Herk Harvey

Directing

Herk Harvey

Born — Died

1924-06-03 — 1996-04-03

Place of birth

Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Known for

Directing

Credits

58 titles

Harold Arnold "Herk" Harvey (June 3, 1924 – April 3, 1996) was an American film director, actor, and film producer. Harvey is best known for his sole feature film, Carnival of Souls, a low budget 1962 horror film starring Candace Hilligoss. It was produced and directed by Harvey for an estimated $33,000. Harvey had witnessed the recent success of Elmer Rhoden Jr. and fellow industrial filmmaker Robert Altman in producing low-budget feature films in nearby Kansas City, and began to secure backing from local investors in order to mount a similar project in Lawrence. While returning to Kansas after shooting a Centron film in California, Harvey developed the idea for Carnival of Souls after dri…

Known for

Carnival of Souls poster
6.9

Mary Henry ends up the sole survivor of a fatal car accident through mysterious circumstances. Trying to put the incident behind her, she moves to Utah and takes a job as a church organist. But her fresh start is interrupted by visions of a fiendish man. As the visions begin to occur more frequently, Mary finds herself drawn to the deserted carnival on the outskirts of town. The strangely alluring carnival may hold the secret to her tragic past.

Carnival of Souls

1962

Murder Ordained poster
5.0

This is the story of a minister who's feeling unhappy in his marriage who then has an affair with a church employee, who is also married, and who also has affairs, and whose husband is unwilling to divorce her. One day the minister's wife is found dead, in what appears to be an auto accident, but the highway patrolman who investigated the accident doesn't think that it's an accident but doesn't have enough evidence to justify an investigation. Later, when the woman's husband is killed an investigation begins.

Murder Ordained

1987

The Gossip poster
8.0

Jean, a popular high schooler running for Pep Club president, suddenly finds her best friend Laura turning against her. The rift stems from Frieda, a classmate spreading malicious gossip that threatens Jean’s reputation and friendships.

The Gossip

1955

The Griper poster
10.0

Betty Ann, a perky high school student, is friends with George, a dour sort who is always complaining about life. Betty Ann's friends can't see how she can hang with a "wet blanket" like George, and eventually Betty finds herself more and more taking on George's attitude.

The Griper

1954

The Procrastinator poster
8.0

Pretty, bright high school student Jean is in no hurry to start her homework - not when she has comic books and the radio to keep her occupied. Her mother is tired of Jean's procrastination.

The Procrastinator

1952

Cheating poster
3.8

This public-school educational film warns of the dangers of cheating. John Taylor is struggling with his algebra course, and convinces his friend Mary to show him her answers during the tests. But when he is caught, his reputation among his fellow students, along with his student-council seat, is put in jeopardy.

Cheating

1952

Film credits

1980s · 2 titles

1960s · 5 titles

Carnival of Souls poster
6.9

Mary Henry ends up the sole survivor of a fatal car accident through mysterious circumstances. Trying to put the incident behind her, she moves to Utah and takes a job as a church organist. But her fresh start is interrupted by visions of a fiendish man. As the visions begin to occur more frequently, Mary finds herself drawn to the deserted carnival on the outskirts of town. The strangely alluring carnival may hold the secret to her tragic past.

Carnival of Souls

1962

Case History of a Sales Meeting poster
NR

A satirical short film that humorously explores the absurdities of a corporate sales meeting. Through exaggerated interactions and miscommunications, the film highlights the challenges of decision-making and office dynamics in a comedic, insightful way.

Case History of a Sales Meeting

1963

Dance, Little Children poster
3.7

This public health drama follows a small town’s struggle as syphilis spreads among its young people. When local officials turn to the state health department for help, a field investigator steps in to trace the infection, interview those at risk, and ensure testing and treatment. Directed by Herk Harvey (later of Carnival of Souls), the film mixes education with stark warnings: after all, one bad date can change everything.

Dance, Little Children

1961

No artwork available
9.0

A lighthearted industrial short produced by Centron and directed by Herk Harvey, this film promotes the versatility and wholesome appeal of pork. Combining humor with mid-century marketing flair, it highlights pork as an ideal choice for the American dinner table.

