Review of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) by Jj S — 05 Aug 2013
Jimmy Stewart gives his star-making performance, which also just happens to be one of his most powerful, as a young naive and eager young man who is appointed a Senator when the previous holder of the seat dies.
Stewart is Jefferson Smith, a man who is a heavily involved youth leader with the Boy Rangers (Because the Boy Scouts refused their name to be used). Smith gets to Washington and has his ideals almost crushed by the atmosphere of DC, but takes on the Senate and the political machine of a man named Taylor (and unelected official who pretty much runs the show due to his money and connections) from his state.
Capra is one of those classic directors I really admire, and Stewart is great as his character goes from being nervous and feeling out of place to fighting passionately for his lost cause. Rains is good too as the conflicted senior Senator from Smith's state.
Classic film, one of the first to truly show just how corrupt our political system can be and often is...a film that remains quite relevant today due to that message.
This review of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) was written by Jj S on 05 Aug 2013.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington has generally received very positive reviews.
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