Review: Harvey

The blog slows down with some 50's whimsy now, as I review the Jimmy Stewart classic, Harvey.

There's no doubt in anyone's mind that a James Stewart film about a man who's best friend is an invisible six-foot rabbit is going to be endearing. It exceeds this preconception in every way. Stewart's character Elwood P Dowd is among one of the nicest people ever, in history or fiction. His unrelenting charm and vigour throughout the entire film enthralls and entertains and, indeed, frustrates as he is labelled "insane" as his sister attempts to ge him institutionalised.

The plot is simple, very simple. But, hey, it was the fifties. possibly 3 central locations (a house, a bar, a hospital) and two main characters. The rest of the ensemble shines, though. In particular Josephine Hull as Elwood's sister, Veta. Her constant horror and exhasperation at Dowd's antics makes for ridiculously entertaining times. As does her slow awakening into the magic of Harvey himself. Another stand-out performance for me was from Jesse White as a short-fused orderly, desperately trying to simulaneously get Dowd back to the hospital and woo Myrtle May, Dowd's niece.

The real message to this film is, again, very simple: "be nice". Stewart's character, nea the end of the film muses "My mother once told me you can be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart; I recommend pleasant. And you may quote me".

Harvey is a joy, an absolute joy and you'd be a fool not to watch it, especially as you can get it dirt cheap nowadays. Any fan of cinema must see this. Persoanlly, I prefer it to "It's a Wonderful Life". with Stewart's warm voice and charisma reaching unmatched levels here.
Buy, rent, illegally obtain, it's up to you. See this film. I'll make you a better human being.

Rating: *****
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