Pork: The Meal with a Squeal

1963

No artwork available
7.0

A 1961 industrial film produced by Centron Corporation for Monsanto, illustrating modern herbicide methods and the fight against unwanted vegetation.

Operation Grass Killer

1961

1950s · 7 titles

Why Study Home Economics? poster
9.0

Two sisters are trying to decide which classes to take next semester. When one wants to take home economics, the other is stunned. Why should anyone need to study home economics?

Why Study Home Economics?

1955

What About Prejudice? poster
5.0

At East High, students resent the admission of Bruce—an unseen classmate their parents have warned them to avoid. But when an unexpected incident unfolds, they are forced to confront and reconsider their own prejudice.

What About Prejudice?

1959

Star 34 poster
9.0

A young Eastern couple inherit a Kansas farm, on which they must reside for a certain time in order to qualify for inheritance. Their visits to well over a hundred scenic and historical points of Kansas lead the couple to permanent residence there.

Star 34

1954

Speech: Using Your Voice poster
3.3

An educational short film about correct speaking methods.

Speech: Using Your Voice

1950

What About School Spirit? poster
10.0

At a school social, Jim, a student at Lawrence High, proudly tells his cousin Sally about his school’s spirit. He recalls how enthusiasm once spiraled out of control—until Bob, the senior class president, stepped in to guide it in a more positive direction.

What About School Spirit?

1958

No artwork available
9.0

Barbara and her family move into a new neighborhood, and Barbara tries to make friends with her new neighbors. However, soon she realizes that no one wants anything to do with her. She can't understand why, until one day she overhears two of the local girls talking about Barbara's problem: she had bad manners!

Manners in Public

1958

Rebound! poster
NR

After losing his sight, Bob falls into despair—until a local institute helps him discover new abilities and reinterpret his life without vision.

Rebound!

1955

Behind the camera

Carnival of Souls poster
6.9

Mary Henry ends up the sole survivor of a fatal car accident through mysterious circumstances. Trying to put the incident behind her, she moves to Utah and takes a job as a church organist. But her fresh start is interrupted by visions of a fiendish man. As the visions begin to occur more frequently, Mary finds herself drawn to the deserted carnival on the outskirts of town. The strangely alluring carnival may hold the secret to her tragic past.

Carnival of Souls

1962

Carnival of Souls poster
6.9

Mary Henry ends up the sole survivor of a fatal car accident through mysterious circumstances. Trying to put the incident behind her, she moves to Utah and takes a job as a church organist. But her fresh start is interrupted by visions of a fiendish man. As the visions begin to occur more frequently, Mary finds herself drawn to the deserted carnival on the outskirts of town. The strangely alluring carnival may hold the secret to her tragic past.

Carnival of Souls

1962

The Gossip poster
8.0

Jean, a popular high schooler running for Pep Club president, suddenly finds her best friend Laura turning against her. The rift stems from Frieda, a classmate spreading malicious gossip that threatens Jean’s reputation and friendships.

The Gossip

1955

The Griper poster
10.0

Betty Ann, a perky high school student, is friends with George, a dour sort who is always complaining about life. Betty Ann's friends can't see how she can hang with a "wet blanket" like George, and eventually Betty finds herself more and more taking on George's attitude.

The Griper

1954

The Procrastinator poster
8.0

Pretty, bright high school student Jean is in no hurry to start her homework - not when she has comic books and the radio to keep her occupied. Her mother is tired of Jean's procrastination.

The Procrastinator

1952

Cheating poster
3.8

This public-school educational film warns of the dangers of cheating. John Taylor is struggling with his algebra course, and convinces his friend Mary to show him her answers during the tests. But when he is caught, his reputation among his fellow students, along with his student-council seat, is put in jeopardy.

Cheating

1952

Responsibility poster
7.0

In a student council election deadlock, the principal holds the deciding vote between Lloyd, the model of responsibility, and Hank, a reckless troublemaker. Turning to the audience, he asks which candidate they would choose—reminding them that true leadership requires being capable, educated, and responsible.

Responsibility

1953

Why Study Home Economics? poster
9.0

Two sisters are trying to decide which classes to take next semester. When one wants to take home economics, the other is stunned. Why should anyone need to study home economics?

Why Study Home Economics?

