Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (film)
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is a classic American film directed by Frank Capra, based on a story by Lewis R. Foster. The narrative centers around Jefferson Smith, portrayed by James Stewart, an idealistic youth leader who unexpectedly becomes a U.S. senator. Smith's vision of democracy is rooted in the principles articulated by Abraham Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence. However, he soon finds himself at odds with corrupt politicians, particularly Senator Jim Taylor, who is involved in a shady deal to exploit land for personal gain. With the help of his knowledgeable secretary, Clarissa Saunders, played by Jean Arthur, Smith proposes legislation for a national boys' camp, only to uncover the dishonest motives behind the land's intended use.
Determined to expose the wrongdoing, Smith embarks on a lengthy filibuster, delivering a passionate speech about liberty and the importance of serving the public good over personal interests. The film's portrayal of the legislative process and its themes of integrity and democracy resonated with audiences but also sparked controversy, leading to criticism from political insiders and being banned in several fascist countries. Ultimately, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" remains a significant exploration of the challenges of maintaining democratic ideals in the face of corruption.
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (film)
Identification Film about a junior senator battling graft among American legislators
Director Frank Capra
Date Released on October 17, 1939
As the Great Depression persisted and World War II broke out abroad, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington offered timely reassurance in democracy. Highlighting a derailed but redeemable American political system, the film voiced national anxieties, applauded individual integrity, and asserted faith in basic democratic principles. It was nominated for eleven Academy Awards and won the Oscar for best original story of 1939.
Based on a tale by Lewis R. Foster, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington depicts a humble youth leader who becomes a greed-fighting statesman. Fledgling senator Jefferson Smith, played by James Stewart, believes in the United States defined by Abraham Lincoln and the Declaration of Independence; cynical politicians and journalists think him a gullible stooge. Aided by Congress-savvy secretary Clarissa Saunders, played by Jean Arthur, Smith writes legislation establishing a national boy’s camp for future leaders. He soon learns, however, that land for the camp has been slated for a dam in a dishonest moneymaking scheme devised by Senator Jim Taylor, played by Ed Arnold, and corrupt legislators. Smith’s bill exposes their graft and threatens political careers.
Against the advice of his tainted mentor, Senator Joseph Harrison Paine, played by Claude Rains, Smith defends his bill, speaks out against congressional wrongdoing, and thwarts efforts to discredit and silence him. After a lengthy, one-man filibuster with a landmark speech on liberty, Smith manages to reclaim hearts and votes: Democracy triumphs, the film purports, when leaders put common good before personal gain.
Impact
Among political films of the 1930’s, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was uniquely set in the hub of American politics, featuring the process of national lawmaking. Popular audiences liked the plainspoken statesman. Although it became a classic, Capra’s film incited controversy in 1939: Washington insiders resented its unflattering portrayal of Congress; others said the motion picture hurt the United States’ image. For championing democracy and resistance, the film was banned by Nazis and fascists in Germany, occupied France, and Spain.
Bibliography
Coyne, Michael. Hollywood Goes to Washington: American Politics on Screen. London: Reaktion Books, 2008.
Flinn, Denny Martin. Ready for My Close-Up! Great Movie Speeches. New York: Limelight Editions, 2007.
Young, William H., and Nancy K. Young. The Great Depression in America: A Cultural Encyclopedia. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2007.