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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
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Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
Find all by Sony Pictures
Directed By: Frank Capra
Audience Rating: Unrated
Picture Format: Academy Ratio
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Theatrical Release: October 19, 1939
Average Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
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Starring: Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee
Political heavyweights decide that Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), an obscure scoutmaster in a small town, would be the perfect dupe to fill a vacant U.S. Senate chair. Surely this naive bumpkin can be easily controlled by the senior senator (Claude Rains) from his state, a respectable and corrupted career politician. Director Frank Capra fills the movie with Smith's wide-eyed wonder at the glories of Washington, all of which ring false for his cynical secretary (Jean Arthur), who doesn't believe for a minute this rube could be for real. But he is. Capra was repeating the formula of a previous film, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, but this one is even sharper; Stewart and Arthur are brilliant, and the former cowboy star Harry Carey lends a warm presence to the role of the vice president. Bright, funny, and beautifully paced, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is Capra's ode to the power of innocence--an idea so potent that present-day audiences may find themselves wishing for a new Mr. Smith in Congress. The 1939 Congress was none too thrilled about the film's depiction of their august body, denouncing it as a caricature; but even today, Capra's jibes about vested interests and political machines look as accurate as ever. --Robert Horton
User Submitted Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Reviews
November 19, 2008
Classic Movie. Timeless Message About Honor & Integrity in A Corrupt Society.
Frank Capra's classic "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington" was originally intended as a sequel to "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town." Unfortunately, Gary Cooper was unavailable. Capra then opted to make a movie about Frederic Chopin, but the studio protested, saying it would be too expensive. The rest is history. The messages in this excellent motion picture about honor and integrity in a corrupt society and asking for God's guidance in a troubled time ring truer now than at any other moment in history. James Stewart gives another career-defining performance as a young Boy Ranger leader unwittingly thrust into the political machine of Washington, D.C. Shame that the movie ended abruptly as it did. Excellent performances by everyone, especially Mr. Stewart, Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell (who appeared in no less than 3 movies in 1939) and Claude Rains as the manipulative Joseph Paine. Well-done script and excellent production values. The film is Not Rated.
November 17, 2008
We need another Mr. Smith
***spoilers***
I can see why the congress at the time this movie was made tended to sneer at the portrayal of them in this movie. Nearly everyone is corrupt, magalomaniacal, and more interested in personal glory than what's best for the country. They cow-tow to the special interests, the press, who in this movie is the same person.
It's a little surprising to see factors back then still having relevance, such as a more and more monolithic press that is less and less capable of good, objective journalism. I found the scam with the needless dam amusing, as it feels really tame by today's standards. I think Mr. Smith would have lost his lunch if he had to deal with the 750 billion dollar bailout bill today.
With the press, congress, and his complete inexperience against him, his only recourse is that someone still has conscience enough to stand up and fight with him. Thuis resounds in a spectacular filibuster speech and the redemption of a man long lost to the ways of the system. Strongly recommended.
November 4, 2008
This is one movie I could watch over and over and over
I only saw this movie for the very first time this week and I have to say that it is already my most favorite Jimmie Stewart movie. I, too, think that his performance was absolutely stellar. I could see that he had great talent in him early on and he should have won the Oscar. Unfortunately, his youth probably what worked against him. In any event, so much better than in The Philadelphia Story, since I saw the two movies back to back.
October 24, 2008
This Movie Bleeds, Red, White and Blue
This movie sends a very strong message to the American people, as not all politicians are corrupted or on the take. It shows the true way how a democracy system should work here in the US. The political statements shown in this movie were attack when the film was released, as people thought of it as anti-American and pro-Communist for its portrayal of corruption in the American government. In my opinion this film shows the faults and positives of our political system. A film like this really can give the viewer of what the true democracy system feels like and shows it only takes the courage of one man to stand up against corruption. Mr. Smith is that man who is not a career politician, just a common man that bleeds red, white and blue. He has an idea that would benefit sociality as it will help kids stay out of trouble and become men. When he finds out about the graft scheme he stands tall and challenges the big political machine Taylor, with out fear like the other members of the hall. This shows the courage of a man standing by his self against the same members of his party. Mr. Smith stands his ground and keeps to his word to ensure that a "government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth"
July 29, 2008
Mr. Smith goes to Washington
Fasinating insight into political shenanigans involving self serving citizens who buy governmental favors from weak politicians. Money can corrupt elected official who may have been of sound character. Claude Rains portrays a senior senator who has become compromised by a rich campaign donor. Jimmy Stewart is appointed to fill out the term of a recently decease U.S. Senator and becomes caught up in a land deal that threatens a wilderness area within his state. The story focuses on Jimmy Stewart tenacious belief in right and wrong and putting the public's interest first. The tactics that money and power can bring to bare on the untested and naive public servant is shown in all it's ugliness. Jean Arthur's character provides administrative and emotional support to Jimmy Stewart and is a delight to watch. The movie is presented in black and white, which enhances the dramatic events even more clearly to the viewer.