1955

The Snob poster
5.5

Former childhood friends Sarah Inman and Ron Johnson have drifted apart in high school. Ron hosts open parties every Friday, but Sarah never attends, preferring to stay home with her homework and dismissing her classmates—especially popular class president Bill Tyler—as shallow. Her aloofness has earned her a reputation as a snob, though she doesn’t realize it. When Ron reluctantly invites her at his mother’s urging, Sarah agrees to go, setting the stage for a clash between her world of isolation and Ron’s world of popularity.

The Snob

1958

Case History of a Sales Meeting poster
NR

A satirical short film that humorously explores the absurdities of a corporate sales meeting. Through exaggerated interactions and miscommunications, the film highlights the challenges of decision-making and office dynamics in a comedic, insightful way.

Case History of a Sales Meeting

1963

No artwork available
8.0

An educational short film exploring the geography, culture, and daily life of South Korea. Produced by Centron and directed by Herk Harvey, it offers students a concise introduction to the country, highlighting its people, economy, and traditions.

Korea: Overview

1980

George Tackles the Land poster
NR

George Johnson and his wife Annabelle move to a farm to pursue 'the good life,' but George’s naïve approach to planting leaves him with a failed corn crop. With guidance from a whimsical character named Mr. N (Billy Barty), George learns how modern fertilizers are transforming farming across the country.

George Tackles the Land

1954

Why Study Industrial Arts poster
4.0

A high school student really likes his shop class...perhaps a bit too much!

Why Study Industrial Arts

1956

What About Prejudice? poster
5.0

At East High, students resent the admission of Bruce—an unseen classmate their parents have warned them to avoid. But when an unexpected incident unfolds, they are forced to confront and reconsider their own prejudice.

What About Prejudice?

1959

Dance, Little Children poster
3.7

This public health drama follows a small town’s struggle as syphilis spreads among its young people. When local officials turn to the state health department for help, a field investigator steps in to trace the infection, interview those at risk, and ensure testing and treatment. Directed by Herk Harvey (later of Carnival of Souls), the film mixes education with stark warnings: after all, one bad date can change everything.

Dance, Little Children

1961

What About Juvenile Delinquency poster
2.8

A teen drops out of a gang when they mug his father for his pencil.

What About Juvenile Delinquency

1955

None For The Road poster
6.5

Three friends—one a heavy drinker, one a moderate drinker, and one who abstains—spend a weekend evening that starkly illustrates the dangers of drinking and driving.

None For The Road

1957

A Life to Save poster
NR

When elderly Mary Wilkens falls ill, her husband grows suspicious of Dr. Jacksburg’s questionable treatments. With the help of a trusted physician and the American Medical Association, the truth emerges: Jacksburg is a fraudulent doctor with a revoked license. Mary’s testimony ultimately shuts down his clinic and exposes his dangerous practices.

A Life to Save

1954

What About Drinking poster
10.0

At a teenage party, news breaks that a friend driving with alcohol in the car has struck a pedestrian. The incident sparks a heated debate among the group, with views ranging from total rejection of drinking to peer pressure to join in for the sake of fitting in.

What About Drinking

1954

Health: Your Cleanliness poster
8.0

This classroom training film teaches elementary-school students about the benefits of a neat appearance and good grooming.

Health: Your Cleanliness

1953

Cindy Goes to a Party poster
7.0

Cindy, a 12-year-old tomboy, is devastated when she learns that she hasn't been invited to a neighborhood birthday party. That night in bed, her fairy godmother visits her, tells her enough with this tomboy baloney, gives her a frilly new party dress and some rules on how proper young girls are to behave at parties.

Cindy Goes to a Party

1955

Shake Hands with Danger poster
5.2

This short cautionary training film examines dangers associated with earthmoving equipment operation, showing many simulated accidents on construction sites.

Shake Hands with Danger

1980

No artwork available
8.0

Emphasizes the role of a citizen in a democracy and explains that, before making decisions, all citizens should get the facts, weigh the facts for all possible solutions, and decide on an answer that is for the greatest good of all.

A Citizen Makes a Decision

1954

Star 34 poster
9.0

A young Eastern couple inherit a Kansas farm, on which they must reside for a certain time in order to qualify for inheritance. Their visits to well over a hundred scenic and historical points of Kansas lead the couple to permanent residence there.

