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 )
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 )
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 )
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.
Frank Capra is one of the most gifted directors that ever lived and here is the proof.
"You see, boys forget what their country means by just reading The Land of the Free in history books. Then they get to be men they forget even more. Liberty's too precious a thing to be buried in books, Miss Saunders. Men should hold it up in front of them every single day of ... ...( read more )
Jimmy James, oh my oh my! Best speech of its day.. Any speech club kidlets out there... Do this!!!!
Containing my joy at this film may or may not prove difficult. I suspected long ago that it would appear to my sensibilities, as it's the kind of manipulation I am inevitably happy to fall prey to. It is the essence of what being American means to Frank Capra and the essence of w... ...( read more )
My lack of unconditional reverence for the classics may make me sound ignorant, but the aging process has to be taken into consideration. Fuck all the AFI douches who haven't watched a new movie in 50 years.
Anyway, I thought this movie was interesting in concept, but didn't qui... ...( read more )
An idealistic, small-town senator heads to Washington and suddenly finds himself single-handedly battling ruthless politicians out to destroy him.
"Either I'm dead right, or I'm crazy!"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
Director: Frank Capra
Country: USA
Genre: Drama
Length: 129 minutes...( read more )
I love this movie. So uplifting, and Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur both are fantastic in it. I love listening to their dialogue together.
Now, I must admit that this is one of my top five favorite films. There is a warmth, idealism, and kinda simple feeling of hope, that makes one believe that things will work out in the end. Capra knew exactly what he wanted, and it shines. Jimmy Stewart, in the role of his life, ... ...( read more )
This movie shows you really about the politics and who is good and bad... We all need someone like Mr Smith
I know it's dismissed as simplistic populist fantasy, but I really want to see it again - I wanted everyone to see it when i saw it in 1999, because I think it's far more than a simplistic populist fantasy.
"Lost causes are the only causes worth fighting for."
Perhaps one of the most moving films I have ever seen. It tells the tale of the naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith, appointed into a US Senator by a political machine, in hopes that he would become a puppet for them. Of cou... ...( read more )
I've got so much love for Jimmy Stewart -- my favorite actor alongside Brando. His fiery charisma could burn the world down with a single glance. In this film, I fell in love with him THROUGH his character. This film is a winner all around. It wins for you, me, for justice, for h... ...( read more )
For its time, one of the best "political" movies. From a time when everyone thought they knew how government did work or at least, should work. Stewart at his serio-comic best. Jean Arthur, mostly forgotten now, is wonderful as his DC helper and later, friend.
James Stewart is perfectly cast as an innocent and honorable senator trying to do the right thing despite the manipulation and corruptness of his peers. Watching him win over his distractors and fighting for his cause through use of a drawn-out filibuster is heartwarming. His s... ...( read more )
James Stewart plays a decent, honest guy who is pressed into service as a replacement for a dead politician. He is, it is assumed, a gullible nonentity who will dance to whatever tune the political machine demands. Stewart, of course, soon loses his naivety and stands up for hims... ...( read more )
Oh my goodness, just saw this for the first time. Absolutely love this movie! The great Mr. Stewart is at his best and it has some strong political themes that really shine through.
Smith and Capra at the top of their games, it still makes me hopeful for humanity everytime I watch it.
7/10
Pulling off an earnestness that only Capra can, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a protest against political corruption with an endearing character.
I rated it low because it was really boring. I hate anything to do with politics, and the movie just seemed to go for a long time with nothing happening. While I'm not into movies where there's stuff exploding every second and no plot, I also don't like movies that are about noth... ...( read more )
A classic film with a a ledgendary performance from James Stewart and wonderful directing from Frank Capra.
James Stewart puts in a powerful performance as Mr. Smith who battles for nearly a day against the people out to get him. Claude Rains is as good as always too, as Mr. ... ...( read more )
