Harvey (1950)

Harvey tells the story of a man, played by James Stewart, and his best friend - a six-foot, three-and-one-half inch rabbit. Nobody can see the rabbit except Stewart and the audience never sees him. Basically the whole point of the film is his sister trying to get him committed to a mental hospital but difficulties arise. When I heard this was a comedy about a man and a giant rabbit (and again after reading what I just wrote) I would have to say this is about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Yet it isn't. Despite the absurdity of the plot, it's actually most entertaining and at times quite hilarious.

As usual, James Stewart does an excellent job portraying Elwood P. Dowd. His role was rather unique in that he was constantly interacting with a cast member that was not actually there. The other notable actor in this film is actress Josephine Hull who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for playing Stewart's elder sister. While her performance was rather good at times, I felt like she was a little too over-the-top for me and that was probably the film's main weakness.

There's not really much else to say. For those looking for a simple, yet highly-entertaining film this is an excellent choice. A fun plot with some well-placed comedy and good acting makes for a good film. The short running time, 104 minutes, is also a plus.

83.5/100
B

UP NEXT: A Hitchcock film, Spellbound.


ALSO: If anyone cares, with this film James Stewart moves ahead of Humphrey Bogart as my favorite actor.

Our High School did Harvey as a play in the late 1970's! I loved the movie and the play!

85/100

Your score has been logged.

Yeah, it was based on a Pulitzer Prize winning play supposedly. I still can't believe how good this despite the absurd nature of the plot.

I might have to add this to my list that apparently doesn't mean anything anymore. I've liked every movie that I've seen James Stewart in .

I think you'd be surprised on how high of a score you'll give It's a Wonderful Life.

bobrob2004 wrote:

I might have to add this to my list that apparently doesn't mean anything anymore. I've liked every movie that I've seen James Stewart in .

I think you'd be surprised on how high of a score you'll give It's a Wonderful Life.

It's a Wonderful Life is great also!

GoGetEmTigers wrote:

bobrob2004 wrote:

I might have to add this to my list that apparently doesn't mean anything anymore. I've liked every movie that I've seen James Stewart in .

I think you'd be surprised on how high of a score you'll give It's a Wonderful Life.

It's a Wonderful Life is great also!

Yeah it is! Catbox doesn't believe me though. It gets at least a 95/100. When X-Mas time is nearer, I'll do a review and an official score after I see it again.

bobrob2004 wrote:

I might have to add this to my list that apparently doesn't mean anything anymore. I've liked every movie that I've seen James Stewart in .

I think you'd be surprised on how high of a score you'll give It's a Wonderful Life.

Stewart is very good. In case you didn't read my whole review, he's moved ahead of Bogart as my favorite actor. I'm surprised it really took that long though. I mean Bogart was awesome in The Maltese Falcon and he's really cool in his movies the way he acts and everything, but he also plays a lot of similar characters. Stewart may not be as "cool" in his movies (although he was close in Vertigo in the end when he's telling off Kim Novak) but there's just so many more roles I've liked Stewart in than Bogart.

Perhaps what was holding Stewart back so long was the first film I saw him in was The Philadelphia Story which was just awful (even though he won an Oscar....only because they didn't want to award him one the year before for his controversial character Mr. Smith). Bogart was even worse in Sabrina but I'd already seen him in a lot of good movies. I guess first impressions really make a difference?

One of my favorite movies. The writing, everything.

TigerLily wrote:

One of my favorite movies. The writing, everything.

It is quite good. I still can't believe it weeks later that I liked this. I mean look at the plot summary. How can it possibly be good!? It is though!