Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Reviews and Ratings


  • anastasia57001
    October 31, 2009
    anastasia57001
    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.
  • samanthaseaotter
    October 28, 2009
    samanthaseaotter
    James Stewart was such a hottie!
  • soccermeg123
    October 19, 2009
    soccermeg123
    this is a pretty good movie. Had to watch in gov't.
  • ElCochran90
    October 18, 2009
    ElCochran90
    "Either I'm dead right, or I'm crazy!"

    MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)


    Director: Frank Capra
    Country: United States of America
    Genre: Drama
    Length: 129 minutes

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    Ladies and gentlemen: THIS is the definition of cinema. The fact that it was made 70 years ago is totally unbelievable. Every single aspect, from cinematographical to technical, is wholeheartedly assembled into one single piece of cinema masterpiece. Italian director Frank Capra directs his most complex, fast-paced and utterly fantastic superlative cinematic project that almost no director by that time could ever dream of. This is not only his best masterwork, but it is, arguably, the best political drama ever brought to amazed worldwide audiences.

    When a member of the US Senate passes away, an unexperienced and unsophisticated man, Jefferson Smith, is appointed to fill the vacancy, causing controversy among the process. After his idealistic ideas lead him to Washington and starts a project consisting in organizing a national boys' camp, the state political boss tries to submerge him in the deep world of political corruption and, after complaining and disagreeing with the intentional and malicious flaws of the political process, he tries to overthrow the system while trying to overcome a massive and catastrophic scandal organized against him. The film received 11 Academy Award nominations for Best Writing, Original Story, Best Actor in a Leading Role, two nominations for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Art Direction, Best Film Editing, Best Music, Scoring, Best Sound, Recording, Best Writing, Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture, winning only the first one. It had the misfortune of competing against the best (Hollywood) classic film ever made, Gone with the Wind (1939), which deservedly took away 5 Academy Awards from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Even so, this film is least likely to ever be surpassed within its genre.

    Whereas people may prefer It's a Wonderful Life (1946) or even It Happened One Night (1934) because of their charming simplicity and undeniable cinematically romantic magic, those films lacked an important element that made this film into a memorable social commentary: courage. Considering that the world was starting to participate in one of the most destructive and tragic wars of mankind history, the global situation was in a great turmoil. A great amount of guts is needed to explicitly speak out loud and share personal perspectives about topics that considerably started to rule the lives of the ones who belonged to the way of life of citizenship, and that was exactly what Capra attempted and succesfully ended up doing.

    James Stewart's brilliant performance is, perhaps, the best one he has ever done. Although this was his first nomination for best actor, he should have won it, since it is the best acting he ever did, in my opinion. He portrays the typical idealistic and patriotic American citizen whose childishly brilliant ideas push him to new levels of epiphanic maturity and social bravery. The power of his performance against to those who represent the political corruption found in the governmental system and authoritative figures, who would be Claude Rains as the Senator Joseph Paine and Edward Arnold as Jim Taylor, is a clear and controversially direct portrayal of how reason can prevail over judgment, justice can prevail over corruption and the ignorance of the law can prevail over the law itself. Jean Arthur plays the educated and cultured female figure of the nation, and her performance is extraordinary, among the most complete female performances of cinema. The supporting cast did an excellent job as well, each embodying the villains of the America that citizens dream of even nowadays.

    The direction is marvelous, making Mr. Smith Goes to Washington the most masterful cinematic project by Capra (no arguments allowed). The film editing is extremelly fast-paced and energetic, adding a lot of intense and emotional moments and vigor throughout. Sound is used in a fantastic way, and it is edited in the most astonishing form, not only considering the sounds themselves within a particular sequence, but also the constant changing of scenes. The screenplay is considerably long, and yet the running time of the movie is totally appropriate and endurable, despite its quick, but understandable rhythm. Both Lewis R. Foster and (specially) Sidney Buchman did an admirable work.

