Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

Frank Capra’s movie masterpiece, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, maybe in black and white but there is no other movie, past or present, that can match this classic story of the triumph of the American spirit. The wonderful James Stewart plays Jefferson Smith who is the leader of the Boy Scout like Boy Rangers, and like his namesake Thomas Jefferson, believes that America is a special place where any man has the right to life, liberty, and happiness. After Smith is appointed the U.S. Senator for his beloved state, he travels to Washington, D.C. to take up his post filled with grand ideas about the valor of all politicians and the desire to form a national boy’s camp. Soon Smith learns that not all politicians are serving for the good of the American people, but for the good of their own advancement and pocketbooks. His dreams are smashed when he discovers corruption among his fellow politicians including his childhood hero and fellow senator Joseph Paine played by Claude Rains. In Smith’s quest to remind the other senators of their original goals he is helped by his fast talking and street smart chief of staff, Clarissa Saunders, played by Jean Arthur.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was made without the benefit of digital photography or CGI, so the strength of this movie lies in the perfect performances from a team of actors and actresses directed by Frank Capra. Each character portrayal is a pillar holding up Capra’s monument to the uniqueness that is American will and spirit. The first stand-out performance is Jimmy Stewart’s portrayal of the naive country bumpkin senator who the press has decided has no business being in the Capitol. This was Stewart’s first starring role and it gives a glimpse into the amazing career to come. Jean Arthur’s performance of the cynical Clarissa Saunders who falls for the altruistic Smith is absolutely perfect and cannot be matched. Claude Rains embodies Smith’s corrupt fellow senator who sees himself in the young Smith, before he became disillusioned.

This movie is further proof of the genius of Frank Capra. His ability to show the true nature of the world against the ideal is what has given him his own place among the great directors and coined the phrase “Capra-esque”. Capra has a special ability in reminding the world of the true spirit of man’s goodness. In the middle of the corruption desert he gives a refreshing drink of the American spirit. Not only do the characters find hope in their shattered story, but the audience cannot help but find hope in their current lives. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic for many reasons and should be seen not only as a part of movie history, but of American history.