A film is like a recipe, you need the right ingredients.

Start with a Pulitzer Prize willing play.

Cast the perfect screen ensemble.

Mix well, bake at 350 degrees, and serve hot.

Never mind the B&W. Never mind that young people of the current era (whenever you read this review) will think the look is dated or the actors are of a bygone age.

This version of Harvey will never be surpassed. Stewart owns this role the way Eastwood owns the Man with No Name, or Harrison owns Indiana Jones.

Have seen this six or seven times and each time I catch some nuance in the script I missed before.

Roger Ebert used to say that the mark of a fine film was inverse to the number of times you looked at your watch. I never look at my watch when I watch Harvey.

In the grand tradition of Pooka magic, time stops.

While this isn't the best "screwball comedy" from Hollywood (that honor goes to ARSENIC AND OLD LACE),it is one of the finest and an utterly charming and sweet little film. This is all thanks to wonderful performances from Jimmy Stewart as well as Josephine Hull as his sister (she received an Oscar for her performance),as well as the exceptional writing.

Stewart plays "Elwood P. Dowd", a disturbed but nice man who spends all of his time in the company of his friend, Harvey (a giant invisible white rabbit). His sister is beside herself dealing with Elwood's "eccentricities" and decides to finally have him committed once and for all.

Where the film goes from here I'll leave up to you to find out for yourself, as I would hate to spoil the surprise. But this film is an absolute must for all old film buffs and would be appreciated by anyone with a sense of humor.

I wasn't expecting to like Harvey, but when I saw it I was blown away. It is a wonderful film, with everything that a fantasy film should be. The cinematography, scenery, costumes and sets are beautiful, not dated at all, if it was dated if anything it added to Harvey's charm. The music by Frank Skinner is jaunty and very sweet, it really gives the meaning to the term feel-good. The script is excellent, it is witty, fresh and quite touching. And I was also very taken with the story, it may seem strange at first but it was a lovingly-told story and was actually quite intelligent if you think about it. The film moves quickly and is beautifully directed by Henry Koster, while the acting is great. James Stewart is back with his Mr Nice Guy persona, Elwood isn't the most complex of his characters but this character didn't require complexity as such, the character was likable enough just by Stewart playing him wonderfully, which he indeed did. The supporting cast ably support him, especially Josephine Hull who is simply delightful here as Veta Louise. Overall, beautiful and immensely engaging film. 10/10 Bethany Cox