    Despite the highly patriotic unrealism that is portrayed at the end, the film gives a dreamed image of the America that hasn't existed yet. Its treating of unique (and nowadays common) topics such as the notorious influence of mass media, the power of the authoritative governors over its people and the American Constitution lead to one single conclusion: Freedom of speech, democracy and idealism can surpass the relative power of the government, and law triumphs once again. Audacious essay about politics that actually DOES NOT need any knowledge about the topic because of the way the plot is handled. The message and personal viewpoints of the director are clearly stated.

    99/100
  • RThornhill
    October 13, 2009
    RThornhill
    Terrific Capra tale with a great cast. "What is he, animal, vegetable or mineral? Maybe he's an oyster!" Recommended.
  • ristrawn
    September 29, 2009
    ristrawn
    great about living democracy & the little person rising above the tyranny of those with power & money for greed... James Stewart & Jean Arthur were fantastic together...
  • supdawg1985
    September 27, 2009
    supdawg1985
    Shows how one man with strong morals can change the corruption of greedy politicians. Great acting by Stewart as he changes from a humble and somewhat naive man into a strong and enduring one.
  • ahhh1989
    September 25, 2009
    ahhh1989
    My second favorite Frank Capra film.
  • halorocker44
    September 19, 2009
    halorocker44
    possibly the greatest movie of all time
  • R0L0D3X
    September 6, 2009
    R0L0D3X
    It was kinda slow but I like the other one
  • AD917
    September 5, 2009
    AD917
    A love letter to America from an Italian immigrant. I didn?t buy the ending at all, which hurt my overall enjoyment of the film, but it?s made up for in other areas. Frank Capra?s films are certainly heavy handed, sappy, and overly sentimental, but they were made with such genuin...( read more)e heart and relentless optimism that it almost always works, no matter how cynical you are.
  • afbuelvasp
    September 4, 2009
    afbuelvasp
    La "favorita" de Jimmy Stewart, es un fiel reflejo de la gente de antes, con los valores por encima de todo, un gran ejemplo a seguir el buenazo de Jefferson Smith. Capra fue un grande.
  • Sunshineyness
    August 20, 2009
    Sunshineyness
    This movie brings out the political idealist in me. The small part of me that truly believes any citizen in this country can go to Washington and change things. Get things done and fight for what's right. I am all about subversive films, films about people bucking the system, and...( read more) exposing the truth. And golly gee this is that movie.

    This is by far one of the best movies about politics, Washington, and how-things-are-run.

    And Jimmy... Oh Mr. Stewart you OWNED that filibusterer scene.
  • hossein13
    August 17, 2009
    hossein13
    A powerful and important political drama. The righteous image of Jimmy Stewart is bothering but recommended anyways.
  • PoofyPuff1000
    July 4, 2009
    PoofyPuff1000
    James Stewart is brilliant in the lead role of Jefferson Smith.
  • rubystevens
    July 4, 2009
    rubystevens
    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
  • sasuraixrhapsody
    June 29, 2009
    sasuraixrhapsody
    I love this movie. So uplifting, and Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur both are fantastic in it. I love listening to their dialogue together.
  • mohamedrafaelturay
    June 28, 2009
    mohamedrafaelturay
    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)makes us believe, what we know is almost impossible in todays crass world.

    Claude Rains is incredible as Senator Smith's evil mentor. Jean Arthur, as his confidant, plays the part so well,that we just want her to save the day.

    The final scene, where the filibuster is taking place, is among the greatest ever made.

    BUT THE PROOF, YOU ASK?

    In the early 80s, I showed this film, over three days, to a group of 15 year old inner city teenagers. I taught Political Science in a very difficult school in Chicago. It was a new class, and not all of the "best" students took it.

