# Harvey

> 1950 film by Henry Koster

**Wikidata**: [Q1412513](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1412513)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harvey_(1950_film))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/harvey

## Summary
Harvey is a 1950 American fantasy comedy film directed by Henry Koster, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase. The film stars James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd, a man whose best friend is a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit named Harvey.

## Key Facts
- Release date: October 13, 1950 (New York premiere)
- Director: Henry Koster
- Based on: Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase
- Starring: James Stewart as Elwood P. Dowd
- Genre: Fantasy comedy
- Production company: Universal Pictures
- Country of origin: United States
- Runtime: 104 minutes
- IMDb rating: 7.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes score: 88%
- Academy Award: Josephine Hull won Best Supporting Actress
- Box office: $7.5 million (domestic)
- Language: English
- Color: Black and white
- Aspect ratio: 1.37:1 (Academy ratio)

## FAQs
**What is the plot of Harvey?**
Harvey follows Elwood P. Dowd, a mild-mannered man who claims to have an invisible friend named Harvey, a six-foot-tall white rabbit. His sister Veta tries to have him committed to a sanitarium, but the doctors mistakenly commit her instead. The film explores themes of sanity, friendship, and the power of imagination.

**Who directed Harvey and who stars in it?**
Harvey was directed by Henry Koster and stars James Stewart in the lead role as Elwood P. Dowd. The cast also includes Josephine Hull as Veta Louise Simmons, Peggy Dow as Miss Kelly, and Charles Drake as Dr. Chumley.

**What awards did Harvey win?**
Harvey won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Josephine Hull's performance as Veta Louise Simmons. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Henry Koster), and Best Adapted Screenplay.

**Is Harvey based on a play?**
Yes, Harvey is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play of the same name by Mary Chase, which premiered on Broadway in 1944 and ran for nearly four years. The play was a critical and commercial success before being adapted for the screen.

**What is the significance of the rabbit Harvey?**
Harvey is an invisible six-foot-tall white rabbit who is Elwood's best friend and companion. He represents the power of imagination, kindness, and the idea that reality is subjective. Harvey's presence challenges the other characters' perceptions of sanity and normalcy.

## Why It Matters
Harvey matters as a beloved classic of American cinema that explores profound themes through gentle comedy and fantasy. The film challenges conventional notions of sanity and social conformity, suggesting that kindness and imagination may be more valuable than rigid adherence to societal norms. James Stewart's warm, nuanced performance as Elwood P. Dowd has become iconic, embodying the film's message about the importance of maintaining one's individuality and compassion in the face of societal pressure. The film's enduring popularity demonstrates its universal appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences across generations, making it a significant work in the fantasy comedy genre and American film history.

## Notable For
- Academy Award winner for Best Supporting Actress (Josephine Hull)
- Based on Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase
- James Stewart's iconic performance as Elwood P. Dowd
- Exploration of themes of sanity, imagination, and social conformity
- Successful adaptation from stage to screen
- Enduring popularity as a classic American film
- Influence on the fantasy comedy genre
- Memorable invisible character (Harvey the rabbit)
- Box office success for Universal Pictures
- Critical acclaim and cultural impact

## Body
### Production and Development
Harvey was produced by Universal Pictures and directed by Henry Koster, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Mary Chase. The film adaptation began production in 1950, following the successful Broadway run of the play, which had premiered in 1944 and ran for nearly four years. The screenplay was adapted by Mary Chase and Oscar Brodney, maintaining the gentle humor and philosophical undertones of the original stage production.

### Cast and Characters
James Stewart stars as Elwood P. Dowd, delivering one of his most memorable performances as the kind-hearted man with an invisible rabbit friend. Josephine Hull won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Veta Louise Simmons, Elwood's socially ambitious sister. The supporting cast includes Peggy Dow as Miss Kelly, Charles Drake as Dr. Chumley, Cecil Kellaway as Dr. Sanderson, and Jesse White as Marvin Wilson. Stewart's portrayal of Elwood became one of his signature roles, showcasing his ability to blend comedy with warmth and sincerity.

### Plot and Themes
The film follows Elwood P. Dowd, whose constant companion is Harvey, a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit that only he can see. When Elwood's sister Veta tries to have him committed to a sanitarium, the doctors mistakenly commit her instead. The story explores themes of sanity versus madness, the power of imagination, and the importance of kindness and acceptance. Harvey represents the idea that reality is subjective and that what society considers "normal" may not always be the most valuable way to live.

### Critical Reception and Awards
Harvey received critical acclaim upon its release and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Josephine Hull's performance. The film was also nominated for Best Picture, Best Director (Henry Koster), and Best Adapted Screenplay. Critics praised the film's gentle humor, philosophical depth, and the performances of the cast, particularly James Stewart's warm and nuanced portrayal of Elwood P. Dowd.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
Harvey has become a beloved classic of American cinema, frequently cited as one of the greatest fantasy comedies ever made. The film's exploration of themes like individuality, imagination, and social conformity continues to resonate with audiences. Harvey's influence can be seen in later films that blend fantasy elements with social commentary, and the character of Harvey the rabbit has become an iconic figure in popular culture, representing the power of imagination and the importance of maintaining one's unique perspective.

### Technical Aspects
The film was shot in black and white with an aspect ratio of 1.37:1 (Academy ratio), typical for films of that era. The cinematography by Milton R. Krasner effectively captures both the comedic and more contemplative moments of the story. The film's runtime of 104 minutes allows for a complete adaptation of the stage play while maintaining a brisk pace suitable for cinematic storytelling.

### Box Office Performance
Harvey was a commercial success, grossing $7.5 million at the domestic box office, which was significant for a film of its time. The film's popularity helped establish Universal Pictures as a major studio capable of producing both critically acclaimed and commercially successful films.

### Related Works
The film is based on Mary Chase's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, which premiered on Broadway in 1944. The play's success led to multiple productions worldwide and eventually to this film adaptation. The story has also been adapted for television and radio, demonstrating its enduring appeal across different media formats.

### Historical Context
Released in 1950, Harvey came during a period when Hollywood was transitioning from the classic studio system to new forms of storytelling. The film's gentle approach to fantasy and its exploration of psychological themes reflected post-war America's interest in questioning conventional wisdom and exploring new perspectives on reality and mental health.

### Distribution and Availability
Harvey has been widely distributed through various formats over the decades, including theatrical re-releases, television broadcasts, and home video formats. The film is now available on DVD, Blu-ray, and various streaming platforms, ensuring its continued accessibility to new generations of viewers.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042546/)
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4. Freebase Data Dumps
5. [Source](http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042546/fullcredits)
6. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1951)
7. The Movie Database
8. Harvey. Rotten Tomatoes
9. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042546/releaseinfo/)
10. [IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042546/technical/)
11. Kinopoisk
12. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/harvey-1/)
13. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
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