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.
Dialogues from Movie Harvey
Elwood and his perspective, Reelive
You see, I have a friend, Harvey.
Elwood, I have explained it to you before. There is no Harvey!
Oh, yes there is! He's a six foot three and a half inch rabbit!
You are going to make me crazy! Can't you see he's just in your mind?
Some people are not meant to be understood. Some are just meant to be loved.
Elwood and Dr. Chumley, Reelive
I need to know how deeply this delusion runs.
Delusion? That's a harsh word. Harvey is real to me.
You must understand, people will judge you.
I prefer to think of it as a rather lovely companionship.
You are not going to let anyone convince you otherwise?
Life is more colorful with Harvey around!
Elwood's Philosophy, Reelive
I always have a good time with my friend Harvey.
But he's not real.
Oh, that doesn’t matter! People can be real and not have any fun at all!
You mean to say a rabbit is better company than your relatives?
Well, at least Harvey listens.
Veta's Desperation, Reelive
I can't let this go on! People will think we are mad.
Mad? Ah, but what is sanity, Veta?
It’s about following societal rules!
Sometimes those rules are the most limiting of all.
I worry for you, but may I ask—what's wrong with being mad?
Elwood at the Sanitarium, Reelive
You know, you can find happiness in strange places.
What do you mean?
Why just yesterday, Harvey and I shared a laugh right here!
You can’t be serious.
Oh, but I am! It’s a beautiful thing to smile and lighten the heart.
The Encounter with the Doctor, Reelive
Why don't you want to be like everyone else?
Being like everyone else seems so dull, don’t you think?
But it's safer.
Safety’s an illusion, dear doctor. True courage lies in being oneself.
Veta and Elwood's Relationship, Reelive
Elwood, you’re tearing our family apart!
But Veta, I’m being myself.
That doesn’t help us!
But it helps me, and Harvey, too.
Explaining Harvey's Nature, Reelive
Harvey is a very special rabbit, you know.
What makes him so special?
He’s kind. He understands me.
But he’s not real.
Real or not, he brings joy.
Sharing a Moment, Reelive
Come now, let us enjoy the company of friends!
Even if that friend is imaginary?
Imaginary friends can be the best because they never judge!
You might be onto something.
Indeed, let’s toast to unseen companions!
Shortcomings of Reality, Reelive
You know what they say, Veta—reality is just a shared delusion.
That’s a dangerous way to think!
Perhaps, but it makes life much more interesting.
Interesting isn’t always good.
True, but we have to choose our joys.
Repercussions of Belief, Reelive
You’re losing your mind, Elwood!
And yet, I feel perfectly sane, thank you.
It’s not about feeling sane—it’s about being seen as such!
Then perhaps the world needs to change its perspective.
Elwood’s Kindness, Reelive
Harvey teaches me kindness in the most unexpected places.
A rabbit does that?
Why not? Kindness doesn’t care about appearances.
That’s a lovely thought.
It’s a beautiful way to live.
The Allure of Imagination, Reelive
What do you think it feels like to believe in something so deeply?
I can’t even imagine.
It brings joy, and joy is worth holding onto.
Even if it’s just an illusion?
Yes, even then!
Quotes from Movie Harvey
In my case, my imagination is a little stronger than my alcohol.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
People like us, we’re not going to change. We’re just going to be what we are.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
I won't let anybody start working on me. I won’t be sent to a place where they don't believe in Harvey.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
Sometimes we need to accept the reality of our situation even if that reality involves a six-foot-three-and-a-half-inch invisible rabbit.
Dr. Chumley
Harvey, Reelive
You know, I always have a goof time when I'm with Harvey.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
Harvey is a pooka. Pookas are wonderful creatures who can bring you good luck.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
I have a strange affinity for the little people who seem to drift in and out of our lives.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
You see, Harvey doesn’t care whether you’re well-known or a little nobody.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
I’d rather have my friends and be affection-stuffed than be popular with the world.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
I’m not an eccentric. I’m just unusual.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
My family has always had an unusual ability to see things that other people cannot.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
You know, my mother used to talk about pookas. I thought they were just stories until I met Harvey.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
Why is it that those who see the invisible tend to be called crazy?
