- Originally a stageplay, written by Mary Chase, this delightful little gem is the perfect vehicle for Jimmy Stewart, playing once again the "everyman", he was so adept at. Elwood P. Dowd, a "sociable drinker", has an invisible 6-foot 3-inch rabbit as his favorite & faithful friend. His other friends and family think he's daft, and try to have him committed to an asylum. Dodd, an agreeable sort, does nothing to inhibit their efforts. However, no matter what they do, it backfires. Eventually, everyone is convinced of the existence of "HARVEY".
- Part of the charm of this fable, lies in Dowd's non-chalant acceptance of his family's efforts to "help" him. Elwood P. Dowd might very well be the nicest guy, to ever cross the silver screen. Neither his drinking, nor his delusion,(...is it, or isn't it?), has a negative effect upon his character, behavior, or personality. In fact, we soon believe that "HARVEY" actually is an asset to Dowd.
- I am reminded of another fine film when watching "HARVEY". Frank Capra's "MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN", also deals with the eccentricity of a loveable character, and the efforts of others to declare him insane. The major difference between these wonderful films, lies in the fact that Dowd's family thinks they are doing what's best for him. Longfellow Deeds, unfortunately, is assailed by people who want his fortune. "MR. DEEDS...", is not a fantasy; but "HARVEY" most certainly is. Both resolutions of these films, deal with the final acceptance of each hero's eccentricities.
- While watching this classic, I was also reminded of the incredible differences between Dowd's era and ours. Whereas Dowd was considered a likeable, middle-aged sot in the fifties, today he would be considered a drunken fool with delusions from the D.T.'s. Alcoholism has become a serious social issue today, and Elwood's behavior would land him in an institution,(...or on the street), in no time. The fact that his drinking hurts no one, would be seen as denial, and his loveable personality would mean nothing, to the mean-spirited "do-gooders" of today.
- Perhaps we would all be a little better off, if we just sat down and had a convivial drink with our own respective "HARVEY's"; and forgot about the insanity that assails us daily, in this modern, chaotic world.
- My daughter, Kiera, will be directing "HARVEY" this fall at ITHACA COLLEGE. For more info about her & the "IC Players", click here.
- For more information about the marvelous actor James Maitland Stewart, visit:
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