Literary HackMr. Smith Goes To Washington
March 7th 2008 04:34
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington
There are spoilers throughout this review, so if you just want the unspoiled movie experience, stop reading and go see the movie now
This 1939 film, directed by Frank Capra (It's A Wonderful Life), is in black & white, and stars Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur. Jean Arthur gets billing in front of the young Mr. Stewart.
The supporting cast is a dream. Claude Rains (Casablanca, Gilda), Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell (Stagecoach, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance) Eugene Pallette, Beaulah Bondi (who also played Jimmy Stewart's mother in It's A Wonderful Life), H.B. Warner, and Harry Carey.
The story is simple.
The Junior Senator of a state (never named) dies and the Governor appoints an innocent man to take the Senator's place for two months. The political machine in the state wanted a controllable stooge, but their nominee caused too much outcry. Mr. Smith, the appointee, goes to Washington and tries to do something good for children. Mayhem ensues....
At one point Jimmy Stewart delivers a filibuster. Something the US Senate and Congress have talked about banning in recent years. As the movie points out,
Mr. Smith
“Half of official Washington is here to see democracy's finest show, the filibuster, the right to talk your head off, the American privilege of free speech in its most dramatic form. The least man in that chamber, once he gets and holds that floor by the rules, can hold it and talk as long as he can stand on his feet providing always, first, that he does not sit down, second, that he does not leave the chamber or stop talking. The galleries are packed. In the diplomatic gallery are the envoys of two dictator powers. They have come here to see what they can't see at home. DEMOCRACY IN ACTION.”
The endurance of the film comes from the exceptional writing, acting and directing. Sure, the lessons of hope and integrity in the story need to be re-told periodically, but I can't think of a movie where those lessons are told better. Frank Capra's smooth direction of a very smart screenplay generates sincere laughter and sympathy for the character's idealism.
I watched the movie again recently, and was surprised by a particular point of meanness in the Jean Arthur character, that I had not remembered. I'm not talking about her sarcasm throughout. That's funny and appropriate to the world created by the film. I'm thinking of a point in the story where she actually sets up poor Mr Smith for failure and disappointment. Seemingly, just to watch him fall as the political machines rev up to deal with his naive plans for a boy's camp. She never gives him a warning, he never knows what's coming. No, this is not Pollyanna.
The movie was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Leading Actor (Jimmy Stewart), Art Direction, Editing Score and Sound. It won for Best Original Story.
A Variety review of the movie, written in 1939, is here Variety
According to Y encarta.msn.com the US Senate was outraged over the movie and how it portrayed them.
According to the internet movie database, the Washington press corps wasn't too pleased either with how they were portrayed.
Recommended as a good political comedy with bite. Enjoy.
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Great review Theresa
Comment by Theresa
Today's World
Thanks
I couldn't agree more about the movie; it'is watchable for me because so many parts of it work so well. I think I'll look at some other Capra movies to see if they feel as seamlessly story driven.
People poke fun at It's A Wonderful Life, but really, not a happy story line if you look at the disappointments, death, bankruptcy, and contemplation of suicide. Just doesn't sound like your average feel good movie.
And yet....it works.
Theresa