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
No one can ever quite understand what makes a man like me feel the way I do.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
When a man says a thing, he means it. And if he believes in it, it becomes true.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
We've all got our latitudes and longitudes. I’m just whole continents away.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
Sometimes I think the world is full of Harvey's, but people just refuse to see them.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
Life doesn’t make sense to most people, so why should it make sense to me?
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, Reelive
You can’t see Harvey, but you have to believe that he’s there.
Elwood P. Dowd
Harvey, ReeliveMemorable Scenes from Movie Harvey
Elwood's Introduction to Harvey
The film opens with Elwood P. Dowd, a charming man, introduced in a light-hearted but slightly odd manner. He talks about his invisible friend, Harvey, a 6-foot-3.5-inch tall rabbit. This scene sets up Elwood’s whimsical personality and hints at deeper themes of companionship and sanity. His casual mention of Harvey makes viewers question the nature of reality and acceptance. The vibrant setting of a bar contrasts with the serious discussions about mental health that unfold later.
Context: This scene establishes Elwood's character and introduces the idea of his relationship with Harvey, laying the groundwork for the film's exploration of friendship and social norms.
Elwood's Disruption at the Party
During a social gathering, Elwood arrives uninvited and starts talking to Harvey as if he were real. The guests' reactions range from confusion to discomfort. The awkwardness peaks when Elwood insists that Harvey is with him, leading to a comedic yet poignant moment that reveals society's harsh judgment of those who diverge from the norm. This scene illustrates the clash between Elwood's free spirit and societal expectations.
Context: This moment emphasizes the societal pressure to conform and illustrates how Elwood's innocence brings both joy and discomfort, framing the film's central conflict.
The Psychiatrist's Office
Dr. Chumley and his nurse discuss Elwood's case, depicting the stark contrast between rationality and the whimsical nature of Elwood's beliefs. The tension builds as Dr. Chumley expresses his concern about Elwood's mental health, showing his deepening obsession with Elwood's supposed delusions. The visuals of the sterile hospital environment amplify the seriousness of the issue at hand.
Context: This enhances the thematic exploration of mental health, highlighting the stigma associated with it and setting the stage for Elwood's eventual confrontation with the concept of sanity.
Harvey's Reality
Elwood sits on a bench and interacts with Harvey, explaining how Harvey understands him better than anyone. The emotional weight comes from Elwood sharing his feelings of loneliness and how Harvey fills that void. The camera captures Elwood's warmth as he smiles, bringing a sense of calm to the supposedly chaotic world around him. This scene is pivotal as it reflects Elwood’s deeper longing for connection.
Context: Through this moment, we see how Elwood uses Harvey as a source of comfort and companionship, showcasing the film's exploration of the nature of friendship.
Isolation and Connection
The scene where Elwood visits his sister, Veta, shows the friction between them. Veta represents the societal fears surrounding Elwood's condition. When she tries to explain Elwood's friendship with Harvey to others, it highlights her struggle to reconcile love for her brother with her embarrassment over his eccentricity. The rising tension is palpable as Veta's frustration crescendos, revealing her deep love and concern beneath her exasperation.
Context: This scene portrays the complexity of familial love and societal judgment, illustrating how personal relationships can be strained by differing perspectives on mental health.
The 'Invisible' Dilemma
A pivotal moment occurs when Veta is at the hospital and is mistakenly committed, as the staff starts treating her as if she were the one with the mental issue. The misunderstanding escalates when she tries to explain that she is sane and that it's her brother who is with the imaginary rabbit. The frantic atmosphere encapsulates the fears of losing one’s freedom and the stigma of mental illness.
Context: This scenario exemplifies the consequences of misunderstanding and serves as a critique of how society handles those who are deemed different.
Elwood's Calm Demeanor
In the hospital, Elwood maintains his composure, showcasing his unyielding belief in the goodness of people, regardless of their circumstances. His gentle nature, even when faced with the rigid hospital environment, becomes a beacon of hope. The warmth in his voice as he speaks about Harvey resonates deeply, painting a picture of unconditional friendship.
