Meet John Doe (1941)
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88% of critics liked it
(17 reviews) -
81% of users liked it
(4,273 ratings)
The first of director Frank Capra's independent productions (in partnership with Robert Riskin), Meet John Doe begins with the end of reporter Ann Mitchell's (Barbara Stanwyck) job. Fired as part of a downsizing move, she ends her last column with an imaginary letter written by "John Doe." Angered… More The first of director Frank Capra's independent productions (in partnership with Robert Riskin), Meet John Doe begins with the end of reporter Ann Mitchell's (Barbara Stanwyck) job. Fired as part of a downsizing move, she ends her last column with an imaginary letter written by "John Doe." Angered at the ill treatment of America's little people, the fabricated Doe announces that he's going to jump off City Hall on Christmas Eve. When the phony letter goes to press, it causes a public sensation. Seeking to secure her job, Mitchell talks her managing editor (James Gleason) into playing up the John Doe letter for all it's worth; but to ward off accusations from rival papers that the letter was bogus, they decide to hire someone to pose as John Doe: a ballplayer-turned-hobo (Gary Cooper), who'll do anything for three squares and a place to sleep. "John Doe" and his traveling companion The Colonel (Walter Brennan) are ensconced in a luxury hotel while Mitchell continues churning out chunks of John Doe philosophy. When newspaper publisher D.B. Norton (Edward Arnold), a fascistic type with presidential aspirations, decides to use Doe as his ticket to the White House, he puts Doe on the radio to deliver inspirational speeches to the masses -- ghost-written by Mitchell, who, it is implied, has become the publisher's mistress. The central message of the Doe speeches is "Love Thy Neighbor," though, conceived in cynicism, the speeches strike so responsive a chord with the public that John Doe clubs pop up all over the country. Believing he is working for the good of America, Cooper agrees to front the National John Doe Movement -- until he discovers that Norton plans to exploit Doe in order to create a third political party and impose a virtual dictatorship on the country. The last of Capra's "social statement" films, Meet John Doe posted a profit, although Capra and Riskin were forced to dissolve their corporation due to excessive taxes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- Unrated, 2 hr. 3 min.
- Directed By
- Frank Capra
- Written By
- Richard Connell, Robert Presnell Sr., Robert Riskin
- Genres
- Drama, Classics, Comedy
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1941 Wide
- On DVD
- Aug 30, 2005
- Studio
- Madacy Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
Journalistic ethics are only a small aspect of the film, but the implications are long-ranging.
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Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Capra's films work because he believed with his whole heart in his cornball agendas.
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Sean Axmaker, Parallax View
It's pure Capra, run through with the tension between idealism and corruption...
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...once you see the movie, you understand why Frank Capra always appealed to the general movie-going public. (70th Anniversary Edition)
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John J. Puccio, Movie Metropolis
...the political and social ramifications are just as topical today as they were seventy years ago.
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Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Além de trazer aquela que é provavelmente a pior cena dirigida por Capra em sua carreira (o monólogo de Regis Toomey na prefeitura), o filme é um água com açúcar repleto de diálogos patriotas/cristãos patéticos, artificiais e piegas.
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Capra's political parable is problematic parables, from his contradictory approach to the "little people" to the right-wing elements to the compromised ending, in which Cooper is stopped from committing suicide.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
It was hard to stomach.
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Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Classic Capra and Cooper still makes statements.
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Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Frank Capra's most ambitious and disturbing film, Meet John Doe is possibly more relevant today than when it first appeared in 1941.
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Dan Lybarger, Lawrence Journal-World
This vintage Capra film is the sort of sentimental thing that only he could get away with.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Graham J
Another Capra masterpiece that is still relevant today. Cooper and Brennan are great. -
AJ V
This is a remarkable movie, and a great performance from Stanwyck. I highly recommend this movie. -
Michael G
Fantastic! It started off as what I thought was going to be a screwball comedy but slowly shifted gears into a heartbreaking tale of beauty and political corruption. Gary Cooper's performance was a bit stiff and Barbara Stanwyck was as always amazing. The convention and final… More
Fantastic! It started off as what I thought was going to be a screwball comedy but slowly shifted gears into a heartbreaking tale of beauty and political corruption. Gary Cooper's performance was a bit stiff and Barbara Stanwyck was as always amazing. The convention and final sequences had a look to them that was nothing short of chilling. The dialogue's a bit dated but the story is timeless. And again, Frank Capra succeeds in getting me all misty. -
Moe E
Frank Capra's illustration of the media's use of an average shmoe with a simple message to manipulate the masses for political gain is as relevant today as it was when released. A very laid-back Gary Cooper is perfect in the title role, with the beautiful Barbara Stanwyck as… More
Frank Capra's illustration of the media's use of an average shmoe with a simple message to manipulate the masses for political gain is as relevant today as it was when released. A very laid-back Gary Cooper is perfect in the title role, with the beautiful Barbara Stanwyck as the woman used to mold him into the tool he becomes. Excellent support provided by Walter Brennan.
Cast
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Gary Cooperas John Doe -
Barbara Stanwyckas Ann Mitchell -
Edward Arnoldas D.B. Norton
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Walter Brennanas The Colonel -
Spring Byingtonas Mrs. Mitchell -
James Gleasonas Henry Connell
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Gene Lockhartas Mayor Lovett -
Rod La Rocqueas Ted Sheldon -
Irving Baconas Beany
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Regis Toomeyas Bert Hansen -
John Farrell MacDonaldas Sourpuss Smithers -
Warren Hymeras Angelface
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Harry Holmanas Mayor Hawkins -
Andrew Tombesas Spencer -
Pierre Watkinas Hammett
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Stanley Andrewsas Weston -
Mitchell Lewisas Bennett -
Charles C. Wilsonas Charlie Dawson
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Vaughan Glaseras Governor -
Sterling Hollowayas Dan -
Mike J. Frankovichas Radio Announcer
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Knox Manningas Radio Announcer at Convention -
John B. Hughesas Radio Announcers at Convention -
Frank Austinas Grubbel
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Bennie Bartlettas Red Office Boy -
Mary Benoit -
Aldrich Bowkeras Pop Dwyer
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Sidney Bracey -
Fritzi Brunette -
Suzanne Carnahanas Autograph hound
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Lucia Carrollas Herself -
Glen Cavender -
Jack Cheathamas Policeman
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Edmund Cobbas Policeman -
Mildred Colesas Secretary -
Margaret Craneas Mrs. Brewster
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Billy Curtisas Midget -
Harry Davenportas Ex-owner of Bulletin -
Vernon Dentas Man
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Ann Doranas Mrs. Hansen -
Edward Earleas Radio MC -
Sarah Edwardsas Mrs. Hawkins
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Carl Ekberg -
Paul Evertonas GOP man -
Johnny Fernas Lady Midget
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Eddie Fetherstoneas Reporter -
Pat Flahertyas Mike -
Bess Flowersas Matie Newspaper Secretary
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William Forrestas Governor's Associate -
Charles K. Frenchas Fired reporter -
Jack Gardneras Photographer
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William Gouldas Sergeant -
Mack Gray -
The Hall Johnson Choir
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Alfred Hall -
John Hamiltonas Jim Governor's Associate -
Kenneth Harlanas Publicity Man
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Forrester Harveyas Bum -
Edward Hearnas Mayor's secretary -
Max Hoffman Jr.
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Stuart Holmes -
John Inceas Doctor -
Selmar Jacksonas Radio Announcer at Convention
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Frank Jaquet -
Carlotta Jelmas Ann's Sister -
Eddie Kaneas Tycoon
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Edward Keaneas Relief Administrator -
Melvin Lang -
Hank Mannas Ed a Photographer
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Alphonse Martellas Foreign Dignitarie -
Frank Mayoas Attendant -
Larry McGrath
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Joe McGuinn -
Tom McGuire -
Lafe [Lafayette] McKeeas Mr. Delaney
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James M. McNamaraas Sheriff -
Edward McWadeas Joe Newsman -
Claire Meade
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James Millicanas Photographer -
Frank Moranas Bit part -
Clark Morgan
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Gene Morganas Mug -
Jack Mower -
Forbes Murrayas Legislator
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Wedgewood Nowell -
Garry Owenas Sign Painter -
Paul Panzer
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Susan Petersas Autograph Hound -
Elsa Peterson -
Hal Price
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Jack Richardson -
Henry Roquemoreas Chamber of Commerce Member -
Thomas W. Ross
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Cliff Saum -
Walter Soderlingas Barrington -
Wyndham Standing
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Edwin Stanleyas Democrat -
Tina Thayeras Ann's Sister -
Cyril Thorntonas Butler
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Charles Trowbridge -
Don Turneras Guard -
Guy Usheras Bixler
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Maris Wrixonas Autograph hound -
George Melford -
Stanley Price
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James Harrison -
Richard Kiplingas Police Commissioner -
Charles McAvoy
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Howard Chase -
Floyd Criswellas Electrician -
Evelyn Dockson
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Emma Tanseyas Mrs. Delaney -
Frank Fanning -
Mrs. Wilfred North
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