Harvey Reviews

Simply brilliant

I wasn't sure what to expect, when I rented Harvey. I'd seen it in a local shop, but hadn't wanted to buy it without seeing it first! I was attracted by the fact that some aspects of it almost seemed to resemble Donnie Darko (which is fantastic).

Well, now I've seen it, I can say that it's nothing at all like Donnie Darko, other than the fact that the main characters have large imaginary (or are they?) friends who are rabbits. Harvey is a charming film from start to finish, with James Stewart doing an outstanding job in the leading role.

Harvey tells the story of Elwood P Dowd who has an invisible friend - Harvey - a 6 ft tall rabbit. When his antics begin to get to his sister, Veta, she decides it's time to have Elwood committed. The consequences of this are funny, moving and though-provoking. Elwood is possibly one of the nicest people you'll ever have the pleasure to meet, and the rest of the characters are brilliantly played.

This film also looks great, considering it was made in 1950 - the picture is crisp and clear and nice to look at.

If you're expecting an intense, disjointed, psychological film like Donnie Darko, Harvey's not it. Harvey's fun, lighthearted, and just... really really nice. Give it a go, I think you'll like it.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Have you met Harvey?

Hilariously funny observation on (in the words of Robert Burns) man's inhumanity to man carried by the peerless James Stewart.

Did not order this

Am sick of being sent films that are not on my list

True James Stewart

True classic. One of the greatest stars ever.would watch it time and time again

CLASSIC.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Harvey is one of the best comedies ever made, proved by the fact that - as with Some Like It Hot - audiences still understand the majority of the jokes, despite the fifty-plus years of difference in culture to bridge.

As well as being a great comedy, Harvey is also a truly charming, heartwarming film, which could go some way to changing many viewers thoughts on mental health (our hero, Elmer P. Dowd often seems much saner than those around him).

When you think of actors being perfect for their roles, none can match so aptly James Stewart's performance as the friendly drunk Dowd.

If, after you have seen this wonderful film your spirits are not in some way lifted, well, sorry but there really is no helping you.

A gem of a film.

Quite simply a gem. A feel-good film from before they'd invented the term 'life-affriming'; it's gentle, warm and affectionate. Oh, and it's very funny too!

It helps to have Jimmy Stuart in any film, and here he's at his best. His portrayal of a drunk is spot-on - no over-the top slurring of his words, no uncontrolled staggering - it's all conveyed in his slight slowness of speech, the occasional hesitation as he moves. A convincing and understated performance that allows the script room to take life.

I just wish more people shared Elwoods's philosophy - that there are two ways to get on in life; to be pleasant or to be smart. And, says Elwood, to be pleasant is preferable.

Classic

Even my children enjoyed this black and white film. Harvey has definatley stood the test of time when it comes to comedy.

The best James Stewart film ever?

For my money this is James Stewart's best ever screen performance and probably one of the best by any actor ever. Harvey is a gentle comedy that makes you think a little bit about the standards that we judge one another by and its message is as relevant today as it was when the film was made some 50-odd years ago.

Stewart plays Elwood P. Dowd - a charming and very pleasant drunk who just happens to be able to see and talk to a white rabbit who is 6' 3 1/2' tall. This places him outside the strict norms of society and causes those close to him great anguish. The fact that he is the most decent human being in the whole film is lost on almost everyone, until it is almost too late. As Elwood says at the end: 'Mother used to say that in this world you have to be oh so smart, or oh so pleasant. Well, for years I was smart; I prefer pleasant...'

Undeniably uplifting, I would recommend this film to anyone.

Fantastic sinister edge

It's amazing what James Stewart can do. He can make you love him and fear him at the same time. It's what Hitchcock saw in him, the ability to be charming to the point of danger.

This is enjoyable fluff, don't get me wrong, but there's a fantastic sinister edge to it. Watch it.

[Highly rated reviewer]

Instant favourite

I'll probably buy this somepoint in the future and add it to my DVD collection. This is a lovely story of a small town loony who at the same time his is most pleasant person you could hope to meet.