Review of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) by R. S — 01 Aug 2015
Frank Capra's cherished cinematic classic from the Golden Age of Hollywood, tells the tale of a naive and idealistic leader of the Boy Rangers, Jefferson Smith, played by brilliantly by James Stewart, who richly earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his memorable turn here.
He has been hand-picked to be appointed senator of his state by a corrupt political boss named Jim Taylor, played impressively by Edward Arnold. The great Claude Rains delivers a magnificent Academy Award nominated turn, as the senior senator and Smith's troubled colleague, a good man gone bad by the power of politics.
Smith later learns that a pending appropriations bill will fund a graft project, a dam backed by his powerful sponsor. To prevent the bill from passing before this plot can be revealed to the public, Smith takes to the Senate floor to stage a filibuster and speaks for hour after hour, a lone hero standing up for what's right on the floor of the United States Senate is one of the greatest showdowns in the history of the cinema.
Masterful Academy Award nominated direction by Capra, with tremendous performances by Jean Arthur, Thomas Mitchell, Harry Carey, Eugene Pallette, Beulah Bondi, and Guy Kibbee. An intelligent and witty Academy Award winning screenplay by Sidney Buchman, with beautiful black & white cinematography by Joseph Walker, and striking art direction by Lionel Banks, that features a meticulous-crafted and perfect replica of the U.
S. Senate chamber, which is an uncanny set. Nominated for 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director: Frank Capra. A timeless classic! Highly Recommended.
This review of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) was written by R. S on 01 Aug 2015.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington has generally received very positive reviews.
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