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Harvey

1950 1h 44m
Comedy Fantasy
MOVIEVIBE Rating
7.7/10
701 reviews
Your Rating
Harvey

The story of Elwood P. Dowd who makes friends with a spirit taking the form of a human-sized rabbit named Harvey that only he sees (and a few privileged others on occasion also.) After his sister tries to commit him to a mental institution, a comedy of errors ensues. Elwood and Harvey become the catalysts for a family mending its wounds and for romance blossoming in unexpected places.

"The Wonderful Pulitzer Prize Play … becomes one of the Great Motion Pictures of our Time!"

Top Billed Cast

James Stewart
James Stewart
Elwood P. Dowd
Josephine Hull
Josephine Hull
Veta Louise Simmons
Peggy Dow
Peggy Dow
Miss Kelly
Charles Drake
Charles Drake
Dr. Sanderson
Cecil Kellaway
Cecil Kellaway
Dr. Chumley
Victoria Horne
Victoria Horne
Myrtle Mae Simmons
Jesse White
Jesse White
Wilson
William H. Lynn
William H. Lynn
Judge Gaffney (as William Lynn)

Detailed Critic & Audience Reviews

J John Chard Verified TMDB Critic
2014-09-06

That damn 6ft 3" rabbit is as charming as ever.

Elwood P. Dowd is a charming harmless fella, he takes a drink or two for sure, but he's a delightful human being regardless. So why then does his sister want to have him committed to a home for the insane? Ah well you see, Elwood has an invisible friend who happens to be a six-foot-three rabbit!

Faithfully adapted by Mary Chase from her hit Broadway play, Harvey remains to this day a wonderful fantasy comedy that delights all members of the family. It's the kind of film that leaves a warm glow once the credits role, it's basic premise is on...

D DanDare Verified TMDB Critic
2017-06-14

Harvey is a whimsical film, at times a clever film about innocence and making sure it is not lost in a cynical dog eat dog world.

James Stewart plays Elwood an amiable pleasant drunk, although we never see him actually drink. He is a sweet man who likes talking to people, so adept he is at listening to people, they tell him all sorts of hopes, desires, wishes and problems like he was the parish priest.

Elwood's sister Veta Louise (Josephine Hull) wants to marry off her daughter Myrtle Mae (Victoria Home) but what is holding them back is Elwood and his conversations with Harvey, a 6 feet ...

B barrymost Verified TMDB Critic
2021-12-06

People like Elwood P. Dowd. He has plenty of friends, and knows almost everyone in town. If he doesn't know you, simply allow him to give you his card. His best friend, however, is a clever pooka who takes the form of a 6'3" tall rabbit.

I didn't know it was possible to like James Stewart even more than I already did! Here he gives one of his most endearing performances, in a role he called his personal favorite. Josephine Hull, Victoria Horn, Charles Drake, Peggy Dow, Cecil Kellaway, and others make up a colorful and lively supporting cast.

From the Pulitzer prize winning play comes thi...

C CinemaSerf Verified TMDB Critic
2026-01-22

“Elwood” (James Stewart) is one of those polite and charming people who believes that a smile can go a long way. His widowed sister “Veta” (Josephine Hull) is concerned though. Not because he is friendly, but because he claims to always be accompanied by an invisible six-foot rabbit (“Harvey”). Indeed, her concern grows to the extent that she considers having him certified. To that end she consults “Dr. Chumley” (Cecil Kellaway) who, ably assisted by “Dr. Sanderson” (Charles Drake), offers to asses her brother. When he arrives for the chat, confusion swiftly ensues and in a...