Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Reviews and Ratings


  • 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.
  • jazzmonk
    July 8, 2008
    jazzmonk
    Great movie, a flawless flagwaver from Frank Capra. I just saw it on the big screen (7/6/08). WOW.
  • VArterJr
    July 4, 2008
    VArterJr
    UNBELIEVABLE. One of the best movies (and actors) in the history of cinema. You must see this movie.
  • AsbestosBill
    July 2, 2008
    AsbestosBill
    Overrated. Often boring, occasionally absurd, and never quite effective, even with Jimmy Stewart
  • hobster1
    June 25, 2008
    hobster1
    Frank Capra is one of the most gifted directors that ever lived and here is the proof.
  • lisisimpson
    June 24, 2008
    lisisimpson
    I really want to watch it!!!
  • andrewsfailla
    June 23, 2008
    andrewsfailla
    i saw this when i was a kind, hense i was bored. maybe good now that i am older.
  • dixongray
    June 19, 2008
    dixongray
    Always trying to do the right thing...
  • quiettiger12
    June 16, 2008
    quiettiger12
    Jimmy Stewart rocks my socks off.
  • angidov
    June 15, 2008
    angidov
    Too bad life doesn't mirror the films. Only Frank Capra could do like this. One of a kind.
  • Trequel
    May 30, 2008
    Trequel
    The plot is simple enough:" A Boy Scout Leader is elected to the Senate but must face off against corrupt politicians." Now add in a pinch of romance, a cup of excitement, and 15 heaping gallons of greatness and you have Mr. Smith goes to Washington. Just what makes this film so...( read more) good? Well, for starters, the plot seems very original. The cast is also not the overacting 1940's actors. They carry out their roles so they are believable. The politics also don;'t overwhelm the movie, leaving the plot in a simple state. Need I continue? I think not. After all, actions speak louder than words. This is exactly why this movie is a perfect candidate to rent.
  • cherokeedonna83
    May 29, 2008
    cherokeedonna83
    just watched this last week
  • JasonDennis91786
    May 23, 2008
    JasonDennis91786
    a very human picture that serves as a slam on the moral ambivalence of bureaucracy in a very simple way.
  • placeinthesun455
    May 10, 2008
    placeinthesun455
    a campy yet surprisingly frank film about American idealism in the face of political corruption. its dramatic intrigue is quite mild compared to modern-day political and courtroom thrillers, and the ending seemed almost anticlimactic and underplayed. still, a strong introductor...( read more)y performance for Jimmy Stewart and a hallmark contribution to American filmmaking.
  • lucasaq
    May 9, 2008
    lucasaq
    Capra's best work and very riveting as well, centers around naïve Smith, played to perfection by James Stewart. It is filled with Capra?s wonderful group of character and supporting actors including the great Jean Arthur, the wonderful Thomas Mitchell, Harry Carey, and the suprem...( read more)e supporting actor Claude Rains. Together these actors head the colorful cast that fill the Senate chamber. The film always arouses my patriotism as Capra gives us his wonderful version of America that I so wish was true. Capra was a genius and each of his films exemplifies his love for his art. Few speeches can match the fervor that Smith?s final speech arouses with that final gasp. If only, Gone With the Wind hadn?t have been released, but then the competition would have stilled included The Wizard of Oz, as well as Stagecoach. Amazing.
  • Rhubarb156
    May 8, 2008
    Rhubarb156
    James Stewart puts in the performance of a lifetime in the story of an idealistic young man given a chance in Washington to do what he thinks is right. incredible.
  • phantomregiment
    May 6, 2008
    phantomregiment
    Here's your American Government class...but the difference is, you'll enjoy this. You should anyway.
  • PvtCaboose91
    April 21, 2008
    PvtCaboose91
    "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)their lives and say: I'm free to think and to speak. My ancestors couldn't, I can, and my children will. Boys ought to grow up remembering that."

    Frank Capra is a man with an impressive résumé; he directed some true classics during his career, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is certainly one of his best. The film is deservedly a classic; an uplifting experience that boasts some truly groundbreaking perspectives.

    As the film opens we are informed that a senator has died and a replacement is necessary. While searching for a candidate they come across an honourable, modest man named Jefferson Smith (Stewart). Smith is a man who has nothing but the upmost respect for politics and politicians. Smith also runs the Boy Rangers, is respected by the boys around him, and has just heroically put out a forest fire. And so he is chosen as a senator in Washington. At first awe-struck by the historic merits of his surroundings; but as he begins getting settled in, Smith finds nothing but corruption and crime in the highest levels of government. Smith is highly inexperienced but finds himself single-handedly battling ruthless politicians who are out to destroy him and expel him of his powerful position.

    The plot is simple but brilliant. The concept of portraying political corruption was unheard of at the time. The film especially emphasizes the cynicism present in some politicians who will go to great lengths to cover something up. It will probably never be proved if such corruption exists, but the perspectives are made believable.

    But one aspect that is most admirably highlighted is what politics can do to a man. Claude Rains delivers a poignant speech that points out what happens to a man when they enter politics; ideals are changed and their sense of individuality diminishes. And he admires Mr. Smith because he does his best to defend his ideals that still firmly exist.

    The expansive production design looks outstanding. Most of the film's budget must have gone into the realistic Senate set where most of the action takes place. The set looks fantastic, real and believable. There appears to be no difference between the set and the real thing.

    One thing that I discovered while watching the movie was a number of minor technical faults. There are several jarring edits that are sometimes obvious; despite this the material is always so strong and highlighted by a dynamic performance from James Stewart that is bursting with energy. Stewart's performance can't be faulted and he was nominated for an Oscar. He is supported by a host of outstanding co-stars. Jean Arthur was particularly memorable as someone who shows firm support in Mr. Smith. And of course Claude Rains was another unforgettable actor who helps carry the film. Stewart was already enough to keep me engaged; thankfully the rest of the cast maintain this high level of talent.

    Because the film turns into a Senatorial debate for about the final 30 minutes there always had to be something that keeps the audience interested. The whole thing is staged very well and moves at a brisk pace; carried by the magnificent actors and the passionate directing from Frank Capra. The film builds up to an exhilarating climax.

    Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a timeless classic and a cinematic triumph; it's unforgettable, powerful and moving. Not to be missed.
  • dooritor1
    April 20, 2008
    dooritor1
    Jimmy James, oh my oh my! Best speech of its day.. Any speech club kidlets out there... Do this!!!!
  • munro82
    April 12, 2008
    munro82
    Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is an inspirational classic, with a wonderful blend of comedy and powerful drama.

    This movie is bursting with energy and optimism, all stemming from James Stewart's dynamic performance as the idealistic young senator.

    Jean Arthur is equally go...( read more)od, representing the cynicism found in many of us, when presented with someone who claims to have pure motives.

    But, in true Frank Capra style, our passionate hero revives the hope inside of her and the nation, when he confronts the corrupt political machine, building up to the electrifying filibuster climax. A cinematic triumph.
  • madboffin1
    April 11, 2008
    madboffin1
    James Stewart at his best as the vulnerable self effacing man that sidcovers a core of steel and triumphs against the odds -
  • drzhivago
    April 5, 2008
    drzhivago
    A classic movie and Jimmy Stewart I'll always love.

Summary

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Summary