Review: Film: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, by Julie Renee Phelan

Thumps from 1 to 5: Thumps of 4.5

This film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is directed by Frank Capra and written by Sidney Buchman based on Lewis R. Foster’s unpublished novel. This film is Frank Capra’s finest. It is starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur. The film co-stars Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell and Harry Carey. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. It won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay.

A governor, of a state in the mid-west, Hubert "Happy" Hopper, played by Guy Kibbee, has to pick a replacement for deceased U.S. Senator Sam Foley. His corrupt political boss, Jim Taylor, played by Edward Arnold, pressures Hopper to choose his handpicked stooge, while popular committees want a reformer. The governor's children want him to select Jefferson Smith, played by James Stewart, the head of the Boy Rangers. Hopper can’t decide so he flips a coin. When the coin lands on its side next to a newspaper clipping regarding Jefferson Smith putting out the forest fire by himself, Hooper selects him. Hooper decides that Smith’s popularity will garner him more votes, and his inexperience will allow Senator Joseph Paine, played by Claude Rains the ability for manipulation.

Senator Joseph Paine was Jefferson Smith’s father’s best friend in an altruistic venture to save and protect the disadvantaged. Jefferson Smith is immediately attracted to Senator Pain’s daughter Susan, played by Astrid Allwyn. Senator Paine suggests to Jefferson Smith that he work on a new bill. Jefferson Smith is assisted by his cynical but delightful secretary Clarissa Saunders, played by Jean Arthur. The new bill being proposed by Smith conflicts with a bill of Senator Paines that he set up for graft.

This film takes a high launch into the outer echelon of films histories most significant depiction of the senate in action or not, during a filibuster instigated by the novice senator Jefferson Smith. Jefferson Smith is full of right, honesty, and drive, but is thwarted by the political machinery and manipulation of Washington DC. None other than Harry Carey plays the President of the Senate or referee. It is necessary view for all history buffs. In France, the film’s release received rave reviews amongst an extremely appreciative audience, but only four days later the German Nazis banned the film. Who wins … watch the walrus wager and wiggle that wag?