A screwball comedy-of-manners from 1950, Harvey sees Elwood P. Dowd gently and politely coast through a boozy life as those around him struggle to deal with his imaginary friend, a six foot rabbit named Harvey.
As Dowd’s (James Stewart – Vertigo, It’s a Wonderful Life) behaviour becomes of increasing concern, sister Veta (a splendidly neurotic Josephine Hull – Arsenic & Old Lace, The Lady From Texas) attempts to have him committed. Yet it’s she who ends up locked up as misunderstanding after midunderstanding follow each other, with Dowd mostly oblivious as he continues to introduce Harvey to all and sundry.
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase and directed by Henry Koster (The Robe, The Bishop’s Wife), Harvey is an odd coast of a narrative with more than a little sting in its tail. Judge that what you do not understand at your peril.
Nominated for 2 Oscars in 1951 including best actor, won 1 for best supporting actress.
Rating: 58%
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