Harvey (1950)
Front Cover Actor
James Stewart Elwood P. Dowd
Josephine Hull Veta Louise Simmons
Peggy Dow Miss Kelly
Charles Drake Mr. Sanderson
Cecil Kellaway Dr. Chumley
Victoria Horne Myrtle Mae Simmons
Wallace Ford Lofgren
Jesse White Marvin Wilson
William Lynn Judge Gaffney
Nana Bryant Mrs. Chumley
Movie Details
Director Henry Koster
Language English
Running Time 104 mins
Country USA
Color Color
Plot
This whimsical fantasy about a local drunk's 6' 3 1/2" imaginary rabbit pal was a smash hit (and a Pulitzer Prize winner) on Broadway and was then adapted into this likeable farce that's also an allegory about tolerance. James Stewart stars as Elwood P. Dowd, a wealthy tippler whose sunny philosophy and inebriated antics are tolerated by most of the citizenry. That is, until Elwood begins claiming that he sees a "pooka," (a mischievous Irish spirit) which has taken the form of a man-sized bunny named Harvey. Although everyone is certain that Elwood has finally lost his mind, Harvey's presence begins to have magically positive effects on the townsfolk, with the exception of Elwood's own sister Veta (Josephine Hull), who, ironically, can also occasionally see Harvey. A snooty socialite, Veta is determined to marry off her daughter Myrtle (Victoria Horne) to somebody equally respectable, and Elwood's lunacy is interfering. When Veta attempts to have Elwood committed to an insane asylum, however, the result is that she is accidentally admitted instead of her brother. Then the institution's director, Dr. Chumley (Cecil Kellaway) begins seeing Harvey, too. Hull, who reprised her part from the stage production, won an Oscar and Golden Globe. — Karl Williams
Personal Details
Seen It Yes
Index 11
In Collection Yes
Links All Movie Guide
Product Details
Format DVD
Region Region 1
Release Date 2004
Nr of Disks/Tapes 1