Star 34

1954

No artwork available
9.0

A lighthearted industrial short produced by Centron and directed by Herk Harvey, this film promotes the versatility and wholesome appeal of pork. Combining humor with mid-century marketing flair, it highlights pork as an ideal choice for the American dinner table.

Pork: The Meal with a Squeal

1963

To Touch a Child poster
7.0

A short documentary examining the challenges faced by Cook School in Flint, Michigan, where limited after-school opportunities contribute to violence, truancy, and hardship among students. The film highlights how community support and new programs can transform the school environment and restore stability.

To Touch a Child

1962

Signals: Read 'Em or Weep poster
7.0

A safety-focused documentary short highlighting the critical importance of reading signal warnings, maintaining machinery, and following proper operating procedures on construction sites. The film emphasizes how attention to both signals and instructions can prevent accidents and ensure workplace safety.

Signals: Read 'Em or Weep

1981

The Sound of a Stone poster
7.0

The dramatized story of a young high school teacher who is falsely accused of communist sympathies is used to demonstrate how baseless accusations can foster the spread of suspicion throughout a community, thus causing insidious and lasting damage.

The Sound of a Stone

1955

The Sound of a Stone poster
7.0

The dramatized story of a young high school teacher who is falsely accused of communist sympathies is used to demonstrate how baseless accusations can foster the spread of suspicion throughout a community, thus causing insidious and lasting damage.

The Sound of a Stone

1955

Exchanging Greetings and Introductions poster
7.5

A narrator instructs children on the proper way to introduce yourself to and be introduced to strangers and new acquaintances.

Exchanging Greetings and Introductions

1960

Health: Your Posture poster
8.0

Authority figures lecture school children about good posture until one little girl develops body dysmorphic disorder and hallucinates in front of her bedroom mirror.

Health: Your Posture

1953

What About School Spirit? poster
10.0

At a school social, Jim, a student at Lawrence High, proudly tells his cousin Sally about his school’s spirit. He recalls how enthusiasm once spiraled out of control—until Bob, the senior class president, stepped in to guide it in a more positive direction.

What About School Spirit?

1958

No artwork available
9.0

An educational short teaching children the importance of looking after their toys and treating belongings with care.

Caring For Your Toys

1954

Your Junior High Days poster
6.0

This classroom guidance film eases seventh-graders into the realities of junior high. No longer the top students or star athletes, they must adjust to bigger challenges, shifting friendships, and greater independence. The message: fit in with your peers, follow the trends, and don’t forget your gym locker combination.

Your Junior High Days

1961

No artwork available
9.0

A classroom training film that promotes a career in distributive management, a branch of retail sales. Through engaging instruction, it highlights the skills, responsibilities, and opportunities in the field, presenting the profession as both rewarding and dynamic.

Tell It Like It Is

1968

No artwork available
9.0

A careless family learns the hard way that neglecting home safety leads to constant accidents. By changing their habits and using proper precautions, they transform their household into a safer, happier place.

Make Your Home Safe

1957

The Good Loser poster
8.0

Ray Medford, newly elected class president and star of the debate team, is used to winning. But when he unexpectedly loses a speaking competition to Marilyn Jackson—a classmate he once coached—Ray struggles with disappointment and considers quitting before the state championship. The film asks whether Ray, and those around him, are handling the loss the right way.

The Good Loser

1953

The Trouble Maker poster
5.6

Mel, a high school student who thrives on gossip and stirring conflict, pushes his luck when he targets the school’s star quarterback. Faced with the backlash of loyal classmates, he may finally be forced to reckon with the harm his words cause.

The Trouble Maker

1959

Why Study Science? poster
4.7

During a camping trip, a group of students learns about the importance of science and its role in understanding the world around us.

Why Study Science?

1955

The Innocent Party poster
4.7

Don and Nicky head into the city, where a reckless night with two fast girls leaves Don with more than he bargained for. Pressuring his girlfriend Betty into sex, he unknowingly passes along a venereal disease. When the school doctor diagnoses him with syphilis, Don must face the shame of his actions and warn Betty—before it’s too late.

The Innocent Party

1959