Cinema
Harvey
Henry Koster · 1950
Synopsis
Elwood P. Dowd, an affable and eccentric man, introduces everyone to his best friend, Harvey, a six-foot-three-and-a-half-inch white rabbit that only he can see and that he says is a pooka, a creature of Celtic legend. His sister, Veta Louise, who lives with him together with her daughter Myrtle Mae and wants to marry her off, decides after a ruined reception to have him committed. At the sanatorium, the young Dr Sanderson takes Veta for the patient, has her locked up and lets Elwood leave; the director, Dr Chumley, sets off in search of him.
Context
James Stewart, who had replaced Frank Fay in the role on Broadway in 1947, took it up again on television in 1972, then on stage in London in 1975, and counted it among his favourite roles. In the play, Elwood is forty-seven. The studio considered showing the rabbit at the end, then gave up the idea; in the film one sees only a portrait of Elwood with Harvey. The film was also nominated for the Hugo Award.
Who it is for
A comedy of one hundred and four minutes, in black and white; the 2012 Blu-ray carries a French track.
Prizes and reception
Academy Award for best supporting actress for Josephine Hull, a nomination for James Stewart, and thirty-fifth in the AFI ranking of comedies.
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