I always feel a little sorry for people who tell me they've never seen Harvey.
The major scenes take place at the rest home, where we meet Dr. Chumley (Cecil Kellaway); Chumley's assistant, the handsome Dr. Sanderson (Charles Drake); the lovely Nurse Kelly (Peggy Dow); and the grumpy Mr. Wilson (Jesse White, a character actor who would later achieve lasting fame as the lonely Maytag repairman). It isn't long before confusion ensues at the sanitarium about just who is committing whom, and Elwood is back at Charlie's. It's there that Dr. Chumley, looking for Elwood, comes to meet Harvey face to face. He can't believe it, but the rabbit apparently has such a calming effect on people who see him that everyone wants Harvey for his own personal friend.
Nonetheless, Harvey has attached himself warmly to Elwood, and there he's likely to remain. Perhaps Harvey sees a genuine honesty about Elwood that he doesn't see in most other humans. Elwood explains his philosophy to the doctor: "Years ago my mother used to say to me, 'In this world, Elwood...you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.' Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant." That idea may seem childlike in its simplicity, and for most of us impractical as well. But there's no denying its appeal in an increasingly complex and stressful world. For over half a century people have continued to find Elwood's outlook on life comforting and reassuring, naive as it may be.
Video:
I'm pleased to report that while the copy of "Harvey" Universal chose to transfer to disc might not be digitally restored, it is in excellent condition. The black-and-white picture quality is quite well contrasted and reasonably clean, with very little noticeable grain. There are a few shimmering pixels from time to time and a couple of shaky lines, but it's not much. In general, there are few traces of age spots or scratches, so the image is a pleasure to watch.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 2.0 monaural sound is of little consequence other than it transmits dialogue adequately. It's clear but limited in range, the tiniest bit harsh, and accompanied by a small degree of background noise.
Extras:
Of special items, there are only a few-- the aforementioned seven-minute Stewart introduction, a few production notes, cast and filmmaker biographies and film highlights, and an original theatrical trailer. English and Spanish are provided as spoken languages, with the option of French subtitles.
Parting Thoughts:
Directed by Henry Koster ("The Bishop's Wife," "Flower Drum Song," "My Man Godfrey"), "Harvey" may, in fact, seem cloyingly sweet at times, but such moments are fleeting. Koster keeps the action moving at a surprisingly brisk pace considering the story's stage origins and the amount of pure dialogue that has to be delivered. Maybe Vita says it best when she remarks, "It's our dreams that carry us on." "Harvey" has little trouble carrying on. On DVD the movie should be cherished by new generations of folks who aren't afraid to be themselves, follow their dreams, and recognize the value of being pleasant rather than smart.
Nonetheless, Harvey has attached himself warmly to Elwood, and there he's likely to remain. Perhaps Harvey sees a genuine honesty about Elwood that he doesn't see in most other humans. Elwood explains his philosophy to the doctor: "Years ago my mother used to say to me, 'In this world, Elwood...you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.' Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant." That idea may seem childlike in its simplicity, and for most of us impractical as well. But there's no denying its appeal in an increasingly complex and stressful world. For over half a century people have continued to find Elwood's outlook on life comforting and reassuring, naive as it may be.
Video:
I'm pleased to report that while the copy of "Harvey" Universal chose to transfer to disc might not be digitally restored, it is in excellent condition. The black-and-white picture quality is quite well contrasted and reasonably clean, with very little noticeable grain. There are a few shimmering pixels from time to time and a couple of shaky lines, but it's not much. In general, there are few traces of age spots or scratches, so the image is a pleasure to watch.
Audio:
The Dolby Digital 2.0 monaural sound is of little consequence other than it transmits dialogue adequately. It's clear but limited in range, the tiniest bit harsh, and accompanied by a small degree of background noise.
Extras:
Of special items, there are only a few-- the aforementioned seven-minute Stewart introduction, a few production notes, cast and filmmaker biographies and film highlights, and an original theatrical trailer. English and Spanish are provided as spoken languages, with the option of French subtitles.
Parting Thoughts:
Directed by Henry Koster ("The Bishop's Wife," "Flower Drum Song," "My Man Godfrey"), "Harvey" may, in fact, seem cloyingly sweet at times, but such moments are fleeting. Koster keeps the action moving at a surprisingly brisk pace considering the story's stage origins and the amount of pure dialogue that has to be delivered. Maybe Vita says it best when she remarks, "It's our dreams that carry us on." "Harvey" has little trouble carrying on. On DVD the movie should be cherished by new generations of folks who aren't afraid to be themselves, follow their dreams, and recognize the value of being pleasant rather than smart.
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[release]6219[/release]