Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Starring: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchel, Beulah Bondi
Directed by:Frank Capra
Rating: Not Rated
Genre: Drama
1939

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A naive Senator (James Stewart) goes to Washington full of ideals, but slowly sees reality when he witnesses corruption in the Senate. He then must decide whether to stand up to that corruption, and how he can do so and win.

Review:

Tim: Political films don't get much more powerful or emotional than this. This film is a classic in every sense of the word.

James Stewart is tremendous as a naive Senator faced with corruption in the highest sense. His fight is not just that of one man against a political machine, but a fight of honesty, integrity, and decency verses distortion of the truth, malice, and greed. Director Frank Capra made a very smart choice in Stewart for his leading man. James Stewart can do a number of things well- here he exudes innocence, and then transform that innocence into a mighty dedication to his ideals.

Jean Arthur is fantastic in her role. How she so convincingly pulls off her cold indifference and disillusionment toward politics, I will never know. Her transformation is even more dramatic than Stewart's- as we see hope restored in what she once held so dear.

The filibuster scene is the film's definitive and most famous scene. Here, you have democracy's most dramatic outlet- the minority standing against the majority. Stewart shines in these scenes. Capra's genius allows us to see both sides to the filibuster- the heartfelt pleas and moral lectures, as well as the less glamorous (but very funny) side. The film's finale is great.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic American film that will restore some faith in the political system. It is a film that does just about everything right.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating- 9



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Its a Wonderful Life, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, The Philadelphia Story