Though it's now universally revered as an ode to democratic ideals, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was originally denounced by many Washington power-brokers. Jimmy Stewart's lead performance made him a star, and is justly remembered as the key component of a beautifully constructed narrative. But Capra, for all his flag-waving and sometimes naive moralizing, saved a great deal of bite for the hallowed halls of American government.
Naïve Boy Rangers leader Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart) is appointed to an open Senate seat by twisted politicians who hope to bend him to their will. However, Mr. Smith proves too much of a Boy Ranger to be plied. An earnest and honorable man amidst crooks, when a plot by members of the political machine threatens his plan to set aside land for a summer camp, he attempts a filibuster.
Reviews
"Frank Capra goes to town in probably the most hair-raising adventure along political, social and patriotic lines that has ever been conceived for the movies. This is an emotional high point in the singularly gifted director's creative career." – Los Angeles Times
Film Stills