    I decided to show this film at the end of the year, just to see how long I could keep the students attention. I didn't expect much. Fifteen is a very tough age to keep any kind of attention span, and it was at the end of the day, 2:30 -3:15 pm. which made things worse. As the film began, there was rustling in the seats, boredom, that famous oh what a waste of time look...Mind you, this is 43 year old film, about a white Senator, in those "old" days, and being shown to a totally Afro-American crowd of 15 year olds, late in the day, (over a three day period, which meant the students would have to wait till the next day to see what was going on. ..By the end of the third day, Capra had worked his magic, and the entire class was spellbound by this film. They were there till the very end, and you could see how much they enjoyed seeing a film, that they wouldn't have looked at in a thousand years..Comments were wonderful. Any film that could accomplish this, more than 40 years after its conception, to a crowd that one would believe would have no interest deserves to be truly called a "great film."
  • gbmustang71125
    June 13, 2009
    gbmustang71125
    This movie shows you really about the politics and who is good and bad... We all need someone like Mr Smith
  • kenkirkham
    June 10, 2009
    kenkirkham
    Sadly, many people will never see this, simply because it is in black and white.
  • ccizon
    June 9, 2009
    ccizon
    And it happened this last January!
  • hypathio7
    June 3, 2009
    hypathio7
    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.
  • gsgray8
    May 16, 2009
    gsgray8
    THE ORIGINAL WITH JAMES STEWART
  • gryph5150
    April 30, 2009
    gryph5150
    D.C. could use a lot more fellows like Mr. Smith, brilliantly portrayed by James Stewart
  • creativeworkout
    April 25, 2009
    creativeworkout
    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.
  • joakcbasse
    April 19, 2009
    joakcbasse
    "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)rse, that's not quite how things turned out.

    Jimmy Stewart, as he does so often, simply lights up the screen. Claude Rains and Jean Arthur also did amazing jobs supporting Stewart. It also helped that their characters were written well. In Senator Smith, we see the hero fighting for what is right. In Clarissa Saunders, we see the jaded person finally realizing that there is another way. In Senator Paine, we see the remains of what was once a good man, crushed by the political machine. They're all entrapped in a classic, timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of a corrupt government and power falling into the wrong hands.

    Possibly the most inspiring "me against the world" and "fight for what it right" story ever told. We would do well to keep this tale in mind, repeatedly remembering what this movie (and our nation) stood for.
  • graveling861
    April 13, 2009
    graveling861
    A little overrated but Jimmy Stewart is loveable and heartwarming.
  • Huskerchez
    March 29, 2009
    Huskerchez
    Man is Stewart great or what. Fillibuster anyone?
  • bohemeidentite
    March 17, 2009
    bohemeidentite
    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)ope, for everything that can be great tomorrow and was great about yesterday.

    It's as pertinent as ever, and will remain so for a long time to come.
  • berigan
    March 11, 2009
    berigan
    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.
  • neffielee
    March 10, 2009
    neffielee
    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)pirit is contagious and makes one wish our elected officials were like that. Truly one of the best movies ever made.
  • Budgeburgess
    March 7, 2009
    Budgeburgess
    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)elf and the people he represents.

    Frank Capra's compelling attack on corruption and the abuse of political power was based on a novel, 'The Gentleman from Montana', and was made at a time (1939) when democracy and freedom of expression were under attack in Europe. Capra was clearly impressed by the symbolism of Washington - numerous scenes in the film portray the statues, memorials, the Capitol, images of revolution, independence and the myths / legends of 1776, the signing of the constitution, even a child quoting Lincoln's 'Gettysburg Address' and its allusion to emancipation.

    But Capra was also aware that Washington is a compromise city with a counterfeit history - the US capital was moved from Philadelphia, and Washington (little more than a swamp) was chosen as the site for the new capital as a compromise to appease northern and southern political blocs. Capra, throughout the film, plays with this contrast between image and substance, between the solidity of the institutions and the fragility of the liberties they are supposed to uphold.

    Capra has ideals and values - decency, honesty, humanity, politeness, compassion, truth, respect. He doesn't analyse these as cold philosophical or political themes - he dramatises them for the ordinary people who flocked to see his films. The portrayal can be sentimental, simple, simplistic even, aimed at emotional rather than cerebral appeal, but his ideals and values are no less genuine and no less valid for that. There are nuggets of sentimentality in "Mr.Smith goes to Washington", but there is a whole motherload of honesty and passion in the film too.

