Harvey (1953) {Liberation Hall DVD Review}

Reviewed by Jason Lockard

In 1944 Mary Chase wrote a play entitled Harvey in which she won the Pulitzer Prize for drama. In 1950 Hollywood would come knocking on her door, to adapt in into a film starring the great James Stewart. This award winning play would than be adapted again a short 3 years later into a TV film.

On September 22nd, 1953 this TV production would first take the air starring Art Carney and a host of other familiar faces. Now the great folks at Liberation Hall have released this made-for-TV production on DVD.

Elwood P. Dowd (Art Carney) is an eccentric bachelor living in a small town. At first glance he looks like a perfectly normal man, but there is only one problem his best friend, it just happens to be a 6'3 white rabbit named Harvey that only he sees. When his sister figures it is time to do something about this and tries to commit him to a mental institution, Elwood and Harvey become the catalysts for the family to heal.

This version is a much shorter version than the original film. This production runs around1 hour and 15 minutes. Art Carney is very good as the eccentric Elwood. But here he is by some of the most amazing actors in their early careers including; Marion Lorne (Bewitched), Elizabeth Montgomery (Bewitched), Fred Gwynne (The Munsters), Charlotte Rae (Facts of Life) and Jack Weston (The Incredible Mr. Limpet).

I think it was so cool to see Samantha Stephens and Aunt Clara on TV other than on the classic show we are so used to in Bewitched. While this TV production may suffer a little from the cutting of some of the story to fit in TV time frame, it still is a very fun little production.

On this DVD release the production runs 1 hour and 30 minutes. However it is good to note that, this runtime includes the classic TV commercials that have not been removed from this production.

The film has been transferred in it's original full screen format in 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The audio is a Dolby Digital 2.0. Now looking at this production it is surprisingly good, especially when you realize that this is a kinescope.

Watch the Trailer Below:


So if you are a fan of Art Carney or classic TV shows and actors this TV production of Harvey is one not to miss. You can add this DVD to your collection by heading over to Amazon.com today.

Out of 4 Film Reels (4 Being the Best) Liberation Hall's DVD of Harvey receives...