This is much-loved classic with a great leading performance by the always excellent James Stewart. Watching 'Harvey' is a magical experience, it transports your imagination and subverts your view of everyday life like no other film. Enchanting.
Stewart is perfect as the mild-mannered Elwood P Dowd who maybe drinks a bit too much. A harmless, lanky fellow, he means no harm on anyone- he is just happy to be with his best buddy Harvey. The only problem is, no one else can see Harvey, who Dowd swears has the unforgettable appearance of a giant 6-foot rabbit. Elwood's middle-aged sister Veta (Josephine Hull, she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this)is fed up with his antics and decides to have him shipped off to a sanatorium. After all, he is a constant source of embarrassment to her and Elwood's unattached niece Myrtle. But when Veta goes to Chumley's Rest in order to commit Elwood, she instead finds herself locked up! This is a truly beautiful film. Stewart's ordinary charm make him perfect for the role of Dowd, a true ordinary man who, along with his buddy Harvey, brings magic and belief into the life others. One wishes that they too could have a friend like Harvey.
The black-and-white cinematography is used to great effect here, with shadows and lighting tricks contributing to the mood. It is a great acting performance by Stewart, who manages to communicate his indelible warmth and enthusiasm to the audience whilst conversing with an imaginary figure. I love Cecil Kellaway's performance as Dr Chumley, and the little-known Peggy Dow is absolutely beautiful as kind nurse Miss Kelly.
Lovely film.
9/10.
Stewart is perfect as the mild-mannered Elwood P Dowd who maybe drinks a bit too much. A harmless, lanky fellow, he means no harm on anyone- he is just happy to be with his best buddy Harvey. The only problem is, no one else can see Harvey, who Dowd swears has the unforgettable appearance of a giant 6-foot rabbit. Elwood's middle-aged sister Veta (Josephine Hull, she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this)is fed up with his antics and decides to have him shipped off to a sanatorium. After all, he is a constant source of embarrassment to her and Elwood's unattached niece Myrtle. But when Veta goes to Chumley's Rest in order to commit Elwood, she instead finds herself locked up! This is a truly beautiful film. Stewart's ordinary charm make him perfect for the role of Dowd, a true ordinary man who, along with his buddy Harvey, brings magic and belief into the life others. One wishes that they too could have a friend like Harvey.
The black-and-white cinematography is used to great effect here, with shadows and lighting tricks contributing to the mood. It is a great acting performance by Stewart, who manages to communicate his indelible warmth and enthusiasm to the audience whilst conversing with an imaginary figure. I love Cecil Kellaway's performance as Dr Chumley, and the little-known Peggy Dow is absolutely beautiful as kind nurse Miss Kelly.
Lovely film.
9/10.