James Stewart and Harvey, who looks suspiciously like a bartender. Image: IMDb
There is a scene in the 1993 film, Groundhog Day, where protagonist Bill Murray realizes there are no tomorrows left for him – and therefore no consequences – so he decides to lead a life of anarchy. “I’m not gonna live by their rules any more!” he declares.
James Stewart’s character comes to a somewhat similar conclusion in the comedy-drama Harvey (1950). Stewart plays a middle-aged man whose best friend is a giant invisible rabbit.
Now, you’re probably thinking Stewart’s character needs his head examined, and so do the characters in the film. Stewart’s sister (Josephine Hull), for instance, tries to have him committed, because living with Stewart and his invisible friend is taxing. Her social circle is shrinking, and her daughter (Victoria Horne) has difficulty finding a husband.
As for Stewart, he is blithely unaware of the stress on his family. He’s a busy fellow, handing out his business card to strangers and inviting them to dinner.
He’s candid about his unconventional views. “I wrestled with reality for over 35 years,” he tells a psychiatrist, “and I’m happy to say I won out over it.”
It’s quite a statement, his telling mental health experts he’s Not Gonna Live by their Rules Any More.
This is why he continually invites people for dinner or drinks, so he can give beautiful monologues about his philosophies. He’s an advocate for Anti-Realism, and we see people in the bar drawn to Stewart and his sentiments.
And yet: The drinking. Why does a man, who professes to be happy with his lifestyle, drink so much?
Josephine Hull (L) wants a nice man for Victoria Horne. Image: elcinema.com
The drinking isn’t the central theme of the movie, but it certainly is an Elephant in the Room. Stewart’s character hides bottles around the house, such as the one in the library. But at least he doesn’t drink alone; Harvey enjoys libations as much as the Next Guy.
The owner of Stewart’s favourite bar seems to accept the invisible sidekick. He asks about Harvey and nods when Stewart gives him the Rundown. Business is Business, after all.
The script doesn’t tell us why Stewart’s character is a heavy drinker, although the death of his mother could be a contributing factor to both his drinking and his friendship with Harvey.
Stewart has no visible means of support, except for an inheritance which enables him to be independent – and eccentric.
Stewart and Harvey ride into the sunset. Image: IMDb
So who – or what – is Harvey? Stewart says Harvey is a Pooka and everyone should have one. The script defines pooka as:
“P O O K A – Pooka – from old Celtic mythology [is] a fairy spirit in animal form, always very large. The pooka appears here and there, now and then, to this one and that one, a benign but mischievous creature.”
Harvey (1950)
Some have suggested Harvey is a byproduct of alcoholism, but we think events later in the film dismiss this theory.
Stewart is, however, thirsty for human contact. When people accept his offer for dinner or drinks, he nearly pounces on them. “WHEN,” he asks.
Is this kind, articulate soul so lonely, so bereft of friends, that he must rely on an invisible rabbit for companionship?
Notice the framing to include Harvey’s presence. Image: mltshp
Harvey is based on the 1944 stage play by Mary Chase, who also co-wrote the screenplay. The original Broadway play ran for a remarkable 1,775 performances, making it one of the most successful stage shows of the 1940s.
Stewart himself starred as the protagonist, Elwood P. Dowd, during part of this run. His co-star, Josephine Hull, appeared as Elwood’s distraught sister for the entire five-year run, and when she reprised her role on screen, she won an Academy Award.
In a “Special Narrative Introduction” to the 1990 VHS release, Stewart says Harvey was his favourite film. He noted filmmakers needed to make rabbit taller than the 6’3″ in the script, because Stewart himself was 6’3″. Instead, they portrayed the rabbit as 6’8″ so Stewart would always look up at him.
Harvey may not be to everyone’s taste, but there are very funny moments, along with some thoughtful observations. It’s a good film to watch when you want to see someone Buck The System in a gentle but unorthodox way.
Harvey: starring James Stewart, Wallace Ford, William H. Lynn. Directed by Henry Koster. Written by Mary Chase & Oscar Brodney. Universal International Pictures, 1950, B&W, 104 mins.
