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Amazon.co.uk Review
It's always a small surprise to revisit this movie and realize what a subtly dark performance James Stewart gives as an alcoholic who claims he keeps company with a six-foot-tall, invisible rabbit. As Elwood P. Dowd, the actor emits a faint whiff of decay and spirits, yet Stewart also embraces Dowd's romanticism and grace with splendid ease. Based on a hit play and directed by Henry Koster, the film is terribly funny at times, especially whenever Elwood decides it's only polite to introduce Harvey to complete strangers. The supporting cast can't be beat. --Tom Keogh
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
"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.
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.
15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
James Stewart just can't take the feelgood aspect of cinema too far. He took us all there with "It's a Wonderful Life" and Harvey is yet another where you are left with that warm glow you thought only christmas infront of a warm fire could provide. This makes the ultimate Christmas gift, to be watched on boxing day it is a film that all the family can truly enjoy. Introduced as the slightly barmy character Elwood, James Stewart brings you gently to the conclusion that you shouldn't be wary of all those whose best friend and companion is a six foot rabbit- if anything they are probably saner than you or I. I've seen it a million times and it still worthy of becoming my first DVD purchase. Ever.
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
There isn't much you can say that is bad about Harvey. Jimmy Stewart plays an upper-class man with one slight abnormality. He has the ability to see and talk to an 'imaginary' rabbit named Harvey. He describes him as a Pooka, an old myth of shapechangers and halfmen half animals. This particular pooka named Harvey is a 6ft tall rabbit.
Now it has come out on DVD, it'll be all the more worth it buying this title, for its one that anyone can enjoy.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A very happy bunny!
I first saw this film many years ago and fell in love with it. Ever since I've been trying to emulate the James Stewart "drawl. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Chutney Ferret
good
old school film which is enjoyable even to this day or old & young alike.arrived quickly & was well packaged.
Published 2 months ago by nat
Harvey DVD
A much loved classic film featuring James Stewart at his best and supplied on a DVD at a bargain price .
Published 4 months ago by adelsman
Harvey
Brillant old classic >>>enjoyed it once again!!
I remember it from when i was younger..i think it is a wonderful movie for children .. Read more
I remember it from when i was younger..i think it is a wonderful movie for children .. Read more
Published 9 months ago by VIV
Harvey
I bought this film to see the white rabbit at the very end. Guess what he is not there?? Where has he gone??
The film was as enjoyable as ever.
The film was as enjoyable as ever.
Published 10 months ago by sandy-liz
A must buy
James Stewart, one of the worlds greatest actors brings his character alive in this fun film for all the family. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Gumbo Master
Perfect nostalgia
This is such a beautiful, quirky, sweet, heart-warming story. James Stewart is perfect in the part and his gentle calm a sharp contrast to the stresses generated by other members... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Smiler
Harvey
Thank goodness for James Stewart. He absolutly stands head and shoulders above the rest of the cast with his effortless humour whilst the rest of the cast run around in a rather... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Jim Jim
Harvey DVD
I LOVE this film!!! I remember watching it years ago and loved it then. I had to buy it as it is a film I can watch over and over again. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Mrs. Wendy Hope
Harvey
Oh, what a great performance by James Stewart! I remember this great actor once said "a movie is made up of moments...some have more good ones than others". Read more
Published 23 months ago by JeanLouise
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