Opened: December 21, 1950

Directed by: Henry Koster

Starring: James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Peggy Dow, Charles Drake, Cecil Kellaway, Victoria Horne, Jesse White, William H. Lynn, Wallace Ford, Nana Bryant, Grayce Mills & Clem Bevans

Combining comedy, fantasy and a little bit of creepiness, Harvey is a marvelous film with a protagonist to cheer for, especially when you realize he might be telling the truth.

Veta (Josephine Hull) and her daughter Myrtle Mae (Victoria Horne) have had enough of Veta’s brother Elwood (James Stewart), whose best friend is a 6’3½” rabbit named Harvey. Veta tries to have Elwood admitted to a sanitorium, but confusion amongst the team sets him free.

The film wisely never shows Harvey to the audience, so his status is left up to the viewer with the opening doors. While Stewart plays Elwood with a pure heart, it’s Hull that steals the show. Sympathetic to her brother, Veta must acknowledge the rabbit while not believing in it – and Hull does this without fail.

Final say: Your love for this won’t be imaginary. ★★★★★