Harvey (play)

Harvey (play). *Harvey* is a Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy play written by American playwright Mary Chase. It premiered on Broadway in 1944 and centers on the charmingly eccentric Elwood P. Dowd, whose best friend is an invisible, six-foot-tall pooka named Harvey, a creature from Celtic mythology. The play explores themes of reality, kindness, and societal conformity through its farcical plot involving Elwood's family attempting to have him committed to a sanatorium. Its enduring popularity is anchored by the gentle philosophy of its protagonist and its warm, whimsical humor.

Plot summary

The story revolves around the affable, mild-mannered Elwood P. Dowd, who constantly introduces his invisible companion, Harvey, to the embarrassment of his social-climbing sister, Veta Louise Simmons, and her daughter, Myrtle Mae Simmons. Determined to secure a normal life and a suitable marriage for Myrtle Mae, Veta attempts to have Elwood committed to Dr. Chumley's Rest, a private sanatorium run by the esteemed psychiatrist Dr. William Chumley. In a comedic mix-up, Veta's hysterical behavior leads the staff, including young doctor Dr. Lyman Sanderson and nurse Ruth Kelly, to mistakenly commit her instead. Once the error is discovered, a frantic search for Elwood and Harvey ensues. The play culminates with the sanatorium staff, and eventually Veta herself, coming to question their own rigid definitions of sanity and happiness, ultimately choosing to accept Elwood and Harvey on their own delightful terms.

Characters

* Elwood P. Dowd: The gracious, teetotaling protagonist who befriends everyone he meets and whose constant companion is the invisible pooka, Harvey. * Veta Louise Simmons: Elwood's status-conscious sister, who is torn between societal expectations and her genuine love for her brother. * Dr. William Chumley: The authoritarian head of the sanatorium, whose worldview is challenged by his encounter with Elwood. * Myrtle Mae Simmons: Veta's unmarried daughter, who is desperate to escape her uncle's eccentric reputation. * Dr. Lyman Sanderson: A young, ambitious psychiatrist at the sanatorium who becomes romantically involved with Nurse Kelly. * Nurse Ruth Kelly: A pragmatic yet kind-hearted nurse at Dr. Chumley's Rest. * Judge Omar Gaffney: The Dowd family's lawyer and friend, who initially supports Veta's plans but later advocates for Elwood. * Harvey: The invisible, six-foot-tall pooka rabbit, a mythical trickster spirit who is central to the play's plot and themes.

Production history

*Harvey* premiered at the 48th Street Theatre on November 1, 1944, produced by Brock Pemberton. The original Broadway production starred Frank Fay as Elwood P. Dowd and featured José Ferrer as Dr. Sanderson. The play was an immediate success, running for 1,775 performances and winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1945, defeating Tennessee Williams's The Glass Menagerie. A notable subsequent Broadway revival in 1970 starred James Stewart, who had famously played Elwood in the 1950 film adaptation, alongside Helen Hayes as Veta. The play has seen numerous revivals in London's West End and in regional theatres across the United States, including a 2012 production at the Studio 54 theater featuring Jim Parsons.

Critical reception and legacy

Upon its premiere, critics praised the play for its originality, heartwarming humor, and the poignant performance of Frank Fay. Its victory for the Pulitzer Prize was considered a surprise but cemented its status as a major American comedy. Over time, *Harvey* has been analyzed for its subtle commentary on post-World War II American society, advocating for individuality and kindness over rigid conformity. The character of Elwood P. Dowd, with his iconic line about preferring pleasantness over intelligence, has become an enduring archetype in American theater. The play remains a staple for community and professional theaters, celebrated for its blend of farce and philosophical depth.

Adaptations

The most famous adaptation is the 1950 Universal Pictures film *Harvey*, directed by Henry Koster and starring James Stewart and Josephine Hull, who reprised her Broadway role as Veta; Hull won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance. Other adaptations include a 1972 ABC television movie starring James Stewart and Helen Hayes, and a 1998 Hallmark Hall of Fame version with Harry Anderson and Swoosie Kurtz. The premise has also been referenced and parodied in numerous other television series, including episodes of *The Simpsons* and *Saturday Night Live*.

Category:American plays Category:Pulitzer Prize for Drama winners Category:1944 plays