Last night, for the first time ever, I sat down and watched the movie "Harvey" from 1950, starring Jimmy Stewart and an invisible 6'3&1/2" rabbit named Harvey. The first words I uttered once it was over were these: "What a delightful story!"
However, as much as I loved the story and the great acting, I was most pleasantly surprised to come to the realization that I no longer disliked Jimmy Stewart's very distinct voice! Ever since I first saw "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and "Rear Window" back in middle school, I'd been completely put off by Jimmy Stewart's voice. I have no reason why I found his voice so unpleasant, but I just knew I didn't like it. Maybe it was his trademark stammering...maybe the timber...I don't know. I just didn't like it. Even back then I knew this would be an unfortunate loss on my part because he was such a fantastic actor.
Last night, as I watched Elwood P. Dowd traipse through his strange, pleasant life, I simply enjoyed the movie. It was marvelous! Because of this new-found affinity for a voice once despised, I have logged into Netflix and added a whole bunch of Jimmy Stewart movies to both my DVD and instant queues! I'm oddly ecstatic about this and am even making a special stop at Target tonight to purchase a movie that I've put off seeing for the sole reason of his voice: "Bell, Book and Candle." The premise is interesting and Daddy said it was a fun movie, but I've never seen it; now, I'll own it. (If it's there, of course.)
On a final note, I would like to leave you with a simple, sweet quote, courtesy of the "Harvey" character Mr. Dowd (uh, Elwood P.): "Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, 'In this world, Elwood, you must be' - she always called me Elwood - 'In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant.' Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant."
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