Steven Spielberg to Direct New Film Adaptation of Harvey

The film, which will feature a screenplay by novelist Jonathan Tropper, tells the story of the eccentric Elwood P. Dowd and his friendship with a six-and-one-half foot tall invisible rabbit named Harvey.

The play opened on Broadway in 1944 with Frank Fay in the lead, and ran for over 1700 performances; while a 1970 revival starring Jimmy Stewart (who appeared in the 1950 film version) and Helen Hayes lasted about 80 performances. Stewart and Hayes also starred in the 1972 television version of the play; while Harry Anderson and Swoosie Kurtz appeared in a 1998 TV version.