SummaryA naive man (Jimmie Stewart) is appointed to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate. His plans promptly collide with political corruption, but he doesn't back down.
SummaryA naive man (Jimmie Stewart) is appointed to fill a vacancy in the United States Senate. His plans promptly collide with political corruption, but he doesn't back down.
[Capra] has paced it beautifully and held it in perfect balance, weaving his romance lightly through the political phases of his comedy, flicking a sardonic eye over the Washington scene, racing out to the hinterland to watch public opinion being made and returning miraculously in time to tie all the story threads together into a serious and meaningful dramatic pattern.
An amazing movie that explores the themes of democracy, corruption, and the power of the individual. The film is a masterclass in storytelling and character development. The performances are outstanding, and the cinematography is breathtaking. The film is a must-see for anyone who loves cinema.
The acting of the brilliant cast is sometimes superb. But Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is bigger than any of these things. Its real hero is not calfy Jeff Smith, but the things he believes, as embodied in the hero of U. S. democracy's first crisis, Abraham Lincoln.
Frank Capra’s Me Smith Goes to Washington has long been heralded as a classic of American cinema, taking up spot 26 on the AFI 100 List. However, with time, the film's once-inspiring narrative has succumbed to a dated sentimentality that may not resonate with modern audiences.
The film is often criticised for its overly sentimental and idealistic portrayal of politics. Capra's characteristic optimism is on full display, culminating in a happy ending that feels excessively simplistic, given the complexities of real-world politics. This idealism, perhaps uplifting during its time, now comes across as naive and unconvincing.
You cannot help but draw comparisons to "The Simpsons" episode "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington," which offers a far more satirical and nuanced take on the themes of political integrity and corruption. Unlike Capra's film, the episode balances humour with a biting critique of political systems, making it a more effective and entertaining watch for contemporary viewers.
While Mr. Smith Goes to Washington might have been revolutionary, it now seems more like a relic of a bygone era, hindered by its schmaltzy storytelling and an overly rosy resolution. Time has not been kind to this film, and its message feels lost amidst its saccharine execution.
Time to take it off the AFI 100.
TaglineOUR OPERATOR SAYS.."IT'S GOING TO BE A PLEASURE TO RUN "MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON" 5 DAYS STARTING SUNDAY, NOV.7) (print ad - Lubbock Morning Avalanche - Cactus Theatre - Lubbock Texas - November 2, 1938 - all caps)