June 2, 2008
One of the all-time American cinematic classics and gems!
Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur are absolutely stunning and captivating in this longtime, highly rated American film classic. It is a great 'David vs. Goliath' story about corrupt men and politics, and how an honest 'small guy' surmounts all odds to reveal the corrupt and criminal political machine in his home state. I was moved to tears during this great film, of course knowing in the back of my mind how the United States *IS* becoming more corrupt and undemocratic, given the major 'conflicts of interest' in organizations like our FDA (for example, big pharma execs sitting in on the board there, instead of impartial scientists), or the many political lobbyists 'whoring' themselves and their vested interests to our politicians who have seemed to forget the most important needs of the American people! The message of political corruption in "MSGTW" is more relevant than ever in today's America on so many fronts. Just a GREAT, entertaining, riveting film that moves along perfectly, and shows how advanced great storytelling and film-craft was even back in 1939!!! Frank Capra was one of the best, ever. A 'must own' for your American movie classics collection!
April 16, 2008
After 70 years, this Stereotyped Movie Really Isn't Very Good
If I was a U.S. senator, which thankfully I'm not, I'd be appalled by the characterization. Every senator (except for Jefferson Smith) is portrayed as a corrupt, petty windbag. The senate floor is inundated with overanimated children (literally) who seem to control the proceedings. The president of the senate is constantly giggling at Smith's antics and appears to be the only senator sympathetic to Mr. Smith's cause. Apparently Mr. Smith's dad wasn't much of a judge of character in his assessment of the corrupt Mr. Payne. I don't have a high opinion of politicians, but if the real ones are anything like the portrayal here, we'd be in a lot of trouble.
April 15, 2008
Po;itis Today??
I thorughly enjoyed this film simply because it is in direct opposition to the ongoing politcs of today. Mr. Smith's character certainly reminds me of Senator Barack Obama's on going character assination.
March 23, 2008
Capra challenges America
Jefferson Smith is the quintessential naïve, honest hero that Stewart played in his early years. Smith fills an unexpired US Senate seat as the result of a coin toss. Ignorant of the games that Washington plays, he assumes that that his job is to represent the folks at home passionately and honestly. Like Don Quixote, Smith tilts windmills: he stands up against the corrupt Senator Joseph Harrison Paine and wins. Cynical critics of Frank Capra derisively called his work "Capra-corn." The key question to ask at the end of the movie is whether Smith is too simple minded and naïve to survive in the real world, or if the cynics are the fools for giving up on the honesty and faith that led the Founding Fathers to create the noble experiment which is America. Jean Arthur is a charm as the hard boiled blonde who is captivated by the innocent Smith and recaptures the faith in the goodness of people that she's lost in Washington. Capra movies are empowering. Like most Capra movies, "Mr. Smith" illustrates that it is ultimately we who are responsible for the world around us. The film won the Academy Award for Best Screenplay.
February 10, 2008
Great Movie, Poor DVD!
This is a timeless movie that ages pretty well for a 70-year-old film. The story line is still so relevant today about innocence lost and about the underdog defying all odds and who can resist a good David v Goliath story anyway? The script is excellent and so is the acting from the brilliant cast and this movie showed me just how good an actor James Stewart was. This movie is about 2 hours long but you don't feel it as it moves along at a nice pace and is so riveting as well.
The only thing I don't like about the dvd is the poor visual and sound quality which is in the original mono. Many patches of imperfection is present in the video and seeing as how Disney was able to upgrade "Snow White" which is an even older film to Dolby Digital 5.1, at least this option should have been available on this dvd as well. In addition, the special features are sparse with only a few trailers and a very short "Frank Capra, Jr. Remembers" piece and a commentary by the same as content.
Hopefully, a newer, digitally remastered both visually and audiowise version will be released soon. Otherwise, contentwise, this is a very good movie and like a true classic should be will stand many repeat viewings without getting stale.
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