Film Review: Harvey (1950)

Directed by Henry Koster
Starring James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Peggy Dow, Charles Drake
Written by Mary Chase, Oscar Brodney

Elwood P. Dowd (Stewart) is quite possibly the sweetest man you’ll ever meet. He’s your typical average Joe living a content life. Oh, and he’s got an invisible 6’3” rabbit named Harvey for a best friend. Elwood is such a simple man that he’s completely oblivious of the implications of their friendship – mainly that Harvey’s presence chases everyone around him away.

We never actually see Harvey, but we don’t need to – the effect he has on Elwood is what matters. Elwood might seem like a simpleton, but he is always a few steps ahead of his sister Veta Louise (Hull) and niece Miss Kelly (Dow) when they are trying to have him institutionalised for his “hallucinations” which they believe are a complete embarrassment to their family and are hindering Miss Kelly’s marriage prospects. 

There are connotations of alcoholism, as Elwood is frequently seen in bars with drinks around him, however it’s hard to believe that an alcoholic would be so kind and pleasant to be around. We might see Elwood in these social situations, but we very rarely see him actually drinking. 

I was immediately drawn to Harvey after seeing its DVD cover. It is a very special film with lots of emotional resonance. Stewart is perfect as the kind and gentle Elwood, who proclaims he’d rather be pleasant than smart. “Every day is a beautiful day” for Elwood, who is happy with his life the way it is.

Harvey is innocent, lots of fun and very heartwarming.

★★★★☆