I just saw this for the first time a few weeks ago on TCM, and I was enchanted! Very interesting study of human eccentricities, foibles, imperfections…and Stewart is wonderful. But Josephgine Hull really steals the show here – she had me laughing out loud in every scene she was in! Great article!!
Perhaps the drinking was a slap at prohibition. I always kind of wondered that about Dean Martin, too, who often appeared drinking and smoking, as the “lovable drunk.”
I’ve seen Harvey many times, it’s one of my family classics. I admit I never lingered on the drinking issue, having seen Stewart in other similar roles (thinking about Mr. Smith goes to Washington and Life is Wonderful) I was ready to accept that he just simply lived life in a simple, sincere and childish way and had a giant rabbit as a friend. Love this movie and love James Stewart, thanks for this sweet post!
It is a goofy film, yet it has the right amount of sweetness. But, as you pointed out, there are serious underlying themes. I’m dying to see the stage play to see if these themes are developed a bit more.
It has been SO long since I last saw this film. I recall loving it.
I didn’t give much thought to the drinking, but I was a kid at the time. And alcohol jokes were quite the rage for a while. 🙂
Consider Nick and Nora Charles. Two drunks looking for action and excitement. 🙂
Oh yeah, no one can hold a candle to Nick and Nora. You’ve got me jonesing to see The Thin Man again.
You’re probably right about the drinking in Harvey. It had been some years since I saw it, and I was struck by the alcohol consumption. However, that in itself isn’t unusual for a film from this era.
What a great, thoughtful article about one of my favorite films; you provided some excellent ideas on this unique story. What better subject for our blogathon! Thank you for contributing this! I am adding it to the roster.
This is a fabulous post Ruth, and you have certainly sold it to me. Think I am going to have to check it out just to see this giant James Stewart next to a Supergiant Pooka!!!
Terrific! Ah yes, I agree with the Groundhog Day reference. I didn’t think of it before now. I saw this movie just a year ago or so. For some reason, I was afraid of seeing it because I had felt like It was going to be sad. It’s nothing like I thought it would be, though sad in some spots, it’s just a great way to spend a couple of hours. I, too appreciate those “thoughtful observations” in it. Very nice read.
Like you said, it is a great way to spend a couple of hours. I wasn’t so thrilled with it when I saw it years ago – I wanted there to be a physical manifestation of the rabbit & for everyone to say James Stewart was Right All Along. But this isn’t that movie.
I wonder about that, too. The film doesn’t directly address it, but it doesn’t ignore it, either. Maybe it’s one of those Draw-Your-Own-Conclusion kind of things.
Harvey is a charming film and Stewart, who was young for the role, is perfectly cast. My only quibble is Josephine Hull, who manages to make her character too unlikable. Yes, it’d be hard to live with Elwood, but his eccentricities don’t hurt anyone and he is a kind person. We could all use a little more kindness in the world.
Like you said, we could all use more kindness in the world, and it kind of gives you a pang to see how Stewart’s character continually withholds judgment of others – especially to his sister who’s trying to have him committed.
It’s a strange comedy. It deals with drug addiction, family dysfunction and mental health. Yet it’s a heartwarming and charming little film with Jimmy at his best.
Silver Screenings 
This sounds really thought-provoking. I’d be willing to watch any film with James Stewart in it.
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Many people list Harvey as one of their favourite films. I’d be interested in hearing what you think if you get the chance to see it.
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I just saw this for the first time a few weeks ago on TCM, and I was enchanted! Very interesting study of human eccentricities, foibles, imperfections…and Stewart is wonderful. But Josephgine Hull really steals the show here – she had me laughing out loud in every scene she was in! Great article!!
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Josephine Hull is FA-BU-LOUS in this film, isn’t she? She practically steals it from James Stewart.
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Perhaps the drinking was a slap at prohibition. I always kind of wondered that about Dean Martin, too, who often appeared drinking and smoking, as the “lovable drunk.”