Context: Elwood's calmness in adversity further emphasizes his steadfast belief in the value of connection and compassion, central themes throughout the film.
The Confrontation with Dr. Chumley
Elwood confronts Dr. Chumley in a visibly emotional moment. They discuss the essence of sanity and the societal norms that dictate what is considered normal. Elwood's heartfelt reasoning challenges Dr. Chumley’s rigid beliefs, making the audience reflect on the true nature of reality and acceptance.
Context: This confrontation deepens the viewer’s understanding of Elwood’s character and serves to question the binary perception of sanity versus insanity.
The Dance with Harvey
In a moment of levity, Elwood dances with an imaginary Harvey at an evening event. His joy and carefree spirit shine through the dance, and it provides a stark contrast to the serious conversations about mental health and societal judgment. The visuals of Elwood moving gracefully while seemingly interacting with nothing highlight the joy of imagination.
Context: This scene reinforces the theme of finding happiness in unconventional friendships, showcasing the film's light-hearted yet profound approach to serious topics.
Acceptance of Harvey
Towards the end, when Veta finally begins to accept Harvey as part of Elwood, there is a transformative moment between the characters. Her realization that Elwood's friendship brings him joy leads to an emotional reconciliation. It's a moment of tenderness filled with understanding, marking a turning point in their relationship.
Context: This acceptance reflects the film’s core message around empathy and the importance of unconditional love, regardless of how unusual one's companions might be.
The Final Revelation
In a powerful climax, Dr. Chumley admits to Elwood that he is starting to see Harvey too. The realization illustrates a shift in understanding and opens the doors to the idea that perhaps Harvey is more than just an illusion. The emotive delivery of the lines encapsulates the theme of perception versus reality.
Context: This scene solidifies the significance of Elwood’s friendship with Harvey and hints that open-mindedness is essential to understanding one another.
The Departure
As Elwood prepares to leave, he has a final heartfelt conversation with Harvey. The visuals show Elwood as he walks out into the world, filled with hope and joy. The scene employs bright colors and upbeat sounds, showcasing the beauty in his belief in friendship. It leaves a lingering feeling of optimism as he steps into a new chapter.
Context: This farewell captures the essence of the film’s message about healing through connection and companionship.
Elwood's Influence on Veta
During a heart-to-heart, Veta reflects on how having Elwood and Harvey in her life has changed her perspective. Her emotional breakthrough reveals the burdens of social expectations she has faced, and the moment encapsulates her realization that happiness can come from embracing individuality.
Context: This moment serves to highlight the transformative power of compassion, showing how love can shift one’s understanding of personal happiness.
Legacy of Harvey
In the concluding moments, Elwood speaks about the lingering presence of Harvey in his life. His optimistic view offers a comforting reassurance that the connections we make—even with the unseen—can leave a lasting impact. Elwood’s smile serves as the perfect ending image, symbolizing hope.
Context: This legacy connects back to the film’s exploration of imagination, love, and acceptance, leaving viewers with a sense of peace.
The Power of Imagination
As the film draws to a close, Elwood shares a reflective monologue about how everyone deserves a friend like Harvey who brings joy and perspective. The beauty of his words resonates as he articulates how seen unseen friendships help us navigate our troubles.
Context: This monologue encapsulates the essence of Elwood's character, serving as a final reminder of the value of genuine connection and acceptance in the world.
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Behind the Scenes from Movie Harvey
Casting Change
Original stage star Mary Chase was initially considered for the role of Elwood's sister, but the role eventually went to Josephine Hull after a successful audition.
Why it matters: Josephine Hull's performance brought a unique blend of humor and heart to the film, contributing significantly to the emotional stakes and enhancing the family dynamics central to the plot.
Creation of Harvey
The character of Harvey, an invisible rabbit that only Elwood P. Dowd can see, was based on a real-life family pet of playwright Mary Chase.
