Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart; It's A Wonderful Life, Vertigo) is a regular guy from rural Montana who believes in democracy, liberty and the ideals encapsulated by American politics. After the death of the senator representing his state, he is chosen by the powers that be to go to Washington to replace him. Seen as an innocent, naive and completely under the thumb yet extremely patriotic yokel; the fat cats that have decided his fate feel comfortable in using him to do their bidding. As bright-eyed Smith heads to the capital to take his place in the U.S senate, he encounters a world far removed from Abraham Lincoln's vision of government of the people, by the people, for the people. Indeed the cynicism and corruptness of the system and the betrayl by Senator Paine (Claude Rains; Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia), a close friend of Smith's father, regarding the building of an unneccesary dam, leads him to a jaded state in which he questions the true value of democracy and the integrity of the American way of life, as well as his place in it all. However, it is Smith's honesty, innocence and relationship with his acrimonious and tenacious assistant Saunders (Jean Arthur; Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Only Angels Have Wings) that encourages him to do the right thing and try to prove that one man can make a difference if he tries hard enough.
I found Frank Capra's fairytale-like film to be wholly enjoyable as well as inspirational and informative about American politics; the acting from the main players mentioned above is excellent as well as from the supporting cast; the direction and script aid what is simple yet great storytelling. Stewart is marvelous in his typical role as a down-to-earth man of good moral fibre who stays true to himself and his principles no matter how vile the events or people he encounters. Jean Arthur is also superlative as his love interest, showing great depth and character whilst maintaining the glamour and beauty associated with actresses of the black and white era.
Hard-nosed realists may find this sort of escapism and 'good guy winning through' storyline somewhat disingenuous, but if I wanted realism I could stare out the window for a couple of hours. The greatest shame is that this sort of thing would never happen in real politics, and in real life, corruption and indeed the power of the dollar would always win through, but hey we can always dream.
Recommended for anyone and everyone, including cynics, you never know, maybe you'll have a change of heart.
A Filibusting Four Stars out of Five.
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Production Year: 2000 - Drama - Director: Giuseppe Tornatore - Original Language: Italian - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Monica Bellucci, Giuseppe Sulfaro, Luciano Federico, Matilde Piana
A good summing up of this film as Frank Capra was a very thoughtful film maker (see
It's a wonderful life, for instance) and Jimmy Stewart was a very good actor in his day too.
In Frank Capra's bright, funny and beautifully paced satireMr Smith Goes to ... more
Washingtonpolitical heavyweights decide that Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), an obscure scoutmaster in a small town, would be the perfect dupe to fill a vacant US Senate chair...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
In Frank Capra's bright, funny and beautifully paced satireMr Smith Goes to ... more
Washingtonpolitical heavyweights decide that Jefferson Smith (James Stewart), an obscure scoutmaster in a small town, would be the perfect dupe to fill a vacant US Senate chair...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
James Stewart Jean Arthur and Claude Rains star in this award-winning 1939 classic about ... more
an idealistic small-town politician who heads to Washington and suddenly finds himself single-handedly battling ruthless politicians out to destroy him.
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
James Stewart, Jean Arthur and Claude Rains star in this award-winning 1939 classic about ... more
an idealistic, small-town senator who heads to Washington and suddenly finds himself single-handedly battling ruthless politicians, out to destroy him.
![Mr Smith Goes To Washington [DVD] [1939]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78526607.jpg "Mr Smith Goes To Washington [DVD] [1939]")
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