    There is an outstanding cast - Stewart oozes honesty and sincerity, Claude Rains brings real presence to his role, Thomas Mitchell is charm and humour personified, Harry Carey captures attention in what is only a minor, if pivotal, role, and Edward Arnold is a glorious bad guy, absolutely convinced and convincing in his self-righteousness. Capra cared about his actors and this is as obvious here as in any other of his films. And, having said that, the stand out performance is by Jean Arthur as the hard-bitten Washington functionary who comes to believe again - she is wonderful, bringing to the screen a dynamic female presence in an era when women were too often only there for glamour and love interest. Capra contrasts her sophisticated political understanding and constitutional knowledge with the all male, all white assembly packed with men who seem reluctant (if not unable) to form their own opinions.

    Capra blends comedy and drama to emphasise how corrupt the political machine had become and to expose the role of the media in papering over that corruption. His film attracted much popular acclaim - but was denounced by the Washington establishment (and by Jo Kennedy) as unpatriotic. Not, of course, that he changed much. The political machines have an even tighter hold on Washington, the multinationals a global straitjacket on the media.

    A superbly filmed production, beautifully transferred (in black and white) to DVD. You get some interesting extras - a 10 minute interview with Capra's son (himself a film director and therefore able to combine professional knowledge of film-making with intimate knowledge of his father and memories of the times), and a highly informative commentary by him on the film. Excellent value, and one of Hollywood's all time great movies.
  • vdk2000
    March 2, 2009
    vdk2000
    This is why James Stewart is one of the best actors ever
  • brad2534
    February 27, 2009
    brad2534
    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.
  • shiftygardengnome
    February 23, 2009
    shiftygardengnome
    Smith and Capra at the top of their games, it still makes me hopeful for humanity everytime I watch it.
  • IzzyGlow
    February 21, 2009
    IzzyGlow
    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.
  • malacaynomuerto
    January 25, 2009
    malacaynomuerto
    cine maravillosamente correcto sobre valores y el valor de la verdad
  • JamesThePirate
    January 22, 2009
    JamesThePirate
    Seen It
    Review Coming Soon
  • MightySparks
    January 18, 2009
    MightySparks
    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)ing and nothing ever happens. Which is why I don't like dramas either.

    I didn't think much of the acting, besides James Stewart, who is one of my favourite actors and is awesome in everything, and Claude Rains.

    The main problem I have with older movies is the dialogue because it sounds so fake. Being born in 1991, hearing people speak like "oh golly gosh", it just seems stupid and unreal.

    But anyway, like I said I was bored all the way through but this is due to a plot which I have no interest in, and honestly, I don't understand anything about politics.
  • yomisso
    December 28, 2008
    yomisso
    can't believe i haven't seen this one yet!
  • Rossjm
    December 16, 2008
    Rossjm
    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)Smith's dads friend who at first believes in Smith, later tries to bring him down on the side of the others.

    The editing and use of music are also very good, adding more to the emotional effect of it all.

    Frank and Jimmy are brilliant when working together, but It's A Wonderful Life is still better in my opinon.

    Watch this and you will truly believe that you can do anything. One of the most inspiring films of all time and at approaching 70 years, it hasn't dated and it's powerful message and morals remain as stong as ever.
  • whitsrus
    December 12, 2008
    whitsrus
    Can it get any better than this? Wow, James Stewart is always a hit, and in this film he is tremendous! What a great story, this country needs to watch this movie regularly.
  • jonnycrumley
    December 12, 2008
    jonnycrumley
    Often overshadowed by It's a Wonderful Life, Mr Smith Goes to Washington is as inspirational and heart warming. Stewart is stunning in one of his very early roles, and the masterful direction from Capra builds up the drama until the movie's triumphant ending.
  • mollylatek1
    December 6, 2008
    mollylatek1
    Incredibly philisophical, why can't James Stuart be immortal. I wish he was still alive, he would totally be cooler than that vampire guy!
  • 01MovieMan
    December 4, 2008
    01MovieMan
    This is an oldie and goodie.

    An idealistic, small-town senator heads to Washington and suddenly finds himself single-handedly battling ruthless politicians out to destroy him.
  • moblakely73
    December 4, 2008
    moblakely73
    James Sterwart does it again. A great movie.
  • lovablemisanthrope
    November 20, 2008
    lovablemisanthrope
    Go see it. It's still relevant today.

Summary

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Summary