Why it matters: This whimsical origin adds a layer of authenticity to the story, making the character's charm resonate more deeply with audiences and enriching the film's exploration of imagination and reality.
James Stewart's Commitment
James Stewart was so committed to the role of Elwood P. Dowd that he carried a replica of Harvey around with him, even after filming.
Why it matters: This dedication to the character infused Stewart's performance with genuine warmth, allowing audiences to embrace Elwood's quirks as endearing rather than eccentric.
Practical Effects for Harvey
The filmmakers initially struggled with how to visually represent Harvey. Ultimately, they decided to leave him invisible, relying on the actors' reactions to imply his presence.
Why it matters: This choice cleverly keeps the audience guessing and requires them to engage their imagination, emphasizing the film's themes of belief in the impossible.
Location Shooting
Much of Harvey was filmed on location in Hollywood, with many recognizable streets and buildings from the era enhancing the film’s authenticity.
Why it matters: Real locations helped ground the story in a believable world, making Elwood's experiences and interactions feel relatable and real for the audience.
Unique Cinematic Techniques
Director Henry Koster employed unique framing techniques to emphasize Elwood's isolation and his relationship with Harvey.
Why it matters: This visual storytelling added depth to the narrative, helping viewers understand Elwood's internal struggles while showcasing the whimsical nature of his friendship with Harvey.
Theme of Acceptance
The film subtly addresses themes of mental health and societal acceptance, particularly through the character of Elwood and the opinions of those around him.
Why it matters: This nuanced exploration invites audiences to reflect on preconceived notions of sanity, making 'Harvey' a timeless commentary on acceptance and understanding.
Film Debut
Harvey was James Stewart’s first major film after returning from World War II, making it a significant comeback for the actor.
Why it matters: Stewart's return to cinema was celebrated, and his performance in 'Harvey' marked a pivotal moment, affirming his status as a leading man in Hollywood and capturing the attention of a post-war audience.
Josephine Hull's Performance
Josephine Hull received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Veta Simmons, Elwood's sister.
Why it matters: Hull's award-winning performance is a testament to her ability to balance comedy and drama, serving as a perfect counterbalance to James Stewart's character and leaving a lasting impact on the film.
Cultural References
The film references various social norms and expectations of the 1940s, particularly concerning mental health and family dynamics.
Why it matters: These references ground the film in its historical context, prompting discussions that remain relevant, thereby enhancing its appreciation among audiences across generations.
Unexpected Popularity
Upon its release, 'Harvey' became a surprise box office hit, earning over $4 million against its modest budget of $1.3 million.
Why it matters: The film's unexpected success showcased the appeal of light-hearted, character-driven narratives during a time of uncertainty in post-war America, influencing future comedies.
Screenplay Adaptation
Mary Chase’s adapted screenplay for the film altered some character dynamics from the stage version, emphasizing Elwood's relationship with Harvey more.
Why it matters: These changes allowed the film to delve deeper into the themes of friendship and imagination versus reality, ultimately shaping the viewers' experience of the story.
On-Set Chemistry
The chemistry between James Stewart and Josephine Hull was evident from the beginning of filming, with both actors improvising lines to enhance their interactions.
Why it matters: This improvisational spirit brought authenticity to their performances and created memorable moments that resonated with audiences, adding to the film’s charm.
Cameo from a Legendary Butterfly
During a pivotal scene, a butterfly can be seen on screen, which was an accident, as it flew into shot unexpectedly.
Why it matters: This moment adds a layer of whimsy to the film, symbolizing freedom and the unpredictable nature of life, echoing the film's overall themes.
Film Editing Choices
The editing team had to selectively cut several comedic moments to maintain pacing and ensure the film's message was clear.
Why it matters: These editing choices shaped the film’s rhythm, balancing humor with heartfelt moments, thus enhancing the emotional impact of the story.
Legacy of Harvey's Themes
Many elements in the film, such as friendship, imagination, and acceptance, have influenced various other works in popular culture over the decades.
Why it matters: These themes resonate universally, allowing 'Harvey' to endure in popular consciousness and inspire adaptations and references in other media, enriching its legacy.
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