HARVEY

 "HARVEY" (1950)

As a very devoted and life-long fan of film, I always say that I have watched too many of them, to pare it down to a "Top 10" let alone a "favorite movie." But this comedy is the exception. It is, hands-down, my 1 favorite movie of all time! Sure, there are others that could easily knock it out of that position, but not from my list!! It is based on the Pulitzer Prize winning play by Mary Chase, who also co-wrote this screenplay. It is a long-time favorite of audiences you and old alike. It has a wonderful cast, that includes: Jimmy Stewart, Josephine Hull (who was also incredible in "Arsenic and Old Lace), Willim H. Lynn, Peggy Dow, Jesse White and Cecil Kallaway. They are all fantastic and the main character, Elwood P. Dowd, is one of the gentlest and most noble characters ever written. The story, its sentiments and its life lessons (not to mention the words of wisdom which come from Elwood) are as relevant today, as they were when this movie debuted. It was nominated for 2 Academy Awards, one of which was won by Josephine Hull for "Best Actress in a Supporting Role." It has several well-remembered quotes, all of which contain messages of hope and humor, along with a bit of life philosophy.

SYNOPSIS: "Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) is a wealthy drunk who starts having visions of a giant rabbit named Harvey. Elwood lives with his sister Veta (Josephine Hull) and her daughter (Victoria Horne), and Veta worries that Elwood has gone insane. In the process of trying to have him committed, Veta admits that she occasionally sees Harvey herself. The director of the mental home, Dr. Chumley (Cecil Kellaway), tries to reconcile his duty to help Elwood with his own growing experiences with Harvey."