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That’s true about Dean Martin. I hadn’t thought of the prohibition angle, but you might be on to something.
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I’ve seen Harvey many times, it’s one of my family classics. I admit I never lingered on the drinking issue, having seen Stewart in other similar roles (thinking about Mr. Smith goes to Washington and Life is Wonderful) I was ready to accept that he just simply lived life in a simple, sincere and childish way and had a giant rabbit as a friend. Love this movie and love James Stewart, thanks for this sweet post!
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I like what you said about Stewart’s character being sincere. He is a person entirely without malice and guile, isn’t he? Great point!
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I always thought this was a goofy comedy (never seen it) but it sounds more serious than funny. I might give it a whirl after all:-)
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It is a goofy film, yet it has the right amount of sweetness. But, as you pointed out, there are serious underlying themes. I’m dying to see the stage play to see if these themes are developed a bit more.
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It has been SO long since I last saw this film. I recall loving it.
I didn’t give much thought to the drinking, but I was a kid at the time. And alcohol jokes were quite the rage for a while. 🙂
Consider Nick and Nora Charles. Two drunks looking for action and excitement. 🙂
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Oh yeah, no one can hold a candle to Nick and Nora. You’ve got me jonesing to see The Thin Man again.
You’re probably right about the drinking in Harvey. It had been some years since I saw it, and I was struck by the alcohol consumption. However, that in itself isn’t unusual for a film from this era.
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Dear Ruth,
What a great, thoughtful article about one of my favorite films; you provided some excellent ideas on this unique story. What better subject for our blogathon! Thank you for contributing this! I am adding it to the roster.
Have a nice long weekend!
Yours Hopefully,
Tiffany Brannan
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Thanks, Tiffany! I’m looking forward to reading the other entries.
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This is a fabulous post Ruth, and you have certainly sold it to me. Think I am going to have to check it out just to see this giant James Stewart next to a Supergiant Pooka!!!
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Haha! Yup, you ought to see it, Gill…and I look forward to reading your review. (Hint hint)
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Looking forward to reading your thoughts on it!
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Terrific! Ah yes, I agree with the Groundhog Day reference. I didn’t think of it before now. I saw this movie just a year ago or so. For some reason, I was afraid of seeing it because I had felt like It was going to be sad. It’s nothing like I thought it would be, though sad in some spots, it’s just a great way to spend a couple of hours. I, too appreciate those “thoughtful observations” in it. Very nice read.
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Like you said, it is a great way to spend a couple of hours. I wasn’t so thrilled with it when I saw it years ago – I wanted there to be a physical manifestation of the rabbit & for everyone to say James Stewart was Right All Along. But this isn’t that movie.
Hope you’re having a wonderful long weekend!
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You did ask the “million dollar question” about this film…I never could figure out why Stewart’s character is such a boozehound!
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I wonder about that, too. The film doesn’t directly address it, but it doesn’t ignore it, either. Maybe it’s one of those Draw-Your-Own-Conclusion kind of things.
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Aww…Harvey. I haven’t seen this in years. Time for a re-watch! 🙂
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You said it! It would be interesting to see how the film measures up now compared to how you remember it.
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True. It’s been a long time. Not one I watch often. I’ll let you know.
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🐰
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Harvey is a charming film and Stewart, who was young for the role, is perfectly cast. My only quibble is Josephine Hull, who manages to make her character too unlikable. Yes, it’d be hard to live with Elwood, but his eccentricities don’t hurt anyone and he is a kind person. We could all use a little more kindness in the world.
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Like you said, we could all use more kindness in the world, and it kind of gives you a pang to see how Stewart’s character continually withholds judgment of others – especially to his sister who’s trying to have him committed.
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It’s a strange comedy. It deals with drug addiction, family dysfunction and mental health. Yet it’s a heartwarming and charming little film with Jimmy at his best.
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You said it. It has some really dark themes, but it’s also so charming. It’s quite a feat when you think about it.
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One of my all time favorite films. Well done, Ruth
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Thanks so much! It’s a film that’s well done in every way, isn’t it?
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