Movie #121: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Movie #: 121
Movie Title: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Year Released: 1939

Director: Frank Capra
Notable Cast: James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Thomas Mitchell

Short Description: A naïve man is appointed to fill a vacancy in the US Senate. His plans promptly collide with political corruption, but he doesn't back down. (IMDB.com)


Rank on the Top 100 Lists (as of 1/7/2013)

AFI.com: #26
IMDB.com: N/A
Ranker.com: N/A
Lifed.com: N/A
Empire.com: N/A
FilmCrave.com: N/A
FlickChart.com: N/A



Date Watched: 5/18/2016

Grade: 3.5 out of 5 (Very Good)

Rationale: If you’re ever looking for Americana personified in a film, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is it. While I refuse to believe that, especially today, naïvely innocent patriotism can tackle corruption in government, the message that’s presented about fighting for what’s right and standing up for what you believe in against all odds is honorable. The filibuster scene is a legendary piece of cinema history and doesn’t disappoint whether you’re a high school student watching it for the first time in civics class or a cynical 30-year-old watching it for the first time in many years as part a movie project. Bravo, James Stewart.