6 Things You Didn’t Know About ‘Harvey,’ the 1950 James Stewart Easter Classic
Harvey, the 1950 comedy film starring James Stewart and a giant bunny that only he could see, began as a wildly successful Broadway play written by Mary Chase. The story made its way to theaters on December 21, 1950, bringing with it a blend of whimsy, warmth and the titular six-foot-three-and-a-half-inch invisible rabbit. Elwood P. Dowd, the sweet and eccentric lead, quickly became a beloved figure, and watching Harvey every Easter has turned into a quiet tradition for many.
In honor of that lovable unseen rabbit and the late Stewart, let’s learn some interesting facts about the film:
1 Harvey almost got upstaged by a talking mule
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Before the film’s release, there was talk of a cameo from Francis the Talking Mule. The plan was to have Elwood walk by Francis, who would say something out loud. Elwood would turn, thinking Francis was addressing him, but the mule would cut him off, insisting he was talking to the big rabbit. Though it never made it to the final cut, the idea alone shows how much fun the studio had with the film’s playful tone.
2 James Stewart imagined Harvey’s height differently
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Stewart’s Elwood gives Harvey’s height as 6’3½” in the film, the same height given in the original play. However, in later interviews, Stewart, who stood at who stood at 6’4″, admitted he imagined Harvey as 6’8″ so he could look up at him throughout the movie. It gave Elwood’s belief a physical presence, making Harvey feel even more real to audiences.
3 The cast saved Harvey a seat at lunch
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On set, the invisible Harvey was treated with just as much respect as any other actor. Cast and crew often set a place for him at lunch and even ordered him a meal. This running gag wasn’t just for laughs — it also helped everyone treat Harvey as real, which translated beautifully on screen.
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4 Josephine Hull had the hardest job, according to Stewart
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Stewart later said that Josephine Hull, who played Elwood’s flustered sister Veta, had the most difficult role. She had to believe and not believe in Harvey at the same time, balancing realism with absurdity in nearly every scene. Her performance earned her an Oscar and remains one of the most charming things about the movie.
5 Elwood P. Dowd was Stewart’s favorite role
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In many interviews over the years, Stewart called Elwood P. Dowd his favorite part. He loved the character’s warmth, eccentricity and unshakable optimism. In fact, he was such a fan that Stewart played Elwood multiple times after the film: He reprised the role in a Broadway revival in 1970 and again for a 1972 Hallmark Hall of Fame television version.
6 Harvey was rooted in folklore
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Harvey isn’t just a figment of Elwood’s imagination; he refers to him as a púca, a creature from Celtic and Nordic mythology. These mysterious beings could take the shape of animals or humans and were said to bring either good or bad luck. The idea that Harvey is a púca adds another layer to the story.
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