Harvey
Harvey

Harvey

1950Movie104 minEnglish

The story of Elwood P. Dowd who makes friends with a spirit taking the form of a human-sized rabbit named Harvey that only he sees (and a few privileged others on occasion also.) After his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, a comedy of errors ensues. Elwood and Harvey become the catalysts for a family mending its wounds and for romance blossoming in unexpected places.

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Insights

IMDb8.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Google Users94%
Director: Henry KosterGenres: Comedy, Fantasy, Drama

Plot Summary

Elwood P. Dowd is a good-natured man whose best friend is a six-foot, three-and-a-half-inch tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. Elwood's socialite sister, Veta Louise, is embarrassed by his eccentric behavior and attempts to have him committed to a psychiatric hospital. However, her efforts are complicated when the doctors begin to question their own sanity, and the line between reality and delusion blurs.

Critical Reception

Harvey was a critical and commercial success, lauded for its charming story, witty dialogue, and James Stewart's masterful performance. The film's blend of gentle comedy and poignant exploration of reality and illusion resonated with audiences and critics alike, becoming a beloved classic.

What Reviewers Say

  • A heartwarming and whimsical tale that skillfully balances comedy and pathos.
  • James Stewart delivers a career-defining performance as the lovable eccentric Elwood P. Dowd.
  • The film's exploration of friendship and sanity is both thought-provoking and utterly delightful.

Google audience: Audiences overwhelmingly praise Harvey for its charm, humor, and the iconic performance by James Stewart. Many highlight its ability to be both funny and touching, leaving viewers with a sense of warmth and wonder.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor (James Stewart) and Best Supporting Actress (Josephine Hull). Won a Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama (James Stewart).

Fun Fact

The original stage play of 'Harvey' was a massive hit, running for over 1,700 performances on Broadway and winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1945.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

4 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

“Elwood” (James Stewart) is one of those polite and charming people who believes that a smile can go a long way. His widowed sister “Veta” (Josephine Hull) is concerned though. Not because he is friendly, but because he claims to always be ...
barrymost

barrymost

People like Elwood P. Dowd. He has plenty of friends, and knows almost everyone in town. If he doesn't know you, simply allow him to give you his card. His best friend, however, is a clever pooka who takes the form of a 6'3" tall rabbit. ...
DanDare

DanDare

Harvey is a whimsical film, at times a clever film about innocence and making sure it is not lost in a cynical dog eat dog world. James Stewart plays Elwood an amiable pleasant drunk, although we never see him actually drink. He is a swe...
John Chard

John Chard

That damn 6ft 3" rabbit is as charming as ever. Elwood P. Dowd is a charming harmless fella, he takes a drink or two for sure, but he's a delightful human being regardless. So why then does his sister want to have him committed to a home...