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Picture
An idealistic young senator is chosen to represent his state in Congress and is nearly disillusioned when he soon collides with rampant political corruption.
DRAMA

Mr. Smith Goes
​to Washington
 
(1939)

Directed by Frank Capra

Written by Sidney Buchman

Starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains,
Edward Arnold, Thomas Mitchell, Harry Carey,
Guy Kibbee, Eugene Pallette, Beulah Bondi

Oscar Wins - Best Original Story

Oscar Nominations - Best Picture, Best Actor (James Stewart),
Best Supporting Actor (Claude Rains), Best Supporting Actor
(Harry Carey), Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Art Direction, Best Sound Recording, Best Film Editing, ​Best Scoring
​(Dimitri Tiomkin)

Connor Eyzaguirre
May 22, 2021
8/10
The foundation of modern American politics seems to be corruption. It's an open secret that we've never fully addressed, and anytime it appears like we're about to, some national tragedy distracts us and business continues as usual. Films like Mr. Smith Goes to Washington dared to showcase this open secret for the American public using the medium of cinema. Congress attempted to label the film as Communist or anti-American, as it dared call out the corruption in the government that was only worsening. And this was right before American involvement in World War II, when the military-industrial complex reigned supreme and continues to do so now. Through it all, this film went on to be nominated for 11 Oscars, winning one for Best Original Story, and is regarded as one of the finest American films of all time. Leave it to Frank Capra to make yet another historically significant American masterpiece.

James Stewart, in his first Oscar-nominated performance, plays the naïve and idealistic Jefferson Smith. Smith is a surprise replacement for a recently deceased senator, and he brings his small-town dreams with him to Washington. He's a history buff who believes in law and order, as well as the importance of the Constitution. But when he goes against a scheme headed by powerful businessman James Taylor (Arnold), he is thrown to the wolves by Taylor and his cronies, including fellow Senator Joseph Paine (Rains), Smith's idol. Now Smith must convince his constituents of his innocence and make a stand for decency in American government, no matter what. It's an engaging film with a good message that is still relevant, because power will always corrupt no matter what decade we're in. Stewart shows his budding star power, and steals the show.

Frank Capra is one of the most talented filmmakers of all time, and is responsible for some of the greatest films of the 20th century. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is no slouch. At a time when being perceived as anti-American in any way could've ended your career in a heartbeat, Capra and Stewart thought it paramount to stand up for something that mattered: Basic human decency. It's hard to find, especially in politics, but it's always worth fighting for.

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Filmgazm is made by movie lovers for movie lovers. We believe in the magic of film and we aim celebrate films of all genres and throughout cinema history, regardless of who's behind the camera or who financed it. We at Filmgazm believe that every film deserves to be reviewed on its own merits and that's what we are here to do. Enjoy the show!
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