Movie – Harvey (1950)

Movie – Harvey

Score : 5/10  

Year : 1950

Director:  Henry Koster

Country: USA

Language: English

Duration: 1h44 (IMDB) ; 1h40 (French DVD)

Writers: Mary Chase (play & screenplay) ; Oscar Brodney (screenplay), Myles Connolly (uncredited contributor to screenplay) 

Because he insists that Harvey, an invisible 6 foot-tall rabbit is his best friend, Elwood P. Dowd - who also drinks maybe a bit too often - is believed insane. People are afraid of catching his mental illness, and run in terror as soon as he introduces a visible empty space. These scenes make social commentary as stigma was already attached to mental illnesses. 

Elwood's sister cannot take it anymore, and tries to commit him in an institution. 

The movie is classified fantasy, drama & comedy. However, there are many elements in it that are supposed to be funny and that I view as horrific : from the social stigma,

to the behavior and comments from the medical personnel (which seem exaggerated and almost unbelievable) and which are sometimes difficult to listen to as I cringe to the many chauvinist dialogues and situations.

I don't forget that I'm watching a 1950 movie and that social norms were very different, but it's still very difficult for me to accept as there are far too many scenes involved in this chauvinism. 

Other scenes are full of close-talkers and bullying - adding to my discomfort watching this movie. 

I also really don't like certain endings that I would personally change - and hope that the 1996 remake has done. 

I really like, however, some aspects in Harvey : 

James Stewart's acting is always very honest, endearing and believable. 

His character, Dowd, can be viewed a zen master, always accepting and happy, always forthcoming and generous. 

He has some beautiful lines, and his delivery is always excellent. 

There a few gems in the dialogues, in spite of the general chauvinism. 

Josephine Hull's character, Veta, is very touching, and her portrayal is convincing and quite funny at moments.

I have now watched Harvey 3 times, I think. I enjoy certain aspects of it, as it stands out in some respects. 

When I watch it, I have to remember that social norms were very different, and not be offended specifically by the movie, but by the norms themselves - which have evolved, somewhat. 

It's difficult to know what I think about the cinematography or sound, as the dvd's image and sound qualities were rather poor. 

My overall score is 5/10 : there is too much that needs to be changed, in my own needs. 

Cast: 

·        James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd

·        Josephine Hull as Veta Louise Simmons

·        Peggy Dow as Miss Kelly, nurse

·        Charles Drake as Dr. Lyman Sanderson

·        Cecil Kellaway as Dr. William Chumley:

·        Victoria Horne as Myrtle Mae Simmons

·        Jesse White as Marvin Wilson, nurse

·        William H. Lynn as Judge Omar Gaffney