Mr Smith Goes To Washington
(1939)
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Two slimy fat-cat legislators recruit Jefferson Smith, an innocent and staunchly principled Montana scout leader, as the state's new Senator, hoping to exploit his naviete and community pride to bring home pork-barrel funds. Once he ascends to Capitol Hill, however, Mr. Smith finds nothing but deep-rooted corruption in Washington, D.C., and, absolutely refusing to submit to cynicism, he tirelessly takes the message of the American people right to their out-of-touch representatives. Based on Lewis R. Foster's novel "The Gentleman From Montana." Academy Award Nominations: 11, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor (James Stewart), Best Supporting Actor (Harry Carey). Academy Awards: Best Original Story (Lewis R. Foster). |
This superb discourse on corruption in American politics is one of Hollywood's finest achievements. Director Frank Capra resolutely (and remarkably, for him) keeps sentimentality at bay in this film of Lewis R Foster's Oscar-winning original story (adapted by Sidney Buchman) about an idealistic young senator who finally realises that he is not his own man. Washington hated this movie, but the public flocked to see James Stewart in, arguably, his finest hour. Stewart lost out as best actor to Robert Donat in Goodbye, Mr Chips, but was rewarded with an Oscar the following year, ostensibly for The Philadelphia Story. Few movies are as well cast — the bell-voiced Jean Arthur is wonderful as a super-cynical secretary, and veteran western star Harry Carey provides one of the greatest supporting roles in all cinema as the vice president, his magnificent performance alone a reason for viewing.
Halliwell's Film Guide
Archetypal high-flying Capra vehicle, with the little man coming out top as he seldom does in life. Supreme gloss hides the corn, helter-skelter direction keeps one watching, and all concerned give memorable performances. A cinema classic.