Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Short description
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic 1939 film directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, a naive and idealistic man who is appointed to the United States Senate. The film follows Smith's journey as he learns the ropes of politics and discovers the corruption that exists in Washington.
The movie begins with Smith's appointment to the Senate, much to the surprise of his constituents in his home state of Montana. He is quickly thrust into the world of politics, where he finds himself out of his depth and overwhelmed by the power plays and backroom deals that are commonplace in Washington. Despite his naivete, Smith is determined to make a difference and fight for what he believes in.
The movie features an all-star cast, including Jean Arthur as Clarissa Saunders, Claude Rains as Senator Joseph Paine, Edward Arnold as Jim Taylor, and Guy Kibbee as Governor Hubert Hopper. Each actor brings their own unique style to their characters, creating a memorable ensemble performance that helps bring the story to life.
The story itself is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It examines themes such as corruption in government, power dynamics between politicians, and how idealism can be corrupted by greed. The film also features some memorable scenes such as Smith's filibuster on the Senate floor which has become iconic in American cinema history.
Overall, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is an excellent film that stands up well even after 80 years since its release. It features great performances from its cast members and an engaging story that still resonates today with its themes of corruption in government and power dynamics between politicians. It's a timeless classic that deserves to be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime!