Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

92% Liked It
liked it

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee

An idealistic, small-town senator heads to Washington and suddenly finds himself single-handedly battling ruthless politicians out to destroy him.

Id: 10903321

Do you want to see this movie?

My Friends Said...


Recent Reviews


  • July 4, 2009
    when it was first released, mr. smith goes to washington was attacked by the washington press, and politicians in the u.s. congress, as anti-american and pro-communist for its portrayal of corruption in the american government...when a ban on american films was imposed in german-...( read more)occupied france in 1942, some theaters chose to show mr. smith goes to washington as the last movie before the ban went into effect. one theater owner in paris reportedly screened the film nonstop for 30 days after the ban was announced. ~ via wiki........ jimmy + jean + capra = marvellous
  • June 3, 2009
    A boy ranger meets wised up Washington types and a political machine, he's Don Quixote, he's David against Goliath without a slingshot. I enjoyed this very much. Sure Stewart is so squeaky clean and sentimental, but he's the little guy you have to root for against corruption. ...( read more)You have to! People can't give up on ideals and making the world a better place. Wonderful supporting characters in Arthur, Mitchell, Rains, and Arnold too. Jean Arthur is incredibly attractive! She is intelligent and strong and Jefferson Smith would have never said what he needed to say in the Senate filibuster without her.
  • October 10, 2008
    An honest rube of a boy scout leader is appointed senator and sent to Washington where he uncovers political corruption, which he defeats using "Robert's Rules of Order." Some great moments, both subtle and crowd-pleasing, although in the end this sappy civics lesson is too blat...( read more)antly manipulative to rank as a real classic.
  • September 10, 2008
    I've always known about this movie. 50 years after it is filmed, I finally saw it for the first time. It is fine - honest hill billy takes on corrupt politicians and wins. But I prefer modern movies. The old ones seem too simplistic.
  • June 25, 2008
    Frank Capra is one of the most gifted directors that ever lived and here is the proof.
  • December 27, 2009
    Capra convincingly reminds us about the true purpose of politics. Although Mr. Deeds is more approachable and entertaining, this isn't such a bad one either.
  • December 24, 2009
    James Stewart. This guy is great! I loved every minute of this film. The acting was awesome and the message even better. It goes to show you that you don?t need a lot of effects and ?spectacle? to produce a fine film. Watching James Stewart is a thrill. He always brings a c...( read more)ertain personality to his characters that you can?t help rooting for. If you are interested in politics, this is an interesting film to watch. If you are a fan of great films, this one is a must to see.
  • December 13, 2009
    I wish more "politicians" were honorable, trustworthy and optimistic like this character, portrayed by Jimmy Stewart. A great story!
  • November 23, 2009
    Slow start, but all worthwhile during the last scene.
    The battle between right and wrong has never been more endearing with James Stewart at its defense.

    Jefferson Smith: Either I'm dead right, or I'm crazy!
  • October 31, 2009
    One of the reasons James Stewart's star went on to shine into eternity, Frank Capra's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is an unforgettable tale about politics, corruption, and doing the right thing. The script is hilarious, and impeccable (from Sidney Buchman, a veteran of the tren...( read more)ches of Hollywood who also won an Oscar for 1941 "Here Comes Mr.Jordan"). Claude Rains delivers an inspired performance as always, here as the authoritative senator. Jean Arthur (who already had 25 years on her back starring in films by then) is simply amazing as Clarissa Saunders. Edward Arnold, another (forgotten by now) movie veteran is perfectly convincing as the villain and Thomas Mitchell, delightful as the battered journalist, adds yet another asset to the cast. You will want to see this again, in time, for the "feel-good"vibe and the wisecrack, snapping dialogues, which was back then, a trademark of the 30's style in the States.

Opening This Week

Top Box Office

Upcoming Movies

New on DVD