nicely balanced. Extras include an introduction by James Stewart that is a bit on the long side but too short to be considered a documentary. You also get the film's theatrical trailer.