Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

For this year’s “Independence Day Movie Review,” I thought that I would look at one of my absolute favorite movies, “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” released in 1939. This is still a classic over 80 years after it was released in theaters and is a part of the Columbia Classics: 4K Ultra HD Collection.

Danielle Solzman noted in her review, “While the film has beautifully aged, the same couldn’t be said for its theatrical release in 1939.  It was slammed by many politicians.  Democratic Senate Majority Leader Alben W. Barkley wasn’t among the fans.  Nor was Joseph P. Kennedy, then the American Ambassador to Great Britain.  He was ticked and afraid of how the USA would look to the outside world.”

Jefferson Smith, played by James Stewart, is an optimistic senator from Montana. When Sam Foley dies in office, Governor Hubert “Happy” Hopper, played by Guy Kibbee, needs to choose who will replace Foley. His children want Smith to be the one since he is the head of the Boy Rangers. The rest you can tell.

When Smith arrives in Washington, Senator Joseph Paine, played by Claude Rains, hires him. Senator Paine was also a friend of Smith’s father. Smith falls in love with Paine’s daughter, Susan, played by Astrid Allwyn. Because of his personality and everything, the Washington Press makes him into a joke. Things become ugly and after Paine’s suggestion, Smith writes a bill with his secretary, Clarissa Saunders, played by Jean Arthur. Clarissa is a Washington veteran so she has the required experience in this field.

Solzman noted, “Sidney Buchman–pre-blacklist–bases his screenplay on an unpublished story about Senator Burton Wheeler (D-MT).” Once Frank Capra became the director of the film, he wanted to hire Gary Cooper on the crew. Sadly, Cooper was not available for the film. As a backup, Capra was able to sign James Stewart on loan from MGM. Solzman noted, “In another universe, the film would have been a sequel to Mr. Deeds Goes to Town.  What a sight that would have been!”

Solzman continued, “One of the most impressive things I love about the film is the attention to detail with recreating the United States Senate on camera.  It’s more than just the Senate but offices, monuments, etc.  When you’re looking at the chamber, you’re looking at a complete reproduction on the Columbia lot.  It’s honestly amazing how authentic it is.”

One of the things that the film does perfectly is how realistic the politicians are easily corrupted. It’s completely wrong and one of the saddest parts when we look at American politics. That might be the reason behind a lot of Washington politicians didn’t like the film in 1939. Solzman noted, “This is why the Oscar-winning (Best Writing – Original Story) film stands the test of time.” Jefferson Smith is a politician that we don’t see anymore. That is why “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is still one of the best political films ever made.

If you haven’t seen this film yet, why are you reading this review? You need to see this movie, especially since it fits well with today. Go out and see this movie immediately because it’s one of the best ever made. Everyone should see this, especially with such memorable scenes, like the final sequence.

Happy Independence Day everyone! I would suggest no one go out for the fireworks tonight because of everything going on. If you do, then please stay safe. Check in next week for the next review in “Dr. Dolittle Month.”