Rent Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Lisa Simpson Outshines James Stewart - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington review by griggs

Frank Capra’s Me Smith Goes to Washington has long been heralded as a classic of American cinema, taking up spot 26 on the AFI 100 List. However, with time, the film's once-inspiring narrative has succumbed to a dated sentimentality that may not resonate with modern audiences. The film is often criticised for its overly sentimental and idealistic portrayal of politics. Capra's characteristic optimism is on full display, culminating in a happy ending that feels excessively simplistic, given the complexities of real-world politics. This idealism, perhaps uplifting during its time, now comes across as naive and unconvincing. You cannot help but draw comparisons to "The Simpsons" episode "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington," which offers a far more satirical and nuanced take on the themes of political integrity and corruption. Unlike Capra's film, the episode balances humour with a biting critique of political systems, making it a more effective and entertaining watch for contemporary viewers. While "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" might have been revolutionary, it now seems more like a relic of a bygone era, hindered by its schmaltzy storytelling and an overly rosy resolution. Time has not been kind to this film, and its message feels lost amidst its saccharine execution. Time to take it off the AFI 100.

Big Politics (spoiler). - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington review by Steve

Somewhere in these two hours is the moment when Frank Capra's films stop being comedies at all, and the humour gets swallowed up in the moral darkness.  It opens with a traditional comic premise. James Stewart plays a fish out of water who is, out of his depth... a scout leader promoted to be a US Senator. He discovers that the whole barrel is rotten, and he must fight for the soul of his nation.

 With the world at war between fascism and the free world, the Italian born Capra sounds a grim warning to home audiences. He shows us politics is owned by graft. An industry magnate (Edward Arnold) runs a corrupt Senator (Claude Rains) who has abandoned his ideals. And they take the quixotic newcomer down when he opposes the crooked misuse of public money.

 In support, Jean Arthur is excellent as the tough spad insider who cynically attaches herself to Stewart. She changes sides. But as so often with Capra, it's the threat which represents the real world, and the resolution is just the illusion of hope we all need to carry on. In an unlikely turn of fortune, the conscience of the dishonest Senator finds its voice.

 This was a big breakout role for Stewart and establishes his persona as the conscience of the American silent majority, which is a presumed integrity. It's a beautiful looking film, with the then-novelty of deep focus photography. But mainly it is a warning to all that democracy and freedom are precarious and have to be fought for, or they will be lost.

A Classic. - Mr. Smith Goes to Washington review by KG

A Most Excellent film.   The USA has changed in various ways since then, but clearly not in all !   Jimmy Stewart at his memorable early best.   Jean Arthur also fine ( and no surprise that she was able later to reach her magnificent best in Shane ).   

We did actually find the final 10 minutes to be quite confusing however.