Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Reviews and Ratings


  • 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.
  • weikel2000
    April 2, 2008
    weikel2000
    I saw this movie for the first time in 9th grade, in American Government class, and I was blown away. Incredibly good story, and Jimmy Stewart gave one of the greatest performances in movie history, even though he didn't win Best Actor...one of all time blunders in oscar history....( read more) Such an incredible movie, everyone HAS to see it.
  • hahsyslyl
    March 28, 2008
    hahsyslyl
    This is the greatest movie Jimmy Stewart ever performed. I have always wanted to be Jefferson Smith. The honest, naive, trusty and idealistic person who always have strong faith to himself. Always trying to get his compromise.
    I have always wanted to have this movie's DVD. And ...( read more)now I am going to get it for my birthday. HOORAY!
  • copperscaledragon2
    March 24, 2008
    copperscaledragon2
    Still very relevant in a lot of ways. good movie.
  • thomasscott2
    March 22, 2008
    thomasscott2
    With this movie I tried very hard to love this movie, but it didn't work. I still liked it quite a bit. Well, I love the courtroom scenes, not just the extras in between.
  • mc5001
    March 14, 2008
    mc5001
    have i ever said jimmy stewart is god? well, jimmy stewart is god.
  • lighthead
    March 11, 2008
    lighthead
    Journalists have All the presidents men, politicians have this.
  • kurosawian
    March 10, 2008
    kurosawian
    Another Capra classic with Stewart delivering his iconic performance. A stirring and wonderfully timeless story.
  • holmennnguy
    March 8, 2008
    holmennnguy
    I tried very hard to love this movie, but it didn't work. I still liked it quite a bit. Well, I love the courtroom scenes, not just the extras in between. Still a very good classic.
  • Garyin89
    February 25, 2008
    Garyin89
    liked it! Very original! James Stewart is way cool!
  • kms5079
    February 21, 2008
    kms5079
    I always loved this movie. I need to watch it again.
  • afropuffs2
    February 18, 2008
    afropuffs2
    I couldn't believe how the film can still be relevant to thing going on today.
  • paeanhera
    February 18, 2008
    paeanhera
    The Best of Capra, I feel. The little guy takes on the Big Washington and comes out ahead, a champion of the people. Just as much a period piece about the Depression Era and the Roosevelt presidency as well as the superb acting of James Stewart. Compare with It's a Wonderful Life.
  • kassychocolate
    February 17, 2008
    kassychocolate
    Absolutely classic Capra. Not to mention, absolutely classic. Jimmy Stewart is wonderful yet again in the title role. The theme of the change an individual can make is explored to great lengths and really touches me everytime I watch it. I am so inspired that I cry at the end eve...( read more)rytime. A great tribute to democracy.
  • lizzi08
    February 11, 2008
    lizzi08
    There is nothing more beautiful than that solitary moment when James Stewart is the only thing seen on camera and when his eyes tear with the refusal to accept his defeat. The most emotional moments captured on film can be seen in the final fifteen minutes of this wonderful classic.
  • aliaysleighbasic
    January 31, 2008
    aliaysleighbasic
    You have to see this movie if your an american!
  • uholdmyheart
    January 30, 2008
    uholdmyheart
    Jimmy Stewart will raise your spirits and have you rooting for the little guy
  • paintballmasters66
    January 30, 2008
    paintballmasters66
    back when great movies meant something
  • angryPrincess79
    January 24, 2008
    angryPrincess79
    I remeber the first time I saw this back in grade school....a good flick.
  • Atisa19
    January 24, 2008
    Atisa19
    Ahhh..wish we had a Mr. Smith now.
  • hrhunteriii
    January 20, 2008
    hrhunteriii
    Almost defining over the top. The inspiring ending of this film must have begun many political careers.
  • nicolemarley4
    January 16, 2008
    nicolemarley4
    awwww jimmy stewart again i love this guy! yet again hes fantastic in this movie! this film is mainly about morals and right and wrong i guess! and jimmy stewarts charactor stands up for what he believes in and refuses to give in to show that in the end good always prevails!
  • punksenate
    January 14, 2008
    punksenate
    Meh, Frank Capra was ok i guess

Summary

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Summary