Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Reviews and Ratings


  • 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.
  • Fragglefreak
    April 13, 2009
    Fragglefreak
    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.
  • liantomato
    November 17, 2008
    liantomato
    Ah I nearly cried but then my tooth fell out near the end and the touching part.. Liked it though! Jimmy Stewart is awesome!!~
  • Dvader42
    November 10, 2008
    Dvader42
    Frank Capra still rings true in the eyes of politics today. This movie is in my top 20 of all time!
  • bmcguir
    November 6, 2008
    bmcguir
    sure, capra & stewart together can get a little sappy, but i can't resist watching the magic. jimmy stewart's earnest portrayal of mr. smith is a joy to watch and jean arthur is good too. an idealistic but timeless tale of the common man battling the corruption and greed of those...( read more) in power.
  • Ingrid85
    November 2, 2008
    Ingrid85
    The way we wish washington could be/would be
  • heavyd2000
    November 2, 2008
    heavyd2000
    One of the greatest films evewr made. I watched this in school and fell in love with James Stewart right away(not in a gay way). Some of the best diolog ever written, verry well made.
  • jmankas
    November 1, 2008
    jmankas
    oh my! i've never been much into political movies, but now, geez, i was blown away by the narrative of this one. what a true masterpiece! what started like a very simple storyline, with this country fellow entering into the true important decisions world, the senate, and his firs...( read more)t lessons about the american constitution, politics, and even the city life he wasn't used to, ended with a battle between him (and all that he believed in) and the big and corrupt politic machine. a struggle that left me without words, like an action film only with arguments.

    "Either I'm dead right, or I'm crazy!"
  • nickg329
    October 28, 2008
    nickg329
    One of the most inspirational films I've ever seen.
  • littleadidas085
    October 28, 2008
    littleadidas085
    I actually like this movie....weird but true...
  • bimbogrl02
    October 11, 2008
    bimbogrl02
    Jimmy Stewart, one of my all-time faves, does an outstanding performance in this movie.
  • 366weirdmovies
    October 10, 2008
    366weirdmovies
    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.
  • mega7b
    October 8, 2008
    mega7b
    Look, I know we don't like to admit it when we're teenagers ... but the books and movies that they MAKE us watch -- they make us watch 'em for a reason. I remember yawning my way through my "To Kill a Mockingbird" assignments. I suspect that attitude comes from being forced to re...( read more)ad something rather than being able to enjoy a story at one's own time and pace -- but my point is this: "To Kill a Mockingbird" is, in my opinion, one of the very finest pieces of American literature ever written.

    But I'm no expert on literature, so let's turn the spotlight onto the 1962 adaptation of Harper Lee's classic story.
    t only takes about 15 minutes of running time before you realize what an earnest and heartfelt labor of love this project was.

    And I suppose that's a good reason why, over 30 years later, the movie is still considered one of the finest ever made. It's a story about honor and bravery, memory and regret, decency and determination. Basically it's the very best courtroom drama I've ever seen;
  • Lissa420
    September 20, 2008
    Lissa420
    Before you vote you should watch this movie!
    I liked it because it explains why our government is so messed up!
    Funny how when it first came out, the politicians and reporters in Washington, DC didn't like it and tried to get it banned. Scared of the truth I guess.
    James Stewart...( read more) looked so young. He played the part so well as the man who was made a senator and actually tried to do his job.
    The courtroom drama was great and I really enjoyed this movie.
    A classic that deserves to be watched at least once in your lifetime.
  • JoshuatheAnarchist
    September 18, 2008
    JoshuatheAnarchist
    Truely, breathtakingly inspiring. No other film has touched me quite the way this one did. It reached down into my soul, and touched on my every frustration. Anytime I lose hope for the future of my country, this is the film that restores it.
  • AlaineB
    September 17, 2008
    AlaineB
    This one still holds up and still has teeth.
  • vicker1
    September 16, 2008
    vicker1
    This is an incredibly touching movie that stands the test of time.
  • pixygiggles
    September 16, 2008
    pixygiggles
    Excellent classic film about the corruption in Washington, D.C. and one senator's fight for democracy. I guess it just goes to show that we haven't changed much since 1939.
  • caesarthegame
    September 11, 2008
    caesarthegame
    Capra's classic tale of one man stand against corruption. Brilliant performance from Stewart and Rains. High intensity throughtout the movie. Choppy editing by today's standard, but the screenplay makes up for it.
  • Redlats
    September 10, 2008
    Redlats
    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.
  • theohiostateguy
    August 9, 2008
    theohiostateguy
    What a great classic movie. Frank Capra movies often bring me to tears and this one was no different.

    Jimmy Stewart at his best. You know, after writing that, has anyone ever seen him at his worst? I don't think so.

    If you are a fan of this one, then you have already seen "I...( read more)t's a Wonderful Life". BUT, have you seen "You Can't Take it With You"?

    If not, you need to. Now.

Summary

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Summary